A tribute to the jewel of Italian lakes and the splendid gardens of the stately mansions and villas standing on the Lake Como shores; incredible photographs take the reader inside 14 of the most beautiful gardens. Sample gardens: Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo Built at the end of the 17th century by marchese Giorgio Clerici, the garden of Villa Carlotta is a place of incredible beauty, one of the well-known stops of the Italian Grand Tour. The original Italian garden, designed on a geometrical plan with terraces and elegant flowerbeds, is surrounded by a 19th century garden with a rich variety of azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, citrus fruit pergolas, sequoias, and beeches. It is open to visitors from March to December. Villa Melzi d'Eril The villa was built in the early 19th century for Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon. The English garden was designed by Luigi Canonica and Luigi Villoresi, who designed the Royal Park in Monza. Visitors can stroll along the pathways among centennial plants and trees, classical statues, romantic pavilions, greenhouses, and a Japanese garden. It is open to visitors from March to October. Villa Balbianello, Lenno Built at the end of the 18th century on a wooded promontory, the villa is surrounded by a terraced English garden with an ancient marina, a loggia facing the lake, centennial trees, and romantic statues. The villa and garden have been chosen as locations for several films, including Casino Royale. It is open to visitors from March to November.