Villa Carlotta is situated between the villages of Cadenabbia and Tremezzo. It was built at the end of XVIII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains.The architect created an important but sober building , with an italian garden decorated with sculptures , stairs and fountains.It was with Gian Battista Sommariva , the following owner, that the property in Tremezzo attained the summit of its splendour.
The villa became a temple of XIX century art with works of Canova.Thordvaldsen and Hayez and part of the park was transformed in fascinating romantic garden.Sommariva's heirs sold the villa in 1843 to Princess Marianne of Nassau, who gave it as a present to her daughter Carlotta in occasion of her wedding with George II of Saxen-Meiningen.
Very fond in botanic George enriched the park ,today of great historical and environmental value.The gardens of Villa Carlotta chiefly owe reputation to the rhododendrons and azaleas pring flowering , consisting of over 150 different sort.But the gardens are worth to visit in every period of the year:old varieties of camelias,century old cedars,and sequoias,huge planes and tropical plants,the Rock garden,and the Ferms valley,the Rhododendrons wood and the Bamboos garden,the agricultural tools museum and wonderful views of the lake.
Since more than 20 years every Friday night from July to Septmeber the villa hosts a chamber music festival. Suitable accomodation to visit it is www.glicinehouse.com and www.azaleahouse.eu They are two wonderful flats located at Griante, just 10 minutes walking from the Villa.