Villa Olmo

Commissioned by the Odescalchi family in the late eighteenth century, the villa was designed to be the ultimate summer retreat. Simone Cantoni, a leading architect of the era, crafted a masterpiece of Neoclassical proportion, positioning it perfectly against the backdrop of Lake Como. Its name hints at the past, derived from a majestic elm tree that stood on the grounds for ages, though it has long since vanished. The construction process proved to be an archaeological journey, as workers unearthed ancient Roman foundations, linking the site to the poet Caninio Rufo. The villa has played host to some of history's most fascinating figures. While Napoleon was invited, his wife Josephine visited instead. The Raimondi family later took the reins, bringing even more grandeur to the estate. They welcomed royalty like Maria Cristina of Savoy and military leaders like Josef Radetzky. Giuseppe Garibaldi famously stayed here in 1859, sparking a whirlwind romance with Giuseppina Raimondi. The estate survived the tumultuous nineteenth century, serving as a social hub for the elite before later transitions saw it become a military barracks under Austrian control. Transitioning into the twentieth century, the Municipality of Como acquired the estate, securing its future as a public treasure. The 1927 Volta exhibition marked the beginning of its life as a cultural venue. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Como, housing the Centro Volta and hosting major international exhibitions. From its meticulously restored facade to the ancient trees in the garden, Villa Olmo bridges the gap between its aristocratic past and its present role as a vibrant heart of the cultural landscape on Lake Como.