Not sure which villa to visit among Lake Como’s many pearls? Villa del Balbianello, one of the most emblematic, stands out for its elegance and cinematic history: some of the most famous romantic scenes from Star Wars and James Bond were filmed here.
We’ll guide you step by step to discover Villa Balbianello: opening times, prices, access, ferries, practical advice… everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.
Visit and tickets: Villa del Balbianello
Address and access
Villa del Balbianello, on the Lavedo peninsula, Lenno, Lake Como (Lombardy, Italy).
- On foot: from the village of Lenno, it’s a 20-minute walk to some attractive viewpoints.
- Cab boat : €6 one way and €9 return, arriving at the villa’s private pontoon.
Tickets
➡️ Book your tickets online and in advance, as the Villa is not open every day, and tickets for the current month are usually already sold out.
The interior of the villa can only be visited with an English or Italian guide (45-minute tour).
The gardens can be visited without a guide. If you’re in a hurry, we advise you to visit the gardens first.
Adults: €14 – children (6-18) €11 – under 6 free
Visiting time
- Indoor: 45 minutes
- Garden approx. 1 h
Visit Villa Balbianello
Perched on a wooded promontory on Lake Como, Villa Balbianello, an elegant 18thᵉ century house, is today managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), a foundation dedicated to the preservation of Italian heritage. Formerly a Franciscan convent, then a refined residence, it combines history, art and nature in an enchanting setting.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in a romantic atmosphere. The garden, adorned with statues and majestic cedars, and the loggia offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Locations: Star Wars and James Bond
A setting so evocative that it has been used as the backdrop for some famous film scenes!
- Star Wars(Padmé and Anakin): Episode 2 Attack of the Clones – 2002): The villa served as the filming location for the wedding between Anakin (played by Hayden Christensen) and Padmé (played by Natalie Portman).
- James Bond (Casino Royale – 2006): Villa Balbianello serves as James Bond’s private hideaway.
Villa Balbianello: our must-sees
- The terraced garden, with its timeless statues, is a haven of peace in which to stroll.
- La Loggia, a privileged vantage point over the lake, a film set and an unforgettable photo.
- The interior collections, Guido Monzino’s heritage: furniture, Murano chandeliers, rare antiques, objects from his polar expeditions, etc.
Practical tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk to the villa, and light or windproof clothing depending on the season.
- The taxi-boat is a comfortable alternative to the footpath (ticket to be purchased locally).
- Boats from other towns on the lake, Como, Varenna…
- Book your tickets and time slot online and in advance. We advise you to use the Get Your Guide booking site, which offers the possibility of cancelling tickets up to 24 hours before the date of an activity and thus obtaining a full refund.
Our opinion
La Villa del Balbianello is a destination in a class of its own, a rare combination of natural beauty, history, romance and cinema. The complete visit (interior + gardens), with preparation (reservation, timetable), is ideal for those with a passion for architecture, heritage or romantic scenarios.
It’s a must-see villa on your stay in Lake Como, rated 4.7 / 10 on Google.
Where is Villa Balbianello?
Located in Lenno, on the south-western shore of Lake Como, 15 minutes from Bellagio, close to other must-see sites such as Villa Carlotta (opposite Tremezzo) and the charming Comacina Island.
We advise you to reach the villa on foot via the slightly uphill path, as the panorama of the lake is sublime.
