Villa Pliniana, Renaissance villa in Torno, Italy.
Villa Pliniana is a Renaissance residence in Torno overlooking Lake Como, built across four levels with a columned loggia facing the water. The building contains multiple reception halls, dining areas, and service quarters arranged around a central courtyard.
Count Giovanni Anguissola commissioned the residence in 1573 as a fortress-like structure, drawn to the natural spring that ancient texts attributed to Pliny the Younger. The design merged Renaissance architectural ideas with the practical use of water flowing through the property.
The villa attracted writers and musicians during the 1800s, who stayed within its rooms seeking inspiration. Antonio Fogazzaro chose this residence as the setting for his novel Malombra.
The location on the lakeshore allows direct access to the water, while proximity to Torno makes it easy to explore the village and surrounding area. The property is best visited during warmer months when the water features and outdoor spaces are most enjoyable.
An underground karst spring in the villa's courtyard follows a natural rhythm, with water rising and falling three times each day. This phenomenon has captivated visitors since ancient times and results from geological forces beneath the surface.
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