Built on land originally owned by Pope Innocent XI, Villa Passalacqua was constructed by Count Andrea Luccini-Passalacqua in the 18th century, who hired famous Swiss architect Felice Soave and designer Giocondo Albertolli to make his vision of creating one of the largest villas on Lake Como come to life. In the years that followed, the villa would become a gathering place for some of Italy’s most prominent musicians, writers, poets, and artists. Vincenzo Bellini made Villa Passalacqua his home from 1829-1833, composing two of his most well-known operas, Norma and Sonnambula, in the villa’s music room. Other notable guests include Napoleon Bonaparte, Winston Churchill, alongside numerous current heads of state, world-class athletes, actors, artists and innovators making a difference in our world.

The villa’s simple symmetrical exterior contrasts with the ornate interior, as conceptualized by Soave. The elaborate finishes start at the entrance, with large, beautiful bronze doors crafted in the early 1800s leading to the main wooden door – built and signed in 1727. Visitors will delight in opulently furnished rooms, carefully preserved in period details from the Cotto Lombardo, Seminato, and dark antique wood floors to the intricately painted ceilings. Artistic treasures include frescoes painted by Andrea Appiani, who was Napoleon’s chief artist when he was briefly the King of Italy in the early 1800’s, and a stunning fireplace from the 1500’s that bears the Coat of Arms of the Luccini Passalacqua family. One of the outstanding and awe inspiring features of the property are the stone underground tunnels. These tunnels run from underneath the Villa Passalacqua to the lake’s shore with spectacular stone rooms and walkways that are in some cases are 30 feet high. This stunning gallery of tunnels is a visual splendor and would not be economically justifiable in the modern age. These spectacular tunnels allow Villa Passalacqua guests to enjoy the private marina and the lake without ever having to leave the property.

The Villa Passalacqua gardens are considered some of the most historic, beautiful and well-maintained in all of Lake Como. This private oasis overflows with native flora that delights the senses in all four seasons. Stroll through rows of roses, gallivant though an olive tree grove, and indulge in the freshest fruits and vegetables from the Tuscan and vegetable gardens. This series of interlinking gardens, private hideaways, and fountains is truly enchanted. The villa is thoughtfully designed to facilitate enjoyment of the views of the courtyard grounds and stunning lake views.

Located in the northern region of Italy near Milan, Lake Como is rich in historical and cultural heritage, as well as breathtaking natural beauty. Magnificent ridges loom over the waters of a crystal clear lake, and fresh mountain air lends to a fine and favourable climate. Villa Passalacqua is situated in the heart of Moltrasio, a picturesque town frequented by artists and creatives for centuries and widely regarded as being one of the very best locations on the lake, a short distance from the Villa d’Este, frequently cited as one of the top ten hotels in the world. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and along the lakeside promenade, where there are numerous bars, shops and restaurants to get lost in, to boating across the lake in a classic Italian Riva, living the romance of “la dolce vita”. Moltrasio is home to Villa Versace of the late Gianni Versace, and many notable guests throughout the ages have stayed in the village, with both Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill, during his retreat after the conclusion of World War II in September of 1945, having stayed in the Villa Passalacqua. From here, you can reach the city of Como in 10 minutes, Milan in under an hour, and Lugano, Switzerland in just twenty minutes. Milan is the fashion capital of the world, home to the glorious opera house of La Scala and two of the most iconic sporting arenas in the world, the San Siro football stadium, home to Club Internazionale and A.C. Milan, and Monza motor racing circuit. Lugano is a pretty picture postcard town and one of Europe’s leading wealth management centres. With its tradition of art and architecture, as well as easy access to some of the premier ski resorts in the world including St. Moritz, Zermatt, Mont Blanc and the Dolomites, along with some of the finest shopping and dining Europe has to offer, it’s easy to see why this unspoiled region of spectacular villages and villas, grand mountains, blue waters, and charming shops and restaurants, is second to none. Milan is served by an two international and transcontinental airports, both less than an hour door-to-door from Moltrasio. A little over half an hour away is Lugano Airport, a regional Swiss airport, but one of the busiest private jet destinations in Europe.