Villa De Vecchi – Italy’s Most Haunted Mansion Hidden in the Lake Como Hills
Discover Villa De Vecchi, the abandoned 19th-century mansion near Lake Como shrouded in ghost stories, tragic legends, and eerie beauty. Known as Italy’s most haunted house, it’s a must-see for dark tourism in Lombardy.
LOCAL STORIES&CULTURELOMBARDIA
Region: Lombardy
Province / Nearest City: Lecco / Cortenova (near Lake Como)
Attraction Name: Villa De Vecchi – The Haunted Mansion of Lake Como
Address: Via Provinciale, Cortenova (LC), Italy
Distance from Major City: About 80 km from Milan (1 hour 40 minutes by car), 20 km from Lecco (35 minutes).
How to Get There:
By car: From Milan, take SS36 toward Lecco, then continue east along SP62 to Cortenova. The villa lies just outside the village, along a secondary road in the woods. Parking is available nearby, followed by a short walk.
By public transport: Train from Milan to Lecco, then onward to Varenna or Bellano. From there, buses run toward Cortenova, but reaching the villa usually requires a walk or taxi.
What Makes It Unique in the World:
Built in 1857 as a summer retreat for Count Felix De Vecchi, the villa was once the epitome of elegance—ornate frescoes, gardens, and panoramic Alpine views. But tragedy struck: in 1862 the Count’s wife was found murdered, his young daughter vanished, and the Count himself took his own life shortly after. Abandoned over the years, Villa De Vecchi became infamous as “Italy’s most haunted house.” Locals whisper of ghostly piano music echoing at night, occult rituals by notorious visitors, and shadows moving in broken windows. Its crumbling red façade, ivy-covered arches, and eerie silence make it a magnet for ghost-hunters and urban explorers.
Local Story / Fun Fact:
In 2002, a massive avalanche swept away many buildings in the area—but Villa De Vecchi miraculously survived, untouched. Some say it’s proof of its supernatural aura, others just call it luck.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and autumn offer the most atmospheric light through the broken windows. Go during the day, as the structure is unstable. Avoid winter snows and rainy days—the paths can be treacherous.
Safety Note:
The villa is abandoned, derelict, and technically off-limits—warning signs mark the site. Floors and stairs are unstable, with collapsed sections and debris inside. Many visitors admire it only from the outside, which already delivers the full haunting atmosphere. If you do go, stick to daylight hours, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t attempt to explore the interior.
Nearby Food & Stay:
After your spooky adventure, head to Varenna or Bellano on Lake Como for a plate of risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch fillets) or sciatt (crispy cheese fritters from nearby Valtellina). Stay at a lakeside hotel for a romantic contrast to the villa’s haunted chill.