Built in 1568  as a private residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it is considered one of the finest examples of architecture and landscaping. Between its construction and its conversion into a hotel in 1873, Villa d’Este (consisting of the Cardinal’s building and the Queen’s Pavilion, built in 1860 and later named in honour of Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales) has a colourful and chequered history. Its residents included Jesuits, generals, the estranged wife of a future king of England, European aristocracy by the score and even a czarina of Russia. Now it is listed as one of the top resort hotels in the world and home away from home for international celebrities and dignitaries
       The terraces above the Queen’s Pavilion have a magnificent view of the lake and of the swimming pool floating on the water, unique in Europe.  Inside the main Villa, worthy of note is the monumental portico, now the hall, with its stucco colonnade and beautiful furniture (Russian and Empire). The works of famous painters abound throughout. The Bar decorated with Neoclassical statues and the Verandah Restaurant with its glass-screen that disappear into the ground complete the list of rooms of artistic interest.     
               The Hotel is open: from March 1st to November 17th, 2007

       THE SPA