Cernobbio owes its
name to the presence of an ancient Cluniac convent (Coenobium) built around the
year one thousand. The heart of the town is Piazza Risorgimento, also known as
"Riva", which overlooks the lake.
In
addition to the enchanting views, Cernobbio is known for the presence of many
prestigious villas: the impressive Villa Erba built in 1898: it is a large
format consisting of a main house, guest quarters, greenhouses, dock, stables,
service areas, surrounded by a large park. Noble residence of the family of
Luchino Visconti (the great director loved to spend the summer holidays here),
the villa is today an important congress center hosting events.
The 16th
century Villa d'Este, transformed in 1873 into a luxurious hotel with princely
furnishings and a beautiful Italian garden overlooking the lake.
Walking along
the lake you can still admire, Villa Bernasconi in liberty style, Villa Pizzo
formed by two buildings, one of which rises on the lake, and the
eighteenth-century Villa Fontanelle sorrounded by a wonderful park.
