Description of the attraction
Belgirate is a small resort town located on a picturesque promontory that separates the Gulf of Borromean from the southern part of Lake Maggiore. Throughout the 19th century, many famous people became guests of this resort - figures of the Risorgimento, politicians and poets, who built luxurious villas with gardens here, which can still be seen along the waterfront.
Villa Fontana is one of the oldest in Belgirate - it was built in the 18th century for the Beretta family. In 1892, it was acquired by the renowned Milanese publisher Emilio Treves, who named the estate Villa Maria in honor of his daughter. The wonderful building, surrounded by an English garden with palm trees, magnolias, camphor laurel and huge araucaria, has hosted such prominent Italians as Giovanni Verga, Gabriele d'Annunzio and Leonardo Bistolfi.
Villa Carlotta, also once owned by the Beretta family, was bought in 1952 by Giuseppe Munyai, who turned the 19th century estate into a luxury hotel. Today, important congresses and conferences are held within its walls. Munyai himself was a passionate amateur florist, and in the 1960s he managed to develop a white-red-orange variety of dahlias, which he dedicated to the great Brigitte Bardot, who once stayed at his hotel.
Villa Bongi was built in 1858-61 by Rudjero Bongi, a famous politician from Naples and a writer who literally fell in love with these places and the atmosphere of Lago Maggiore. After his death, the villa changed hands several times, and today, unfortunately, has somewhat lost its former gloss and extravagance.
Other noteworthy villas Belgirate include Villa Cairoli, where Giuseppe Garibaldi stayed, the huge Villa Conelli with an Italian garden, Villa Dal Pozzo d'Annone, one of the most expensive on the lake, Villa Fontana Fedeli, which is popularly called the castle for her style, and the Villa of Princess Matilda - the residence of Napoleon's niece.
