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Villa Olmo

Italy

8 story sections

Start the lake boat cruise from Como City. Firstly, you will be able to admire Villa Olmo and Villa D'Este. Villa Olmo was constructed after Villa d’Este in 18th century with neoclassic design. Its beauty is complemented with extensive and elegant lake front symmetric gardens, sculptures, fountains and immense English garden in the back.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome, esteemed travelers, to Villa Olmo, arguably the most significant Neoclassical structure in the city of Como. As we stand before this grand estate, we are witnessing a monument that transcends mere residential…

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  2. 2The Grand Facade and the Giant Order

    Standing here at the base of the main facade, one cannot help but feel dwarfed by the intellectual ambition of Simone Cantoni’s design. The facade is a masterclass in Neoclassical restraint and proportion. …

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  3. 3The Italian Gardens: Geometry in Nature

    As we move into the gardens, we transition from the architectural rigor of the villa to a different kind of order: the 'Giardino all'italiana.' These gardens, located in front of the villa, are characterized by their geometric…

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  4. 4The Temple of Apollo and the Lakeside Promenade

    Strolling toward the northern edge of the park, we encounter one of the most charming 'follies' of the estate: the Temple of Apollo. This small, circular pavilion, also known as a monopteros, is a classic feature of…

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  5. 5Interior Splendor: The Great Hall and the Grand Staircase

    Entering the villa is to step into a world of unparalleled decorative richness. While the exterior emphasizes restraint, the interior is a celebration of the 'horror vacui' common in high-status Neoclassical and Empire-style…

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  6. 6The Theater: A Private Cultural Sanctuary

    Hidden within one of the villa’s wings is a true gem: the private theater. Built in 1883, long after the initial construction of the villa, it reflects the enduring role of the estate as a center of culture and entertainment. …

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  7. 7The Odescalchi Legacy and the Modern Era

    As we conclude our internal tour, we must reflect on the transition of Villa Olmo from a private aristocratic seat to a public cultural asset. In 1924, the villa was acquired by the Municipality of Como, marking the beginning of…

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  8. 8Closing

    As you leave Villa Olmo and make your way back along the lakeside promenade, take a moment to look back at the grand silhouette of the building against the green slopes of the hills. Although the original elm tree that gave the…

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What is Villa Olmo?

Villa Olmo is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationItaly
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates45.8190, 9.0654
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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