In 1568, Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a villa on the banks of Lake Como that would reflect the grandeur of Renaissance Italy. Designed as a private residence, it became a place of art, gardens, and conversation — the sort of retreat that blended architectural beauty with the quiet rhythms of the lake. Four centuries later, that villa lives on as Villa d’Este, one of the most celebrated hotels in the world.

The History

Over time, the villa passed through noble families and European aristocracy, each leaving a subtle mark. By the 19th century, it had already become a gathering place for monarchs, writers, and statesmen. The transition into a hotel in 1873 was natural: Villa d’Este was not built merely as a house, but as a stage for society. Its frescoed halls and landscaped gardens made it a backdrop for history as much as a home for travelers.

Gardens on the Lake

The gardens are as much a part of Villa d’Este’s identity as its salons. Spanning 25 acres, they combine Renaissance symmetry with the wild romance of the lakeshore. Along shaded avenues stand fountains, grottoes, and sculptures — including the Avenue of Hercules, where the hero is captured in marble as he battles the Hydra. These alignments lead visitors down toward the water, where, in summer, the floating pool anchored to the lake has become one of the most recognizable sights of Como.

A Living Salon

Like Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Villa d’Este is not simply a hotel, but a salon of European life. Kings and queens have walked its staircases, while artists, actors, and musicians have gathered on its terraces. Its guestbook reads like a mirror of cultural history — from Elizabeth Taylor to aristocrats of old Europe. Yet the atmosphere is not one of display, but of discretion: the villa is celebrated for offering privacy as much as beauty.

Rooms with a View

The rooms and suites preserve the villa’s aristocratic spirit. Frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and silk-draped windows frame views of the gardens or the lake itself. Each interior is unique, reflecting layers of history rather than uniform design. It is this individuality — a sense of inhabiting a place with a past — that makes a stay at Villa d’Este distinct.

Dining Atmosphere

At Villa d’Este, dining at the Veranda reflects the same balance of elegance and discretion found throughout the villa. The restaurant opens directly onto the gardens and lake, with retractable windows that bring the landscape into the room. The menu highlights refined Italian traditions, from risottos and fresh lake fish to seasonal produce, served in a setting that is both formal and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Today’s Villa d’Este

Today, Villa d’Este stands as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, yet it remains more than an entry in a guidebook. It is a place where Renaissance architecture, 19th-century grandeur, and contemporary hospitality coexist. A retreat on Lake Como, shaped by centuries yet alive with every arrival.