Gallio Palace

Palace Gallio in Gravedona

The land of Gravedona signals its conspicuous historical rank not only with the exemplary religious building of the church of Saint Maria del Tiglio, but also with the nearby Palazzo Gallio, noble residence of Bartolomeo Gallio. The Como-born Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Count and Lord of the Tre Pievi di Gravedona, Sorico and Dongo, attracted by the mildness of the place, had his residence constructed here probably around 1583-1584, and it seems that it was completed in 1586.

Designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi the architect native to Valsolda who was Carlo Borromeo's favourite for the construction of numerous churches in the Milan area, and was also the inspirer of the extraordinary church named Croce a Riva San Vitale, today Canton Ticino, on lake Ceresio. Gallio Palace is also called the Four Tower Palace, in the three floors of the lake-facing façade, three different architectural orders can be distinguished, and a majestic hall occupies part of the inside. The Palace appears as a fortified castle born from the closed central system.

Closed among angular towers, softened by openings and covered roof-terraces, with the front facing the lake, perforated by the measured curvilinear rhythm of the three arcades, overlapped by the upper open gallery, is a private spot for an incredible view of the waters of Lake Como. Today, it is the site of the Comunità Montana Alto Lario Occidentale (Ass.n of Mountain Municipalities of Eastern Alto Lario) - cultural events, shows and performances take place in its halls. To the right of building, there was a garden, alluded to since 1500 for its rare essences; today's garden, largely re-organised, stretches toward the mountain.