parks-and-gardens near Villa Annamaria 1697

Photo: Ktulu

Como is Lake Como's largest city where you will find shopping, works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces. Places to go inlcude the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, Villa Olmo, the Volta Temple and Museum, the Teatro...

High on the road is the sanctuary of the Madonna of Peace, erected in 1659 to celebrate the peace of Pirenei, which ended the Thirty Year War between the French and Spaniards. Characteristic is the Romanesque hanging bell (sec. XIII), and in the...

The church dates from around 1614-1617. Noteworthy, are the walls from the outside, consisting of a mixed texture of stone and brick. The interior is richly decorated with frescos and sculpture....

The parish church of St. Abbondio rises isolated on the western side of the village of Mezzegra, with its majestic front facing the lake. It was probably founded in the 12th century in Romanesque style, then rebuilt in 1702 by local emigrants and...

A series of chapels depicting Christ’s final journey to Mount Golgotha. The traditional 14 stations have been added to with a 15th dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows and are located in a rectangular square in front of the parish church, dedicated to...

The church stands on a hill, away from residential areas; It can be reached via a path through the woods and ends close to the facade; it is accessed from the main entrance facade and a second entrance on the eastern side. The church has suffered...

In Gravedona traces of medieval times are found along the banks, there where the lakeside reveals a rare and beautiful church: St. Maria del Tiglio. Its architectural design made the 'Maestri Comacini' famous then and renders proud the people of...

Built at the turn of the X-XI century, on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Fidelis (killed around 303-305) at the northern most endpoint of Lake Como (which was then not a separate lake). Curiously, building is located on the west bank of the lake...

Small church dating back to the eleventh century dedicated to Santa Margherita and linked to the cult of the Saints Hermits Larian. Its location is strategically significant as a testimony to its military origin, in defense of the Valsassina and...

In 1688, a plaster relief of the Madonna of Sorrows kept in the small chapel of Lezzeno is said to have cried. And thus, in 1690 a Sanctuary was built in her honour. The work designed by Giovanni Battista Quadrio, was completed in 1704. Today we can...

Photo: By Wolfgang Sauber

Probably dated around the XII century. The building is located near the walls of a castle, a large complex built by the hands of Andreani. Over the centuries it has undergone several extensive restorations: the facade, remodeled several times, now...

The church, that stands near the lake, contains interesting frescoes, and the outside is characterized by an open porch to the lake with a double lancetwindow and a tall stone bell tower. It was the church of the community, which remained...

The parish church stands in the XI Febbraio square, near the baptistery, overlooking the renowned Venere Gulf, from where you are presented with an enchanting view. The church was built in the 5th or 6th century on the ruins of a watering place,...

Inside the church are interesting remains of 14th century frescoes and a series of frescoes of De Magistris of 1526. You can reach this sanctuary in about 15 minutes by foot walking up a steep mule track at the end of the town which is part of the...

It is one of the first of a series of churches that recall Sicily as many people that lived in these valleys were forced to emigrate to the the south in the 16 and 17th centuries due to poverty. Whenever they came home they made donations to the...

The San Eusebio church is located just before arriving at the village Peglio. It stands in a beautiful position, overlooking the lake. It is one of the most significant examples of the counter Reformation in the Como area. Inside you can admire the...

The church of S. Eufemia is located in a panoramic position on a rock cliff of the Sasso di Musso. You can reach it only by foot from the village Genico, by following a path which was probabilly built by the Romans. From the church there is a lovely...

This little Romanesque church is built directly on the lake and still preserves its original structure. Worth seeing is not only the sail bell tower, but also the several traces of frescoes on the internal and external walls, among which stands out...

Set high above Musso with stunning views of the lake is San Bernardo who’s origins date from the 1700’s. It is a particularly scenic spot, with the Albano valley behind it and the elegant pyramid of mount Legnone opposite with the bay of Piona and...

This church was built between 1464 and 1474. Its bell tower still preserves pre-existing Romanesque elements. Inside, the church is richly decorated with paintings On the front of the church a large white marble portal shows decorations and symbols...

