VILLA PIZZO, A CHARMING MANOR HOUSE ON LAKE COMO

Taking its name from the rocky spur on which it was built, Villa Pizzo is only fully visible from the lake. Its simple and geometric architecture, characterised by its rectangular yet gracious shape, has a perfectly rational layout and offers sober decorations on its façade which blend with the gardens’ irregular and varied shapes. Extending along the hillside terraces at the level of the two main buildings, the main Villa and a property located further to the east, this part of the garden is organised in the Italian style, with orderly paths running between flower beds, hedges and Baroque fountains. On the western side is the old dock, which opens onto the basin of Villa d'Este, while the new dock, built by the Volpi-Bassani family, dominates the basin of Moltrasio as far as the tip of Torno on the other side of the lake.

The larger park is easily accessed from the so-called 'Ceppo', just beyond the Villa d'Este annexe. From here a small pathway, which used to be called 'the Genova area' because of its similarly mild microclimate, offers a succession of exotic plants, agaves, orchids and other rare plants which climb up to the steep cliff; from here one can proceed along the 'Viale dei Cipressi' or Cypress Boulevard, where there is a natural grotto or ‘Crotto’ containing water features.

Following the promenade, the grounds then curve in a north-easterly direction, towards Moltrasio, amidst dense vegetation with lofty trees. Avenues and paths intertwine and intersect, creating an arabesque that unfolds across small bridges, pools of water and tiny streams. In the middle of the park stands a fountain dedicated to Volta, framed by the fake ruins of a classical temple.

THE HISTORY OF VILLA PIZZO

Villa Pizzo takes its name from the rocky outcrop on which it stands: ‘Piz’ in the regional dialect literally means ‘point’ or ‘projection’. The Mugiasca family purchased the land on which the Villa still stands in the 15th century and jealously guarded Il Pizzo for over four hundred years. One of the most significant periods of the Mugiasca’s ownership of the estate took place during the plague of 1629, which was described in Manzoni’s novel “The Betrothed”. Il Pizzo became a safe haven for many men and women fleeing from the plague-ridden and infected towns. It was also during this time that the owners took advantage of this outbreak, employing the manpower of the men and women then present for the construction of the terraced areas upon which the Villa’s extensive grounds were created.

Alessandro Volta was among the many distinguished guests who stayed at the Villa during the Mugiasca’s tenure. A commemorative monument was commissioned by the owners following his death in 1827, which was in fact the very first example of a historical monument dedicated to the renowned scientist. After the Mugiasca family line died out, it was Archduke Rainer of Austria, Viceroy of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia, who acquired the estate. For him, Villa Pizzo was an ideal place to rest and take refuge from the complex political events of the time. Viceroy Rainer was not alone when he arrived at Pizzo, as he was accompanied by renowned landscape architect Villoresi, who had designed the Royal Villa in Monza.  Villoresi was responsible for giving the vast gardens surrounding the Villa their unique and definitive appearance.

Following the turbulent political events of the late 1800s that culminated in the uprisings of 1848, the Viceroy left the Villa, which was subsequently purchased by glamorous Parisian Madame Elise Musard. She gave the Villa a very recognisably feminine touch by painting the Villa pink, the colour it has remained to this day.

After Mme Musard’s tragic departure, the Villa was purchased by the Volpi-Bassani family, who chose to respect the architectural and stylistic choices of the past, while adding elements of great value that can still be admired today. The family Mausoleum was built by the well-known architect Luca Beltrami, as was the grand dock, which overlooks the lake with its breathtaking views.

The Villa’s simple and geometric architecture, with its sober decors that blend harmoniously with the gardens’ irregular and varied shapes, colours and styles, as well as its unique history and the events that followed one another over the centuries, have all contributed to making Villa Pizzo a unique dwelling overlooking Lake Como.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: A CHARMING LOCATION FOR WEDDINGS IN CERNOBBIO

Villa Pizzo can be rented for private events and weddings. The halls overlooking the lake and the Italian-style garden make the Villa the perfect location for exclusive receptions.

GUIDED TOURS

It is possible to reserve one of the organised guided tours or to pre-book a guided tour for groups, based on availability.