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.