The parish church of St. Salvatore is located in the village of Vercana and it has a real breathtaking view of Lake of Como. The exterior of the church is very simple the interior, instead, has the most rich and beautiful baroque decorations of the...

Of Romanesque origins; and one of the most oldest parish churches on Lake Como. Its present appearance derives from renovations made in the seventeenth century. lnside: there are frescoes from the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries; a fourteenth...

Church built and updated from 1630 until the 18th century. Situated on hill top with view of Vercana and Lake Como....

Baroque transformations have virtually erased the Romanesque structure of this 13th century church, but there is still evidence of the Renaissance, as the silver cross Golden Giovan Pietro Lierni (1533), the wooden crucifix of the high altar, and...

Originating on a 13th century temple site, this 15th century church was dedicated to San Bernardino, a preacher who crossed Italy on foot preaching religious reform, social justice and working for peace. The last significant extension was completed...

In Gravedona traces of medieval times are found along the banks, there where the lakeside reveals a rare and beautiful church: St. Maria del Tiglio. Its architectural design made the 'Maestri Comacini' famous then and renders proud the people of...

Its origins go back to the Middle Ages of which only remains the gothic bell tower. The church stands in an isolated position, just below the village Aurogna. The view of the northern end of the lake, where the rivers Mera and Adda flow into Lake...

The roman church is surrounded by a large garden of plane trees. It is traditionally thought to have been erected over the site where the two Martyrs were tortured to death and then buried. It is believed that their bodies were found towards the...

The pastoral visit made by Bishop Ninguarda in the late sixteenth century to Brenzio resulted in this church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. At the time there were 450 parishioners. Within St. John the Baptist is the Oratory of St. Joseph. By...

The parish church of Saints Nazaro Celso with the black-white Gothic front, was built in 1348 by Giovanni Ugo di Campione and architects from the valley Intelvi. The church has some beautiful rose windows and frescoes of the Lombard school. The...

Its origins go back to the Middle Ages of which only remains the gothic bell tower. The church stands in an isolated position, just below the village Aurogna. The view of the northern end of the lake, where the rivers Mera and Adda flow into Lake...

The church was built in a dominating position overlooking the lake and the mouths of the river Adda and the river Mera and the plain called Pian di Spagna. The church became parish church in 1480. Inside it has many frescoes some by Aurelio Luini,...

Believed to be the site of a miracle where a fresco of the Madonna and child shed tears. The Sanctuary is located along the main road just past the ridge over the river Albano. It dates back to the period a miracle happened in 1553. According to the...

A simple, hut-like church, interrupted only by two slits and, at the top by a cross window. The church S. Maria in Martinico rises in a slightly elevated position compared with the center of Dongo. Below, the simple portal opens up with a architrave...

Photo: Mattis

The Piona Priory or Piona Abbey, is a religious complex on the Lecco bank of Lake Como in the territory of the municipality of Colico, northern Italy. The abbey is set at the top of a small peninsula, the Olgiasca, which – like a crooked finger –...

The extraordinary Romanesque church of S. Maria del Tiglio, that stands approximately 800 m left of the boat dock. It is one of the most important Romanesque buildings of the province. Built in the XII century it preserves precious frescoes and a...

Extending along the Breggia river, this park is renown for its geological importance and was Switzerland’s first “geo-park”. The area is rich in fossils and evidence of ancient seas. Of historical interest is the Red Church (14th c.) and a castle...

A natural reserve located between Menaggio and Lake Lugano. It boasts a remarkably varied ecosystem, where different habitats coexist closely together. Many arboreal and floral species can be found in the marsh with abundance of specimens. The...

Located next to Villa d’Este, the garden of Villa Pizzo has an Italian arrangement on the east side, with tidy paths that travel through flower beds, and baroque fountains. On the western side, the old dock opens onto the pool of Villa d’Este, while...

