Commissioned by cardinal Angelo maria Durini towards in the late XVIIIth century, the villa is located on top of a hillock overlooking Lake Como, almost facing Bellagio. The mansion was eventually bought by explorer Guido Monzino and turned into a museum and cultural showcase. It presently houses a rich Chinese, African and Pre-Columbian art collection, some remarkable pieces of English and French XVIIth century furniture and a small museum featuring the documents and memorabilia belonging to the villa’s late owner. The real masterpiece though is the panoramic terraced garden, towered by the elegant three-arch loggia located on top of the hillock.