Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens - Giardini di Villa Melzi

Villa Melzi was built on the lakeshore in Bellagio, as the summer home of the vice-president of the Napoleonic Italian Republic, Duke Francesco Melzi D’Eril. The neoclassical mansion, set in beautiful grounds with classical statues, century-old trees and exotic vegetation, was built between 1808 and 1813. The stately home and its garden, now a national monument, are still privately owned and preserved by the Gallarati Scotti family. The grounds can be visited and the admission ticket includes access to the family chapel and a small museum on the property.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

Japanese-style pond

Some of the exhibits in the Orangery museum

Looking inside the lakeside Moorish temple

The monument to Dante and Beatrice created by G.B. Comolli in 1810.

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The long avenue of plane trees along the lake.

The boat landing

The waterlily-filled pool

A pair of Egyptian-style lions guard the entrance to the villa.

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A few images from the elaborate family chapel on the villa grounds.

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The stately mansion blends so well with the landscaped grounds

Some of the greenhouses

The mansion with the mountain backdrop

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There is a small museum in the former Orangery, adjacent to the villa, which exhibits Napoleonic memorabilia, evidence of Duke Francesco Melzi D’Eril’s loyalty to Napoleon.

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What you should know:

• There are walking trails through the grounds.

• Public restrooms are available.

• One price admission includes self-guided tour of the grounds, the family chapel and the museum in the Orangery.

• Check website for any special events and days / hours of operation.

• People are friendly, informative and some speak English.

• You could spend a couple of hours here.

• Tickets can be bought in person.

Location: Via Melzi d’Eril, 2, 22021 Bellagio CO Italy

For more information: Giardini di Villa Melzi