A delightful Villa situated precipitously above the lake.
It is famous for many things, most recently as a film location for Starwars and 007.
The splendid Villa del Balbianello rises up on a breathtaking sheer promontory above Lake Como. It was built by Cardinal Durini starting in 1787, as a place where one could study and discuss literature and the arts.
At the end of the 18th century, the main access route to the Villa was a steep staircase leading up from the lake. Guests were welcomed by a motto engraved into the floor of the portico that looks out over the marina: “Fay
I suggest taking one of the English guided tours that will start at the loggia, where you will see to the north the breathtaking views of the central heart of Lake Como and to the south Isola Comacina. It is said that it was in the rooms located on the two sides of the gallery (the Library and the Music Room, now used as the Map Room) that Giuseppe Parini composed his ode “La Gratitudine”, which he dedicated to Cardinal Durini.
The interiors of the Villa now represent the style choices made in the 1970s by the last owner, Milanese entrepreneur and explorer Guido Monzino. The rooms play host to a rich collection of Chinese, African and pre-Columbian art, alongside 18th-century English and French furniture. There is also a small museum housing documents and memorabilia from Monzino’s expeditions.
The true pride and joy of the Villa is the panoramic terraced garden, which is dominated by the elegant loggia. The garden is a bona fide masterpiece, in which every element relates to the lake, its shores, and mesmerizing waters.
Opening hours
From mid-March to med-November the Villa is open from 10 am – 6 pm (last entry allowed at 5:15 pm all days except Monday and Wednesday. Check the website for winter hours: Villa del Balbianello
Ticket Price
Garden only
Standard: € 10
Reduced (age 6-18): € 5
Children aged 0-5: free
FAI members: free
National
Whole property
Compulsory, not bookable, 60 minute guided tours are provided in both Italian and English to groups of up to 15 people
Standard: € 20
Reduced (age 6-18): € 10
Children aged 0-5: free
FAI members: € 4National trust members and students up to 25 y: € 14
People with disabilities + 1 companion: free*
*With the exception of special events taking place, in which case only the price of the admission ticket to the event will be charged. All prices may vary during certain events (e.g. exhibitions).
Photoshoots (e.g. weddings) are subject to fees and must be reserved in advance: for further information please contact m.sormani@fondoambiente.it
Guided Tours
60 minute guided tours for groups of up to 15 people are available by reservation. The cost of a guided tour is € 60 per group plus the cost of the admission tickets
The cost of guided tours for school groups of up to 12 students is € 10 per student.
Reservation is required. For reservations and further information,
Take the Ferry Boat to Lenno, stop at La Fabbrica del Gelato and then take the shuttle boat service from Lido di Lenno (7 Euros) or walk over the hill.
This is the most expensive, yet easiest and elegant way to arrive. Some services also offer tours of Central Lake with stop at Villa. Take a look at our Taxi Boat page to contact them for quotes.
Walk the Greenway and make the Villa a stop. Make sure to start from the furthest destination and work your way back to the Central Lake.
More information at the Villa Balbianello website.