Villa del Grumello is an historical mansion placed in a breathtaking setting: a wonderful park overlooking the lake. Surrounded by secular trees, it boasts an incredible view and charms its visitors with its elegance and magnificence. The park of...

Located in Lake Pusiano between Como and Lecco whose name is due to the presence of over 130 cypresses, most of them old-centuries ones. The isle is a natural hill and was fortified during the medieval period. The isle hosts a private residence,...

Parco Mayer is located at the village of Tremezzo, large and full of history hosts the swimmers among the trees, there is a bar, a pebble beach and a beach volleyball court. During the summer period is also home to several events organized by the...

Spina Verde Regional Park stretches on the hills northwest of Como. The area has many interesting features: nature - with its particular geology and vegetation; archeology - with remains from the medieval Baradello Castle to recent trenches of Sasso...

The Park and the Villa Carcano at Anzano, in the Alta Brianza (Northern Italy), between the cities of Como and Lecco, are of exceptional landscaping, architectural and botanical value. This site has remained seemingly untouched in a region that...

Come and see the Italian garden that dates back to the XVII Century with its geometrical schema, stair and terraces, statues and fountains; feel the echoes of the Romantic period, still alive in the structure of the park with old trees of big size...

The garden hosts about 450 plant species each identified by a label indicating the common name, Latin name and family. A red dot even indicates poisonous or highly toxic plants. Valmadrera’s particular climatic-environmental conditions, has resulted...

Monte Barro, a beautiful and charming terrace overlooking the Brianza area and its lakes. It is surrounded by Lake Como, Lake Annone, Lake Garlate and is situated above Galbiate: 922 meters high on the calcareous-dolomite mountain, completely...

The splendid Parco Val Sanagra is a large territory rich with flora, fauna, and interesting antique rural settlements. In 2005, the unspoiled Sanagra Valley, situated in the commune of Grandola ed Uniti and Menaggio, was declared a local Park, in...

The Teresio Olivelli municipal park, formerly Giardino Meier, may be one of the best kept secrets among Tremezzo's botanical and architectural gems. Owned by the municipality of Tremezzo since 1979, it is between the lake and the Regina state road,...

The entrance to the Cesare and Emilio Prandoni Retirement Home is set along picturesque steps that lead from Torno's town hall to the lake, where the boat jetty and church of Santa Tecla are located. The park adjacent to the building is set on the...

Nesso is a picturesque village on the eastern shore of the Como branch of Lake Como, at the mouth of the valley to the lake. Here, in the hamlet Coatesa, there is the Orrida of Nessus, a deep and picturesque gorge located at the mouth of the valleys...

Garden consisting of reclaimed land that had previously been a garbage dump. The project began in the 1980s and was the genius idea of Mrs. Pupa Frati (affectionately known as Grandma Pupa). The Association of the “Garden in the Valley" is a...

Fiumelatte is the shortest river in Italy, as it measures only 250 m from the source to its mouth. It runs with a descent of 36° making its water loud and foamy and giving it a “milky" white color from where it gets its name. The river dries up in...

Park situated on the tip of the Bellagio peninsula, about a 10 min walk uphill from the ferry terminal. It provides for breath taking views of the lake where lagi di como and lago di lecco meet. This is a great spot to just take it all in....

A great meeting point in Como right on the water. Just minutes from the train station and harbour for ferries, Rapido and private boats alike. Ideal for a walk, sit at a café or have a meal....

This villa’s botanical garden and house museum are open to the public. The gardens are terraced and feature a waterfront loggia and a Moorish pavilion. Villa Monastero is surrounded by a Garden with several rare botanical specimens. The Garden,...

Villa Serbelloni Gardens, not to be confused with the nearby Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, is a park situated high atop the promontory of Bellagio. In 1959, the property was given to the Rockefeller foundation as a conference centre. The grounds can...

Villa Melzi is a historic villa situated in the town of Bellagio. It is famous for its surrounding gardens, containing a variety of botanical specimens from around the world interspersed with statues, promenades and period architecture. Entrance...

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