Villa Carlotta
Villa on Lake Como at Tremezzo with a museum of works by Canova, Thorvaldsen and Hayez and a large botanical garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The villa was built at the end of the 17th century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici. In 1801 it was bought by Giovanni Battista Sommariva, a politician and collector, who enriched it with sculptures by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen.
In 1843 Sommariva's heirs sold it to Princess Marianna of Prussia, who gave it to her daughter Carlotta on the occasion of her marriage to Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen. The Saxe-Meiningens lived in the villa and enriched the garden with rare botanical specimens.
During the First World War the property was confiscated by the Italian State; the Ente Villa Carlotta was recognised as an ente morale (non-profit institution) by royal decree on 12 May 1927 and since 1928 has managed the villa, museum and garden. The museum holds Neoclassical works, while on the second floor are the furnishings of the Saxe-Meiningen period and the apartments of Duchess Carlotta.
Highlights
- Palamede by Antonio Canova
- Romeo and Juliet's Last Kiss by Francesco Hayez
- Frieze of the Entry of Alexander the Great into Babylon by Bertel Thorvaldsen
- Cupid and Psyche by Adamo Tadolini
- Botanical garden on the lake
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo di Villa Carlotta – Rooms with works by Canova, Thorvaldsen and Hayez and, on the second floor, the furnishings of the Saxe-Meiningens.
- Giardino botanico – Large garden on the lake with rare botanical species introduced by the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen.
- Founded
- 1600
- Operated by
- Ente Villa Carlotta
- Visitors per year
- approx. 233,691
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €15people aged over 65 (with ID) |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 5 · Free admission from 0 to 5 years; students aged 6 to 18 pay €7. |
| Seniors | €15With identity document. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for visitors with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €12Students aged 19 to 25; aged 6 to 18 pay €7. |
| Groups (16+ people) | €15 per personGroups of more than 15 people; school groups €7 per student (group leader free, one teacher for every 10 students). |
| Families | €352 adults with 2 children aged 6 to 18. |
| Annual membership card (includes admission) | €75 |
Free admission for residents of Tremezzina and Griante (with ID). Discounts at the ticket office with some cards (Musei Lombardia–Valle d'Aosta pass, FAI, ICOM) and with the day ticket of ASF or Trenord. Individual tickets online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website refers to the public services page for details on accessibility; free admission for visitors with disabilities and their companion.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €35 · 2 adults with 2 children aged 6 to 18. |
- Family tours & workshops
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children aged 6 to 18) at €35; free admission for children aged 0 to 5. Educational services also for families.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tremezzo - Villa Carlotta · 400 m
By boat to the Tremezzo - Villa Carlotta stop (about 400 metres from the entrance; from Como about 45 minutes); from Bellagio or Varenna there are connections to Menaggio or Cadenabbia, from where the villa is reached on foot in about 5 minutes. By bus on the ASF C110 line (Como–Menaggio–Colico), Tremezzo - Villa Carlotta stop.
By car
Parking available
Along the road and nearby there are free white bays and paid blue bays; alternatively, the Autosilo Villa Mainona in via Peduzzi. For coach parking write to segreteria@villacarlotta.it.
The distance of 400 metres refers to the boat landing stage.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Villa rooms, gardens and olive grove for conferences, corporate events, private parties and photo shoots; civil or symbolic ceremonies at the Terrazza delle Camelie. Enquiries: eventi@villacarlotta.it.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The Servizi educativi offer themed tours and workshops for individuals and groups on set dates; comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Group bookings through the online form on the website. Dogs are welcome in the garden, on a leash. |
