Palazzo Gallio was the noble residence of Cardinal Bartolomeo Gallio. The Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, who was born in Como, was also Prince of the Tre Pievi di Gravedona, Sorico and Dongo.
Probably attracted by the mild climate of the place, the cardinal probably began construction of his residence around 1583-84 with completion in 1586.
The building is designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi from Valsolda, Carlo Borromeo's favorite architect for the construction of numerous churches in the Milan area.
Palazzo Gallio is also called the Palace of the Four Towers. Three different architectural styles are visible on the three floors of the façade facing the lake and the interior is dominated by a huge hall. The palace looks like a fortified castle due to the closed central complex.
The building is closed off by corner gates, which are loosened up by openings. The side facing the lake is regularly interrupted and open by three arches, above which is the upper arcade with a generous view of the water of Lake Como. Today the palace is the headquarters of the Comunità Montana Alto Lario Occidentale and the rooms host cultural events, performances and exhibitions. On the right side of the palace there was a garden mentioned at the end of the 16th century for its rare herbs. Today's, heavily redesigned garden, spreads out towards the mountains.