Villa Balbianello, Lake Como: Star Wars, weddings, curiosities (original) (raw)
VILLA BALBIANELLO
Tremezzina, Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello will leave you breathless, thanks to its beautiful terraced gardens and picturesque structure.
Located on the tip of the promontory of Lavedo, in Lenno (a hamlet of Tremezzina), the villa offers breathtaking views of Isola Comacina and the western shore of Lake Como.
Villa Balbianello, one of the most charming villas on Lake Como, is now a venue for private events such as weddings, ceremonies and even film or photographic sets (this is where scenes from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale were filmed).
It is therefore not possible to sleep in the villa, but if you are looking for accommodation nearby… check out the best places to sleep near the villa!
Note: I do not run Villa Balbianello, as many who contact me think, but here I provide you with a lot of information to plan your visit. Enjoy your trip!
Villa Balbianello
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KEY FEATURES of Villa Balbianello
Loggia Durini, Villa Balbianello
The whole complex consists of two residential buildings, a church, and a portico (known as Loggia Durini) that can host weddings and events in a truly unique setting.
But the most-special feature of Villa Balbianello is the vast garden that surrounds the dwellings, with magnificent holm oaks pruned into an umbrella shape so as to offer a splendid view of Lake Como from inside the villa.
The villa’s interior, accessible only by guided tour, houses some English and French furnishings which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are a valuable legacy of the complex’s former owners (read the history of Villa Balbianello if you want to learn more).
The villa also houses numerous paintings on glass and a rich collection of sculptures and ethnic artifacts.
Many of these works are a legacy of Guido Monzino, former owner of the villa and leader of the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest.
There are many photos, flags and honors of the famous Italian explorer, as well as one of the eight sleds he used to reach the North Pole.
The movies: Star Wars & more
Skywalker & Padmé Amidala’s kiss
Setting of the famous Star Wars scene
Villa del Balbianello has been used as the setting for several movies. Here is where to spot the most famous ones.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
The kissing scene between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, probably the most famous scene filmed at Villa Balbianello, takes place in the garden that can be reached from the pathway that starts to the left of the Loggia Durini.
James Bond at Villa Balbianello
A Month by the Lake
Casino Royale
007 has also been a guest at Villa Balbianello. Very famous is the Casino Royal’s scene in which James Bond rests with Vesper Lynd, played by actress Eva Green, whom he kisses right under the Loggia Durini.
A Month by the Lake
The Loggia Durini hosted also some scenes from A Month at the Lake, a 1995 romantic film that also stars Uma Thurman in the cast.
OPENING TIMES, ENTRY PRICES & more
Opening times
Entry price
Official website
Guided tours
Contacts
Opening times
Open from mid-March to the end of November (please check on Google or on the official website). Special openings even in December and early January.
Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm).
Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).
Entry price
Official website
Guided tours
45 minute guided tours for groups of up to 15 people are available by reservation (please contact this mail address for more info).
Contacts
Start planning your holidays!
A few tips for your stay on Lake Como
Places to stay
The best deals on Booking.com
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HOW TO GET to Villa Balbianello
The unique location of Villa Balbianello allows visitors to get there only by foot (by taking an easy 1 km uphill path from Via degli Artigiani) or by a taxiboat that leaves from the Lenno beach (€8 for the roundtrip). Either way, you can reach Lenno from the other lake towns by boat or by the C10 bus.
Start of the footpath to Villa Balbianello
Places to stay near Villa Balbianello
Experiences & tours
Make your trip a unique experience!
4h tour on a Venetian Limo & visit to Villa Balbianello
4h tour on a Vaporina & visit to Villa Balbianello
4h tour on a Riva Ariston & visit to Villa Balbianello
5 hour boat tour with visit to three villas
Greenway hiking experience and Villa Balbianello
HISTORY of Villa Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello was built at the end of the 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery. In the 19th century, after the cardinal’s death, the villa became the property of Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, his grandson.
Afterward, Villa Balbianello was purchased by Marquis Giuseppe Arconati Visconti, who hosted some great intellectuals such as Alessandro Manzoni, Giovanni Berchet, and Giuseppe Giusti. Gianmartino Arconati Visconti, Giuseppe’s son, made some improvements to the villa’s gardens and loggia, but the decline of the noble family eventually led to a state of neglect.
In 1919, Villa del Balbianello was purchased by Butler Ames, an American soldier and businessman, who restored the villa to its original splendor.
Later, in 1974, his heirs gave it to the famous entrepreneur and explorer Guido Monzino. He embellished the villa with a rich collection of artifacts that he acquired during his expeditions. In 1988, Monzino died and donated Villa del Balbianello to FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano).
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This Post Has 5 Comments
- Gay Aala 2 May 2024 Reply
How I wish I can visit this amazing place one day! Sto aspettando un pò di fondi per poter viaggiare a quel posto magnifico! - Pat 16 Jul 2024 Reply
Hi! I’m wondering if the gardens are in bloom by early April? I’m planning a trip for spring 2025. Thanks so much for any information.
Thanks again,
Pat- Alessandro - Lake Como Travel 25 Jul 2024 Reply
Hi Pat, it depends on the weather conditions, which are a bit unpredictable in recent years. However, yes, by the beginning of April the gardens should have already started the blooming phase!
- Alessandro - Lake Como Travel 25 Jul 2024 Reply
- Lily 5 Sep 2024 Reply
Hi! I’m planning on going in May 2025, but can’t find available tickets for Villa balbianello, is it because they are not out yet, or are they already unavailable? My hotel offers vouchers to the garden only, is it worth anything? Sorry for all the questions, the trip is mainly for my boyfriend who’s a massive fan of star wars and it’s supposed to be a surprise. Looking forward to your response, thanks.- Alessandro - Lake Como Travel 9 Sep 2024 Reply
Good morning Lily, it is very likely that tickets for the next season have yet to go on sale, however, if you have any questions please contact the villa directly. The gardens of the mansion are gorgeous and that’s where movies like Star Wars and 007 have been filmed, so I’m sure your boyfriend will be happy about this kind of visit 🙂
- Alessandro - Lake Como Travel 9 Sep 2024 Reply