The estate has graced the shores of Lake Como since 1573 and was named after the natural spring that the villa is centered around. Since this time, the villa has had many owners and changes, but to this day Villa Pliniana is a veritable icon surrounded by natural beauty on Lake Como. This highly sought-after venue has hosted the grandest events over the years, from celebrity wedding ceremonies and extravagant celebrations. Here’s a look at the most iconic events to ever take place behind the villa’s gates.
The estate has graced the shores of Lake Como since 1573 and was named after the natural spring that the villa is centered around. Since this time, the villa has had many owners and changes, but to this day Villa Pliniana is a veritable icon surrounded by natural beauty on Lake Como. This highly sought-after venue has hosted the grandest events over the years, from celebrity wedding ceremonies and extravagant celebrations. Here’s a look at the most iconic events to ever take place behind the villa’s gates.
Dolce & Gabbana’s 2018 Alta Moda Show
It doesn’t come as a surprise that one of the most renowned fashion houses would choose Villa Pliniana’s serene setting as the backdrop for a fashion show. The Italian label transformed the villa into an even more romantic venue, complete with a lawn lit by hundreds of tiny candles. The show was inspired by 19th-century novel The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, which was set in Lake Como. The clothing shown was pure opulence and hyper-feminine, with gowns and parasols adorned in flowers, feathers, and beads. There was also a costumed orchestra playing throughout the evening, as well as an open-air dinner and a fireworks display. Celebrities including Liam Payne, Naomi Cambell, Ashley Graham, and Lady Kitty Spencer, among others, were in attendance.
Weddings
Lake Como is a dream wedding venue for many, and Villa Pliniana is like something out of a fairytale. With the help of several talented wedding planners, Villa Pliniana has hosted some of the world’s most extravagant ceremonies and wedding receptions. Italian event planner Giorgia Fantin Borghi once created a stunning outdoor tablescape for a couple, which was set on the lawn and overlooked the lake. A stunning spectrum of pink, red, and magenta flowers adorned the extra-long table, and ambient candelabras provided a romantic atmosphere. Other planners, like A-Típica, have also planned charming indoor ceremonies within the villa’s historic walls.
The villa has an incredibly ornate ballroom that can seat up to 200 guests. There are also several gardens, lawns, and structures should you want your wedding ceremony, aperitivo, and reception experience to be separate. The villa can also host many guests, as there are 18 suites that can sleep up to 40 people. For more far-flung guests, New York-based planner Michelle Rago creates experiences in destinations no matter where you are in the world. Several of her high-profile clients have chosen Lake Como as their desired destination for weddings, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Sarah Haywood has also planned several weddings at Villa Pliniana, and her work is truly larger than life. Some of her work includes hanging flower arrangements that look like they’re floating. Also, flower-lined aisles overlooking the lake, and royal treatment, think: horse drawn carriages and Bridgerton-like dessert trays.
Conferences and Events
Ideal for intimate conferences and events, Villa Pliniana can host up to 200 guests on its grounds. Engage21, hosted in October 2021, was one of many events hosted on the property. It was hosted by Engage! Summits, which connects, educates, and inspires the world’s top wedding industry and event professionals. Last year’s summit was hosted by designer Vincenzo Dascanio, who has also planned weddings and events at Villa Pliniana. World-class providers and attendees got a chance to explore the villa’s enchanting grounds and gardens, dine, network, and help their clients plan future events there.
