Villa (Fernet) Branca

Strolling along Baveno lakefront promenade one cannot help noticing a fairytale-looking castle with towers sticking out of the green, and wondering who lives there. Attention those who like Fernet Branca, Amaro Caffè Borghetti or perhaps Champagne Tsarine! For more than a century, this spectacular villa/castle has belonged to the Branca family, one of the most famous spirits producers in Italy and in the world.

The villa - known as Villa Henfrey-Branca - was built in the late 19th century by the English engineer Charles Henfrey and bought by the Branca family after his death. Inspired by English castle architecture, it is one of the most impressive buildings on Lake Maggiore surrounded by a magnificent English-style garden. On the grounds there is also a pretty little Protestant church. Many famous people stayed here over the years, including Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Winston Churchill. Even today, the descendents of the royal families of Europe still visit the Branca family in the castle.

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