Villa d'Este, Lake Como, Italy

The most palatial hotel in the world, known as “Hollywood on Lake Como” is set in the middle of 10 hectares of heaven, overlooking the blue-green waters of the most romantic lake in the world. The main house, an authentic neo-Classical villa, was originally built in 1568 as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, while the trompe l’oeil masterpiece known as the Queen’s Pavilion, and was inaugurated in 1860. In 1873 these two villas were combined to become the Villa d’Este with the luxury and magnificence of a bygone era maintained even today.

Featuring grand staircases, marble columns and silk-covered period furniture, this former residence of European aristocrats was the second home for some of the world’s most famous poets, painters, musicians, actors and royalty. It is the only place where even the stones flower.

Villa d'Este  Via Regina 40, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy

Some of the photos and the text are part of my books European Style Hotel  and
A Pocketful of Luxury Italian Hotels