Villa Serbelloni

The Legendary Gardens of Villa Serbelloni

The history of Villa Serbelloni is as vast and dramatic as the landscape it commands. Originally owned by the Sfondrati family in 1566, the estate eventually passed to Count Alessandro Serbelloni, who dedicated his life to its refinement. While the villa’s exterior maintains a noble simplicity, the interiors were transformed into a treasure trove of vaulted ceilings, intricate coffering, and fine art. However, it was the Duke Serbelloni who truly shaped the estate’s soul, investing a fortune to carve nearly 18 kilometers of carriage roads and walking paths through the immense wilderness of the promontory.

Villa Serbelloni and the Great Britain Hotel

After the Duke’s passing in 1826, the villa witnessed a fascinating transition from an aristocratic retreat to a grand hotel. In 1870, it became an annex of the Great Britain Hotel, before being sold to a Swiss company in 1907. Its destiny changed once more when it was purchased by Princess Ella Walker, who ultimately bequeathed the magnificent estate to the Rockefeller Foundation in 1959.

The guests of Villa Serbelloni over the centuries

Today, this sanctuary serves as a prestigious retreat for international scholars. The list of illustrious figures who have walked these paths is staggering: from Leonardo da Vinci and Emperor Maximilian I during the Sfondrati era, to 19th-century icons like Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm, and the great Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni. It remains a place where history, science, and art converge.

When and how to visit Villa Serbelloni

The enchanting gardens of Villa Serbelloni are open to the public from April 1st to November 1st. To preserve its serene atmosphere, the park can only be explored through guided tours, which last approximately ninety minutes. Tours depart daily (except Mondays) at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM from the Promobellagio office located in Piazza della Chiesa 14. We recommend contacting them at +39 031 951555 to confirm availability, as this park remains one of the most exclusive experiences on Lake Como.