Villa Cipressi
A closer look at Lake Como, the Italian aesthetic, and the reasons why Villa Cipressi became the foundation for our upcoming project, Garden of Galatea.
Lake Como
Lake Como is no longer just a picturesque place in the north of Italy. Today, it is one of the most recognizable locations in the world — and there are clear reasons for that.
Films are shot here, Hollywood stars come here, brand campaigns take place here — and this is only part of what happens on Lake Como. It offers a unique context: architecture, water, history — everything is already gathered in one place.
Yes, many well-known names are associated with the lake. But what matters more is not the list of celebrities, but the effect they have reinforced: Como has become a visual code of luxury. When a shoot takes place here, it automatically becomes part of this context.
Cinema has only strengthened this effect. Many scenes that are now considered iconic were filmed right here — and with every new project, Lake Como continues to establish itself as a reference location for visual storytelling.
Italy as a Source of Aesthetic
Much of this is connected to Italy itself.
What brands around the world try to recreate in studios — aged stone, terraces, gardens, soft light — exists here naturally. This is not decoration or stylization. It is an environment shaped over centuries.
And Lake Como is one of the most concentrated expressions of this aesthetic.
Working here, there is no need to create atmosphere — it already exists.
Villa Cipressi
There are dozens of unique villas on Lake Como, but today we will focus on Villa Cipressi.
It is a complex that was formed over several centuries — from the 15th to the 19th century.
The villa has had multiple owners, and each of them left their mark. Aristocratic families, private residences, scientific interests, European nobility — all of this gradually shaped what we see today.
This can be felt in the atmosphere, in the architecture, in the proportions, and in the way the entire space is structured: gardens, transitions, levels. Each period and each owner contributed to it, which is why today the villa combines different styles and feels like a complete work of art.
An interesting fact: today Villa Cipressi belongs to the municipality of Varenna and is part of the cultural heritage — thanks to the residents of the town. In 1980, they collectively purchased the villa through a public fundraising effort to preserve it as we see it today.
For Lake Como, where most villas remain private, this is rare.
The Gardens of Villa Cipressi
One of the main features of Villa Cipressi is its botanical garden.
It was created and developed over centuries, but a key role was played by the Andreossi family in the 19th century. They shaped the terraced structure that exists today.
The garden descends toward the lake in a cascade: stone walls, staircases, terraces with views of the water. It is a carefully designed spatial composition where every element contributes to the overall experience.
Thanks to the unique microclimate of Varenna, plants grow here that are rare for this part of Italy. Cypress trees, agaves, flowering vines, seasonal plants — the garden is constantly changing while maintaining its structure.
Gates of Heaven
There is one feature that makes Villa Cipressi truly unique — both visually and on a sensory level. Through the botanical garden, you reach the famous wrought-iron gates known around the world as the “Gates of Heaven.” These historic gates open directly onto the water, with steps leading down to the lake. People travel to Varenna specifically for this point of view, which has become one of the most photographed spots on Lake Como.
Private Dock
Villa Cipressi has its own private dock, where you can arrive by boat or depart for a ride on the water. This is rare — not all villas on Lake Como have direct water access like this. It may seem like a small detail, but for shoots and events it becomes essential: arrival by water, work with boats, and scenes directly connected to the lake all become far easier to realize.
Our Choice for the “Garden of Galatea” Project
There is no more suitable place on Lake Como to recreate the story of the legend of Galatea.
Each villa on Lake Como is unique in its own way. But Villa Cipressi is one of the few that combines several key elements at once: history, architecture, nature, aesthetic, and functionality.
All of this allows you not to stylize the space, but to be inside it. This is not a set that needs to be created — it is an environment that already exists.
That is why this location became the foundation for the project we are preparing.
Not because it is simply “beautiful.” But because it allows us to create scenes that cannot be artificially constructed.
Request Full Details
If this visual world resonates with you, request more information about our project and the upcoming creative experience on Lake Como.
Request Full Details