Villa Del Balbianello
About
Villa del Balbianello, perched on the tip of a wooded peninsula in Lenno on Lake Como, is one of Italy’s most photographed destinations. Its striking 18th‑century villa, surrounded by sweeping terraced gardens that cascade into the lake, offers a romantic setting that attracted illustrious guests and legendary film productions alike. The villa was used as the scenic backdrop for the lake‑retreat scenes in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (2002) and the iconic James Bond film “Casino Royale” (2006), and it hosted the wedding of Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in 2018. Inside, a guided tour through the richly furnished rooms reveals a remarkable collection of 18th‑century French, English and Italian antiques and Oriental tapestries gathered by explorer Count Guido Monzino in the 20th century. The villa is open to the public from March through November, with guided tours available on weekends and public holidays. A short stroll along the gardens provides panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps, making it a must‑visit for history, film and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
- Terraced Gardens
- Star Wars Scene Setting
- Casino Royale Filming Location
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
March through November, when the gardens blossom and the weather is mild and the crowds are manageable before the summer peak.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes