Villa d'Este, Renaissance villa in Cernobbio, Italy.
Villa d'Este is a Renaissance architectural ensemble on the western shore of Lake Como in Cernobbio, now operating as a luxury hotel. The complex includes several buildings with loggias, colonnades and terraces, surrounded by extensive gardens with fountains and sculptures.
Architect Pellegrino Tibaldi completed the villa between 1565 and 1570 as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. In the 19th century, Caroline of Brunswick, consort of British King George IV, lived at the property for several years and redesigned the gardens.
The name recalls Cardinal Gallio from the d'Este family, whose coat of arms remains visible on several building facades today. Visitors can view the architecture from the lakefront or public pathways, while the gardens form part of the private hotel grounds.
The property sits directly on the lakefront and can be reached on foot within minutes from central Cernobbio. The exterior can be viewed from the lakefront promenade and adjacent public areas, while the interior spaces remain accessible only to hotel guests.
Since 1928, the Concorso d'Eleganza has taken place every May on the grounds, displaying historic and modern luxury vehicles against the backdrop of the gardens. The event draws collectors and automobile enthusiasts from around the world and transforms the lakefront into an open-air gallery for one weekend.
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