Casa del Podestà Fondazione Ugo Da Como
A historic villa and fortress in Lonato del Garda, showcasing exquisite antique furnishings, a vast library, and panoramic lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate visit
Casa del Podestà Fondazione Ugo Da Como
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic villa and fortress in Lonato del Garda, showcasing exquisite antique furnishings, a vast library, and panoramic lake views.
"An incredible gem with contents and history truly worth a visit, leaving visitors speechless and amazed."
📚 Book Guided Tours
Visits are guided only. Book ahead online to guarantee your spot and preferred language!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Library
Inside the Villa
Marvel at over 50,000 antique books, a testament to Ugo da Como's passion for knowledge and history.
Period Furnishings and Art
Throughout the Villa
Explore meticulously preserved rooms adorned with rare furniture, paintings, frescoes, and historical photographs.
The Fortress Views
Adjacent Fortress
Climb to the fortress for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding plains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Guided Tours in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Book Guided Tours
Visits are guided only. Book ahead online to guarantee your spot and preferred language!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Details
The interiors are stunning. Be ready to photograph the intricate furniture and art.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to soak in the history and beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Book Guided Tours
Visits are guided only. Book ahead online to guarantee your spot and preferred language!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Details
The interiors are stunning. Be ready to photograph the intricate furniture and art.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to soak in the history and beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casa del Podestà for its impressive collection of antique furniture, extensive library, and the engaging, informative guided tours. Many are deeply moved by the historical narrative and the beauty of the preserved interiors, finding the experience enriching and enchanting. Some note that the guided tour format requires attentiveness, and younger children might find it less engaging.
"It was one of the most impressive medieval castel I have ever seen 'cause the owners made great job to to create an interior with such rare furniture. And don't forget about the 50 thousand books in the library, it's incredible. The guide speaks excellent English and told me all the information, I found it very interesting. High recommend to visit."
Helga
"Super"
Marco Zanetti
"Yesterday was a wonderful visit that led me to discover the history, culture, and personal experiences of a politician who dedicated his life to society, as well as so much more about this area's past. It was a unique experience. I left the visit with a much broader personal experience and a sense of pleasure and enchantment for these places that left me speechless, so pleasantly amazed and stunned was I.
You can experience all this too... just visit the website where you can find all the information about tours, events, and workshops they organize.
So, dear readers, you have no excuses, and who knows, maybe we'll find ourselves strolling together in this magical place."
Elenia Gourmetaspasso
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa del Podestà is located in Lonato del Garda, Brescia. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include regional trains to Lonato station, followed by a short taxi ride or a walk to the historic center.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in Lonato del Garda, typically within walking distance of the Casa del Podestà and the adjacent fortress. Check local signage for specific parking areas.
Absolutely! Casa del Podestà is a fantastic day trip option from towns like Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda. It's easily accessible by car or public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets and guided tour in advance, especially during peak season, as visits are conducted exclusively with a guide.
Opening hours vary seasonally and are often tied to guided tour schedules. It's best to check the official Fondazione Ugo da Como website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
Yes, there is an entrance fee, which typically includes the guided tour. Prices can be found on the Fondazione Ugo da Como's official website.
Yes, the Casa del Podestà and the adjacent Rocca di Lonato (fortress) are often visited together. Many visitors enjoy exploring both historical sites.
The Fondazione Ugo da Como occasionally hosts special exhibitions, such as the 'Arte Del Metallo' exhibition mentioned in social media. Check their website for current events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are highly praised for their informative content and excellent English-speaking guides. They provide deep insights into the history, art, and personal stories connected to the villa.
While children can visit, the experience is geared towards adults interested in history and art. The guided tour format might require children to be attentive for extended periods.
Photography is generally allowed inside the villa, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
Originally a 15th-century villa, it served as a governor's residence under Venice, later passed through Austrian and local ownership, before being restored and furnished by Ugo da Como in the early 20th century.
The Rocca di Lonato offers stunning 360-degree views of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape, making it a worthwhile visit after exploring the villa.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within Casa del Podestà. However, Lonato del Garda offers various restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine.
In Lonato del Garda, you can savor traditional Lombard cuisine, including fresh pasta, lake fish dishes, and local wines.
📸 📸 Photography
The library, the richly decorated rooms with antique furniture, and the panoramic views from the fortress are prime photography spots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and protected areas. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the Rocca di Lonato for younger visitors, as the fortress offers more open spaces to explore and the panoramic views can be captivating. The journey to the fortress and the expansive views might hold their attention better than the detailed interiors of the villa.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the villa's Venetian past and Ugo da Como's dedication to restoration. The library with over 50,000 antique books is a particular highlight, showcasing a profound commitment to preserving literary heritage.
📸 Photographers
The panoramic views from the Rocca di Lonato are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Capture the vastness of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography inside the villa.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Ugo da Como
Da Como's most significant contribution is arguably the creation of the villa's extraordinary library, housing over 50,000 antique books. This collection reflects his deep intellectual curiosity and his desire to preserve literary heritage. The villa, under the stewardship of the Fondazione Ugo da Como, continues to honor his legacy by offering educational programs and preserving this cultural treasure for future generations.
Visitors often leave impressed by the personal touch and the detailed narrative provided by the guides, who share stories of Ugo da Como and the villa's past inhabitants. This makes the visit not just a tour of a building, but an immersion into a rich historical and personal narrative.
Architectural and Historical Journey
Following Venetian rule, the villa passed through various hands, including a period under Austrian governance after Napoleon's era, before eventually becoming municipal property. Its transformation into a private residence and museum began in 1906 when Ugo da Como acquired it. He undertook extensive renovations, carefully preserving its historical character while infusing it with his personal collection of art and antique furniture.
The villa's structure showcases elements from different historical periods, reflecting its long and varied past. The adjacent Rocca di Lonato, a medieval fortress, complements the villa, offering a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the region and providing stunning panoramic views that have been appreciated for centuries.
Experiencing the Rocca di Lonato
The fortress itself is a significant historical monument, offering insights into medieval military architecture and the strategic importance of Lonato del Garda throughout history. Exploring its walls and towers provides a tangible connection to the past, imagining the lives of those who defended this strategic point.
Many visitors combine a tour of the Casa del Podestà with an exploration of the Rocca di Lonato, as they are geographically close and offer a comprehensive historical experience of the area. The panoramic views from the fortress are particularly popular for photography and offer a serene backdrop to the historical exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit