A grand villa overlooking the lake, northwest of the centre, Villa Sucota was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been home to various aristocratic families over the years, including Metternich, Napoleon's doctor. Today, the Antonio Ratti Foundation is headquartered here, with a focus on textiles and contemporary art. Changing exhibitions are held inside (some free), and there's usually public art in the steeply banked gardens, which are visitable on Sundays as part of the 'Kilometre of Knowledge' promenade.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Como attractions

1. Villa del Grumello

0.18 MILES

This picturesque villa with extensive gardens is generally open only for special events (conferences, weddings and the like). The grounds, however, open…

2. Villa Olmo

0.47 MILES

Set facing the lake, the grand creamy facade of neoclassical Villa Olmo is one of Como's biggest landmarks. The extravagant structure was built in 1728 in…

3. Villa Gallia

0.7 MILES

This 1615 villa was the summerhouse of abbot Marco Gallio and is one of the oldest landmark villas in Como. Now owned by the provincial government, it is…

4. Villa Saporiti

0.73 MILES

An 18th-century lakeside villa, now owned by the provincial government and closed to the public.

5. Passeggiata Lino Gelpi

0.76 MILES

One of Como's most charming walks is the lakeside stroll west from Piazza Cavour. Passeggiata Lino Gelpi leads past the Monumento ai Caduti, a 1931…

6. Monumento ai Caduti

0.79 MILES

This monument to Italy's WWI war dead is a classic example of fascist-era architecture and dates to 1931.

7. Tempio Voltiano

0.83 MILES

The photogenic lakeside Tempio Voltiano was built in 1927. This neoclassical temple is now a museum devoted to Como-born ­electric-­battery inventor…

8. Villa Bernasconi

0.85 MILES

One of the most outstanding stile liberty (Italian art nouveau) villas in the lakes area, Villa Bernasconi was built by successful textile merchant Davide…