A few steps from Cernobbio, Moltrasio rises partly on the shore of the lake and partly in the hills. It’s famous the stone of Moltrasio, grey, also used by Magistri Comacini. In 1910, during the excavation work for the construction of the road on lakeside, some of these stones were found, as well as the remains of a floor of the Roman period, which came to light during the enlarging of the cemetery.
The town is now a destination for international tourism and boasts excellent hotels such as Hotel Imperial and Hotel Posta, both with nice restaurants with outdoor terraces as the charming restaurant Imperialino.
This picturesque village is famous for having hosted Vincenzo Bellini that here, during his stay at the Hocevar Ercker Villa at Villa Passalacqua, drew inspiration for his two immortal works, “La Straniera” and “La Sonnambula”. Today, the great musician is celebrated with a monument situated in the area to the lake, created by sculptor Massimo Clerici.
Villa Passalacqua, also known as "Palace of Moltrasio," is adorned with a large park set on terraces sloping down toward the lake; it was fully restored some years ago. The first part of the villa was built by the Odescalchi family, then sold to Conte Andrea Passalacqua, who entrusted the work of widening the architect Felice Soave. Among the frescoes, is a Madonna and Child of 1790, attributed to Andrea Appiani. Next to the villa, the Romanesque church of St. Agata was used during plague of the seventeenth century as lazaretto. This Church, open for weddings and celebrations, has a picturesque bell tower.
Both villas have been recently renovated and restored to its ancient splendour.
Villa Fontanelle has been residence of the designer Gianni Versace and belonged for several years after his death to the Versace Family. It has recently been sold to a Russian businessman.