Next to Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, lies a large lawn facing the lake known as the “ex Galoppatoio” (former horse-training ground): an area distinct from the villa’s historic building, today home to the Circolo Vela Cernobbio sailing club, with public access not guaranteed every day.
Villa Erba and the Galoppatoio
Villa Erba is the 19th-century mansion that belonged first to the Erba family and later to the Visconti di Modrone family — who made it the summer residence of the celebrated director Luchino Visconti. Today it is one of the most prestigious congress and exhibition centres on Lake Como. Right next to the villa’s main building lies the Galoppatoio area: a large, flat, fenced lawn bordered by a tree-lined avenue along the Breggia stream, running from the access road down to the lakeshore. Historically used as an event space and a parking area for exhibitors, it has also housed the Circolo Vela Cernobbio sailing club since its founding.
Public access
Unlike a traditional lido, public access to the lawn and the shore is not guaranteed every day: day-to-day management is handled by Villa Erba S.p.A. and the Circolo Vela Cernobbio, and in the past the area has been opened to the public only for specific occasions or seasonal events. It’s worth checking in advance before planning a visit.
Practical information
- Water quality: in this stretch of Cernobbio, monitored by Italy’s official bathing water portal (Portale Acque di Balneazione), water has been classified as excellent or good in the most recent surveys.
- Getting there: along Via Regina, entering from Largo Luchino Visconti, a few kilometres from Como.