Where Lake and History Meet: A Como Icon
A neo-Gothic landmark that reflects Como’s identity, where lake charm meets centuries of silk heritage.
Built in 1870, soon after the old port was reclaimed and transformed into Piazza Cavour, Palazzo Venezia is one of Como’s most distinctive historic landmarks. Its Venetian-style façade and the iconic 1904 clock still preserve its timeless charm.
Palazzo Venezia stands as one of Como’s most distinctive architectural landmarks—an elegant witness to the city’s dual soul: celebrated worldwide for the enchantment of Lake Como, yet historically defined by a centuries-old silk tradition that shaped its identity and prosperity.
Erected in 1870, the building rose at a pivotal moment in Como’s urban transformation. It was constructed shortly after the reclamation of the old port area, which in 1869 was reshaped into what is now Piazza Cavour, creating a new waterfront promenade and redefining the relationship between the city and the lake. Palazzo Venezia was built on the site of a former dye works, a detail that subtly anchors its origins to the textile world that once fueled Como’s economy. From the outset, it served as the headquarters of the Schmidt & Lorenzen silkworks, reflecting the ambition and prestige of an industry that had made Como synonymous with silk excellence.
Its façade, neo-Gothic in style and unique within the city, draws inspiration from the grandeur of Venetian palazzi. The rhythm of its single- and triple-lancet windows—slender, vertical, and delicately framed by narrow columns—gives the building a remarkable sense of lightness, as if the architecture itself were designed to capture and reflect the changing lake light. This refined aesthetic lends Palazzo Venezia a quiet theatricality, making it an unmistakable presence on the piazza.
A further emblem of its identity is the clock set on the corner of the building, installed in 1904. Still in place today, it is considered the oldest among the more than 120 historic clocks scattered throughout Como—an understated yet evocative reminder of the city’s enduring bond with time and tradition.
Long before Palazzo Venezia would take on its current role, the eastern side of Piazza Cavour had already established itself as a privileged address for hospitality. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, Como’s first deluxe hotels opened in this area, welcoming travelers drawn by the romance of the lake and the elegance of the city.
Following a meticulous restoration, the building was reborn in 2018 as a new five-star address on Lake Como, reviving the tradition of elegant hospitality once associated with the eastern side of Piazza Cavour.
In 2025, a new chapter unfolds with the opening of Palazzo Venezia, part of Villa d’Este La Collezione - the group’s curated portfolio of distinctive luxury properties. It is also the first five-star hotel in Como to be included in The Leading Hotels of the World.
Today, the building remains a symbol of Como’s layered heritage: where Venetian-inspired architecture meets industrial legacy, and where the city’s timeless sense of place continues to evolve while honoring its past.
