Not sure which villa to visit on Lake Como? The Villa del Balbianello is one of the lake’s most iconic villas. Perched at the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula, it combines terraced gardens, views of the water, history, and movie locations. Several romantic scenes from *Star Wars* and *Casino Royale* were filmed there.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Villa del Balbianello: 2026 hours and admission prices, the difference between a ticket for the park and a tour of the villa, reservations, how to get there on foot or by boat, and practical tips.
Practical information
Everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Villa del Balbianello, Via Guido Monzino 1, Lenno, 22016 Tremezzina, on the Lavedo Peninsula on the shores of Lake Como.
- Short walking route: about 1 km from Lenno, uphill and partly on gravel. Allow about 25 minutes.
- Hiking trail: approximately 2.5 km and 45 minutes. This longer route is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility.
- Taxi boat: a paid service operated independently of the FAI; available by reservation only; drops off at the villa’s dock.
- Public boat: Travel to Lenno from other towns around the lake, such as Como or Varenna. Our guide to taking the boat on Lake Como will help you plan your trip.
- By car: The Mercato parking lot on Via Comoedia in Lenno is the closest parking lot to the trailhead.
Reservations are required. There are two ticket options: the park-only ticket, which you can book online, and the villa-and-park package.
Visite libre
Parc et jardins
15 € par adulte
- Jardins, terrasses et loggia
- 11 € en tarif réduit
- 42 € pour le billet famille
Visite complète
Villa et parc
25 € par adulte
- Intérieur avec guide + parc
- 17 € en tarif réduit
- 66 € pour le billet famille
Tarifs FAI 2026. Entrée gratuite pour les moins de 6 ans. Le prix proposé par la plateforme de réservation peut varier selon la date et l’option choisie. La visite intérieure dure environ 50 minutes et se déroule en italien ou en anglais.
One of the main benefits of booking your ticket on GetYourGuide is that you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Jours d’ouverture en hiver
Vérifiez toujours le jour et l’horaire choisis au moment de réserver. Gardez une marge si votre visite intérieure commence après votre arrivée.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the villa and bring a light jacket or windbreaker, depending on the season.
- The villa and grounds are only partially accessible to people with limited mobility. If you are using a wheelchair or stroller, please contact the on-site staff before booking so they can help plan your route. Baby carriers are available to borrow free of charge, and the staff will let you know where to leave your strollers.
- There is no luggage storage facility. The FAI recommends that you come without luggage. If necessary, luggage may only be left outside the ticket office, in an unattended area.
- There is no café on the estate. However, the shop sells water, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks.
Where to sleep on Lake Como?
Lake Como is a convenient base for exploring the area around the lake. Check out our detailed tips on where to stay at Lake Como based on your itinerary.
Still in Como, if you’re looking for luxury accommodations with a jacuzzi, be sure to check the availability at the Bello!Lake Como Suites.
Visit the Villa del Balbianello
Perched on a wooded promontory overlooking Lake Como, the Villa del Balbianello is now managed by the FAI, the Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, a foundation dedicated to the preservation of Italy’s cultural heritage.
Its history dates back tothe 13th century, when a Franciscan convent stood on the peninsula. In the late18th century, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini transformed the site into an elegant residence and had the famous loggia overlooking the lake built.
In 1974, explorer Guido Monzino purchased the villa and used it to house his travel mementos, maps, books, works of art, and artifacts related to his expeditions. Notably, he led the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest in 1973. Upon his death in 1988, he bequeathed the estate to the FAI.
As soon as you arrive, the atmosphere becomes particularly romantic. The manicured gardens, statues, pruned trees, and loggia offer a series of vantage points overlooking the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Villa del Balbianello in Movies: Star Wars and James Bond
A setting so evocative that it has served as the backdrop for several famous movie scenes.
- Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones (2002): The villa depicts a residence on Naboo. Its gardens and loggia serve as the setting for the secret wedding of Anakin, played by Hayden Christensen, and Padmé, played by Natalie Portman.
- Casino Royale (2006): The Villa del Balbianello is shown as the place where James Bond recovers alongside Vesper after his captivity.
Villa del Balbianello: Our Must-Sees
- The terraced garden, accessible with both types of tickets, features statues, pruned trees, and viewpoints overlooking the lake.
- The loggia, which is also included in the park tour, connects the two parts of the villa and offers one of the estate’s most famous views.
- Guido Monzino’s indoor collections—accessible only with a villa and park ticket and during a guided tour—feature travel souvenirs, maps, books, works of art, and artifacts related to his expeditions.
Our opinion
The Villa del Balbianello is a destination like no other, where natural beauty, history, romance, and cinema converge. The full tour, including the interior and gardens, is particularly suited for architecture and heritage enthusiasts, as well as anyone curious to discover the world of Guido Monzino.
This villa is a must-see during your stay on Lake Como. If you’re on a tight schedule, exploring the park and the loggia will give you a wonderful glimpse of the estate.
Where is the Villa del Balbianello located?
The villa is located in Lenno, in the municipality of Tremezzina, on the western shore of Lake Como. It faces the shore of Bellagio, but the travel time varies depending on the boat service you choose. Villa Carlotta is located in Tremezzo, and Comacina Island is very close by.
We recommend walking to the villa along the path, which climbs slightly—the view of the lake is breathtaking.
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