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In time for the 2019 season, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is delighted to have acquired the stunning historic property, Villa Passalacqua to its portfolio. The Villa, a magnificent eighteenth century residence, is an Italian national monument and one of the finest luxury properties to line the shores of iconic Lake Como.

Villa Passalacqua offers the most heavenly views of the Lake from its elevated position. Perching on the glamorous western shore amid the residences of the world’s elite, the Villa is ideal for a getaway in total privacy. This is thanks to a secret underground entrance, a series of spacious halls for wiling away the hours day and night, plush interiors featuring ornate carved ceilings and priceless objets d’art, and a separate guesthouse, Villa Bellini.

The hallowed halls of Villa Passalacqua have played host to some of the world’s most brilliant musicians, artists, writers and statespeople, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Winston Churchill, and Vincenco Bellini. Notably, Bellini lived at Villa Passalacqua between 1829-1833, when he composed his most famous operas, Norma and Sonnambula, in the Villa’s own music room.

Its majestic gardens, spanning seven acres and separated into four terraces reach down to the waters, providing the most romantic vantage points over the Lake. With the calming sounds of eleven fountains in the background, the terraces are dedicated to olives, fruits, and roses, while a larger expanse offers pristine lawns and a stone gazebo. The 200-year-old glasshouse is filled with exotic plants and the Swimming Terrace is nothing short of spectacular.

Staying at Villa Passalacqua

Perfect for large parties, the main Villa flaunts nine lavish suites complete with ornate ceilings and beautiful bathrooms while Villa Bellini, the guesthouse, offers an additional four rooms, comfortably sleeping a total of 26 guests.

Guests can easily spend hours in the extensive manicured gardens, offering views of the water at every turn, and be inspired by the natural beauty enveloping you. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool on the Swimming Terrace and escape from the norms of everyday. Or, spend time together with family and friends in the dining rooms, movie theatre, workout studio, and billiard room.

Events at Villa Passalacqua

Villa Passalacqua offers an incomparable backdrop to weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other important milestones. The garden, complete with dreamy views over Lake Como, can seat 250 guests under a beautiful canopy for a stunning celebration en pleine air, while the remarkable halls will delight up to 120 loved ones.

The Villa’s dedicated staff will be on hand to help the planning of a guest’s dream event, from selecting the perfect space, indoor or outdoor, to choosing the menu, colour scheme and finishing touches.

History and Architecture

Granted the residence by the Obescalchi, the northern Papal family, Count Passalacqua built his namesake Villa in the eighteenth century. A simple symmetrical façade and highly ornate interior – filled with fine paintings, priceless sculptures, Persian rugs, tapestries, and Venetian chandeliers – was the vision of the Swiss architect Felice Soave who was commissioned to design the Villa. The result of his beautiful work, coupled with the stunning natural scenery of Lake Como framed by extensive gardens, is undeniably inspiring.

The spirit of inspiration lives on in Villa Passalacqua and is palpable in the air.