The picturesque shores of Lake Como have welcomed a new attraction: the Velarca Garden a meticulously designed green space that complements the renowned Velarca houseboat. This architectural gem, crafted by the esteemed Milanese studio BBPR in the 1950s, has been enhanced with a garden that brings to life the original vision of its creators.
The Velarca houseboat, donated to the FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano in 2011 by Aldo and Maria Luisa Norsa, underwent a comprehensive restoration that concluded in 2026. The garden, spanning approximately 325 square meters, is nestled between the state road and the lake’s edge, offering panoramic views of the Isola Comacina and the iconic Villa del Balbianello with the historic Torre del Barbarossa standing guard nearby.
The Vision Behind the Velarca Garden
The story of the Velarca Garden is deeply intertwined with that of the houseboat itself. The Norsa family initially acquired the plot with plans to build a traditional house. However, the terrain’s inedificability led to a creative solution: a houseboat permanently moored in front of the property. The original design included a rustic garden featuring ulive trees a vegetable garden, terraced cultivation areas, a small fountain, and a shaded pavilion for relaxation and entertainment.
Architect Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso a key figure in the BBPR studio, emphasized the careful planning of the steep shoreline. The garden was envisioned as a rustic retreat with stone retaining walls, flowers, vegetables, climbing plants, and olive trees, complete with amenities for impromptu outdoor dining. Despite these ambitious plans, the garden remained unrealized until now.
A Modern Realization of a Historic Vision
The FAI has breathed new life into the original plans, transforming them into a reality that meets contemporary standards of visitor accessibility. The garden’s design seamlessly integrates with the houseboat, featuring low stone terraces connected by stone pathways. The vegetation mirrors the natural landscape of Lake Como, with new olive trees, strawberry trees, and pomegranates complementing the existing cypresses and olive trees.
At the garden’s terminus, a new wooden pavilion with a thatched roof provides a shaded retreat. This structure, part of the original design, is crafted from oak wood and embodies the clean lines characteristic of BBPR’s work. The pavilion houses restroom facilities and offers a cool respite for visitors.
Near the entrance, a welcoming area has been created, with every detail harmonizing with the aesthetic of the Velarca. The wooden cladding in mahogany hues, blue flooring, and furnishings echo the interior of the houseboat, creating a cohesive visitor experience.
An Enhanced Visitor Experience
The opening of the Velarca Garden allows visitors to fully appreciate the original concept of the houseboat, which emphasizes the interplay between land, water, and architecture. The designers described this balance as the true essence of the project, highlighting the harmonious relationship between the boat, dock, lake, and garden.
The garden’s inauguration coincides with the Sere FAI d’Estate events, a series of evening openings at FAI properties. Following the debut on June 26, 2026, additional dates are scheduled for July and August.
Infrastructure improvements have also been made, including the restoration of the historic dock at Ossuccio and the construction of a new public dock. The new dock features an electric charging station, promoting sustainable lake transportation and supporting visitor shuttles.
Visiting the Velarca Garden
The Velarca is open to the public until October 18, 2026, daily except for non-holiday Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 AM to 6 PM with the last entry at 5 PM. Admission prices are as follows: 8 euros for the general public, 5 euros for children aged 6 to 18, students aged 19 to 25, and members of the National Trust, and 20 euros for families. Admission is free for FAI members, residents of Tremezzina, and journalists.
