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Villa del Balbianello, set on the picturesque peninsula of Lenno on Lake Como, is one of Italy’s most enchanting and romantic historic residences. Built in 1787 on the remains of an ancient Franciscan monastery, the villa has hosted cardinals, nobles and adventurers, including explorer Guido Monzino, its last owner, who enriched it with memorabilia from his expeditions. Today, managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), the villa offers visitors a unique experience combining history, art and nature.
Villa del Balbianello is not only a place of extraordinary beauty; it is also wrapped in fascinating stories and anecdotes that heighten its allure. Famous for its spectacular gardens and for being a film set for blockbusters such as Star Wars and James Bond: Casino Royale, this historic villa offers far more than you might expect.
By boat: arriving by lake is unforgettable. Numerous taxi boats depart from the nearby village of Lenno, allowing for a stylish arrival directly at the villa’s private jetty. It adds a touch of exclusivity and delivers breathtaking views of the façade and terraced gardens. Tip: do as I did — set off from Varenna by taxi boat so you can admire Bellagio, Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta from the water.
On foot: you’ll follow a scenic path of around 20 minutes (1 km). It’s uphill, but with lovely lake views along the way.
Visit off-season: to truly savour the villa’s peace and beauty, consider coming in the quieter months of autumn or early spring. You’ll experience the lake and the villa in a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
· Monastic origins: before becoming a villa, the site was home to a Franciscan monastery founded in the 13th century; Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini purchased the property in the 18th century and transformed the monastery into a summer residence, while keeping some original architectural elements, such as the chapel.
· Lavish celebrations: Cardinal Durini was known for his love of art and culture. He hosted sumptuous parties at Villa del Balbianello, inviting artists, poets and intellectuals of the time. It is said that during these celebrations the gardens were lit by hundreds of lanterns and music carried all the way to the opposite shore. Little-known fact: Durini loved the villa so much that, according to legend, he asked to be buried in the small cemetery near the chapel, to remain forever bound to this place.
· Guido Monzino: one of the villa’s most celebrated owners, an Italian explorer who, in the 1970s, turned it into his private residence. Monzino was passionate about the mountains and was the first Italian to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1973. He brought back many artefacts from his expeditions, now displayed in the villa’s museum.
The gardens are the beating heart of the visit. Designed in a romantic style, they combine natural and architectural elements in a harmonious way.
· Pruned holm-oak avenues: the canopies, expertly shaped, create a uniquely theatrical effect.
· Flowered terraces: overlooking the lake, they offer unforgettable viewpoints.
· Durini Loggia: one of the most panoramic spots, with spectacular views. Look for the small hidden belvedere behind the loggia — a quiet corner to enjoy the stillness.
· The Wishing Tree: in the gardens there is a centuries-old tree. Tradition says that anyone who touches its bark and makes a heartfelt wish will see it come true. Many visitors leave little notes at its base.
The interior of Villa del Balbianello can only be visited on a guided tour. Inside you’ll find original furnishings, a rich library and the Expeditions Museum, displaying memorabilia from Guido Monzino’s 21 ventures: from flags planted at the North Pole and on Everest, to navigation instruments, African masks and artefacts from distant cultures.
During the visit you can also watch the documentary video “Guido Monzino: the last explorer”, produced by FAI (25 minutes), to better understand who this remarkable, timeless character truly was.
Thanks to its timeless charm, the villa has been chosen as a location for many international films:
· Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): the villa’s loggia hosts the secret wedding of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.
· Casino Royale (2006): the terraced gardens provide the backdrop for James Bond’s recovery after his torture ordeal.
· A Month by the Lake (1995): starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman, filmed almost entirely at the villa and in its gardens.
Curiosity: the villa’s cinematic fame has made it a pilgrimage destination for fans from all over the world. A Swedish couple even celebrated their own Star Wars-themed wedding here!
Like any truly historic place, Villa del Balbianello comes with its own legend. Locals say that on nights of a full moon you may glimpse the shadow of a mysterious figure walking through the gardens. Some believe it is Cardinal Durini’s ghost, still watching over his beloved villa.
One of the most intriguing stories concerns a treasure supposedly hidden in the villa’s underground rooms during the Second World War to protect it from looting. Despite many searches, no one has ever found it — keeping the mystery alive.
The chapel, dedicated to St John, still preserves some original frescoes and a distinctly mystical atmosphere. It is said that secret masses were held here during turbulent periods of history, and that some decorations conceal symbols linked to Cardinal Durini’s esoteric interests.
The villa is open from mid-March to November, with opening hours that vary by season. As a general guideline: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00). Closed on Mondays in the low season. Always check the official FAI website before your visit.
Entry is paid. Two options are available:
· Gardens only: self-guided visit to the gardens and chapel.
· Full Villa: guided tour inside, including access to the Expeditions Museum.
Online booking is strongly recommended, especially in high season and at weekends: places on guided tours are limited and sell out quickly.
· On foot: from the village of Lenno, a scenic uphill path of around 20 minutes (1 km) leads to the entrance, with lovely lake views.
· By boat: the most atmospheric option. Numerous taxi boats depart from Lenno’s pier and take you directly to the villa’s private jetty, for an exclusive arrival with views of the façade and terraced gardens.
· From Varenna/Bellano: take a public boat to Lenno. Alternatively, organised boat tours also depart directly from Varenna.
Prices vary depending on the option chosen (Gardens only or Full Villa with guided tour). Check the official FAI website for the latest price list.
No. The interior is only accessible on a guided tour at set times. The gardens can be visited independently.
The villa’s last owner, an entrepreneur and renowned Italian explorer. He was the first Italian to reach the North Pole (1971) and to climb Mount Everest (1973). He bought Villa del Balbianello in 1974 and donated it to FAI in 1988.
Among the best known: Star Wars: Episode II (2002) and Casino Royale (2006).
Take a public boat from Varenna to Lenno (about 15 minutes), then a taxi boat from Lenno’s pier to the villa’s jetty, or walk from Lenno. Organised boat tours are also available.
Villa del Balbianello is not just a place of extraordinary beauty — it’s a sensory experience that stays with you. Spectacular gardens, tales of explorers, ghost stories and hidden treasures, dreamlike film sets: every corner has something to say. Whether you love history, mystery, or simply travelling with curiosity, this villa will surprise you.
To explore the centre of the lake and reach Villa del Balbianello easily, the ideal base is the eastern shore. From Varenna or Bellano, the boat network makes it straightforward to reach Lenno, Menaggio or Cadenabbia. Staying in a Villa Vista Lago apartment in Bellano lets you experience the lake authentically and plan your visit in total relaxation, without the stress of traffic and parking.