About this tour
Work clay under the guidance of Master Abele in a traditional Italian bottega (artist's studio) overlooking Lake Como. This two-hour private session combines hands-on sculpture instruction in regional techniques—Colombino and Cotto Lombardo—with access to the nineteenth-century Villa Melzi gardens. You'll learn foundational modelling skills in an authentic lakeside setting, then take your finished piece back to your accommodation. A glass of wine and water are included.
Highlights
- Learn traditional Colombino and Cotto Lombardo sculpture techniques
- Private instruction from Master Abele in working bottega
- Villa Melzi d'Eril gardens access with lake views
- All materials, tools, and piece packaging provided
- Work finished clay takes home to your lodging
- Optional wine and water during the session
What to expect
You'll meet Master Abele at the studio within Villa Melzi's grounds and receive one-to-one tuition in two regional clay techniques practised for centuries in Lombardy. He'll guide your hands through the basics of shaping and texturing as you create your own small sculpture. The studio overlooks the lake, and between instruction you can step into the adjacent nineteenth-century gardens. Your piece gets carefully packaged for transport to your Bellagio accommodation. No prior experience needed; the focus is on learning the craft rather than producing gallery-ready work.
Good to know
The experience suits all fitness levels. Prams and strollers are welcome, and the space is wheelchair accessible. If you need transport from Lungolario Manzoni, request it when booking. Firing and shipping your finished work can be arranged separately at extra cost.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.