Villa Della Porta Bozzolo

The basics

Originally the country retreat of the noble Della Porta family, the villa was later owned by the Bozzolo family who donated it to the Italian National Trust in the late 19th century. Admire the Rococo interiors that include a richly frescoed ballroom and upstairs gallery and a library lined in walnut cabinets and the magnificent Italian garden, added in the 18th century and featuring a rose garden with 100 species of roses.

Guided tours of the villa and grounds are offered by the trust and must be booked in advance. Entry tickets to the villa and gardens should also be purchased in advance to avoid a delay at the entrance. Set in Varese between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, Villa della Porta Bozzolo is a popular day trip from Como, Lugano, and Milan.

Things to know before you go

• Villa Della Porta Bozzolo will especially delight architecture and garden enthusiasts.
• There is a bookshop and a restaurant on the villa estate.
• This historic villa and its terraced garden is not accessible to wheelchairs.
• Touring the vast garden is a highlight of Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, so choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather when visiting.

How to get there

Villa Della Porta Bozzolo is located in the small village of Casalzuigno just outside Varese, an easy drive via highway A8 (Autostrada dei Laghi). Alternatively, take the train from Milan, Como, or Lugano to Varese and a taxi to the villa.

When to get there

The villa’s biggest draws are the Italian gardens and rose garden, which reach peak bloom in spring and fall. The villa is closed to visitors on Monday and Tuesday.

The Panza collection at Villa Panza

Fans of art and architecture may also want to visit Villa Panza in nearby Varese. This 18th-century villa and garden houses the Panza collection, an impressive showing of more than 150 pieces of contemporary American art displayed in the elegant villa interiors and surrounding grounds.