Villa del Balbianello
Via Comoedia 1, Tremezzina, Como, 22016
The high green mountains rise around Villa del Balbianello, reflected in the deep, sky-blue waters of Lake Como. This elegant property is quintessential Italian luxury—its manicured gardens, ivy-twined balustrades, and well-preserved interior speak to its history as a retreat for nobility, politicians, and artists. If its distinctive red-tiled roofs and waterview patios look familiar, it's because it’s been used as a location in several major films since the National Trust of Italy took it over.
The Basics
The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery, but by the early 20th century the buildings and grounds had fallen into a state of neglect. American businessman Butler Ames bought and refurbished the villa in 1919, creating the elaborate terraced gardens that you can see today. In 1974 Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino purchased the villa and decorated it with collections of Chinese and African art, French furniture, and other artifacts from his expeditions before leaving the estate to the FAI (Italy’s National Trust) upon his death in 1988.
By far the best way to appreciate the estate is by taking a guided tour that offers insights into the history of the villa and explores both the impressive interiors and the extensive gardens. Consider opting for a private tour that combines Villa del Balbianello with visits to Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta, also on the shores of Lake Como.
Things to Know Before You Go
Villa del Balbianello and its beautiful grounds are especially interesting for avid gardeners and photographers.
If you are joining a tour of Lake Como’s villas, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Parts of the villa and gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, but many tours include access on foot and by taxi boat, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or a wheelchair.
How to Get There
The most scenic way to approach Villa del Balbianello is on foot from Lenno, a 25-minute walk with excellent views of the lake as well as over the towns of Tremezzo and Lenno. You can also take a small-group boat tour or water taxi from Lenno, Varenna, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, or one of the other towns along the lake shore.
When to Get There
Villa del Balbianello is open on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, as the gardens are verdant and can be enjoyed without the summer crowds.
Villa del Balbianello and Hollywood
This dramatic villa has been used as a location for a number of movies, includingStar Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and the James Bond filmCasino Royale.
How much does it cost to visit Villa del Balbianello?
Visitors to Villa del Balbianello can choose between different experiences and costs. Explore the garden only for €11 for adults and €6 for children. To enter the villa, choose the ticket with a villa tour and garden access for €22 for adults and €12 for children.
How long is the tour at Villa del Balbianello?
A guided tour inside Villa del Balbianello lasts about 45 minutes. Some visitors purchase a ticket that includes a tour of the villa’s interior plus access to the outdoor gardens, while others choose a ticket that only offers access to the gardens, where you can explore at your own pace.
Is Villa del Balbianello worth it?
Yes, Villa del Balbianello is worth a visit. Overlooking Lake Como, this 18th-century mansion offers gorgeous water views, an exceptional garden, and interior tours to see its art collection and original furnishings. The villa offers a glimpse into a decadent period of history in Italy’s Lake Como.
What is the best time of day to visit Villa del Balbianello?
The best time to visit Villa del Balbianello is in the morning. At this time of day, views are beautiful, and crowds are less than you might experience later in the afternoon. While tours of the villa are always limited to 10 people, a morning visit will offer a quiet experience in the gardens.
How do you get to Villa del Balbianello?
There are two ways to get to Villa del Balbianello: on foot and by taxi-boat. Reaching the villa directly by car, bus, or public transportation is impossible. Visitors either walk about 25 minutes from Lenno or utilize a taxi-boat service to arrive by a scenic boat ride on Lake Como.
What movies were filmed at Villa Balbianello?
Many movies were filmed at Villa Balbianello on Lake Como, including the James Bond film Casino Royale. Other movies include Star Wars Episode II and A Month at the Lake. Views of Lake Como from Villa Balbianello have been a favorite of film directors during recent decades.
Ways to explore
Bequeathed to the National Trust of Italy, the villa and its grounds are open to the public to explore. Boat tours of Lake Como also often include a stop in front of the villa to admire it from the water, offering a different angle of the stunning property. Tickets to the villa must be reserved in advance and purchased online, with the option to tour only the gardens or include the interior (if you opt for the interior and garden ticket, you’ll receive a guided tour of the villa’s interiors). Make sure you arrive at the specified time on your ticket.
Accessibility
The villa and gardens are partly accessible—the gardens have gravel-covered paths with slopes, while access to the villa is through a raised doorway. Inside, the villa has a lift accessing three of the sixth floors, and guide dogs are welcome. Contact the property in advance to arrange transport to the villa, as there is no on-site parking.
Age limits
Children and students receive reduced entry tickets. Children under 6 enter for free.
What to pack
Camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, credit card, water, snacks
What to wear
You can dress up a bit to visit the gorgeous villa, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the garden and walking to the property.
Not allowed
Strollers within the villa, professional photoshoots without bookings, dogs off-leash in the garden or within the villa.
Amenities
Bookshop (drinks and snacks are available for purchase), bathrooms
Address
Located outside the small village of Lenno, the villa has no on-site parking and can only be reached on foot or by water taxi. The scenic hike includes some steeper sections—wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
Driving
Lenno is a 40-minute drive north of the larger town of Como—the waterfront SS340 road circles the lake, and you can continue straight until Via Comoedia. Take a right turn, and continue to the parking lot. From there, follow the signage to the villa, which is about a 1-mile (1.5 kilometers) walk.
Public transportation
Water taxis from Lenno (departing from a dock at the south end of Via Guido Delmati) offer a more leisurely option than walking; however, you can't book them in advance, and you may have to wait.
Best times to visit
Aim for an early visit, before parking fills up, and the sun gets too hot to enjoy the walk to the villa.
Best days to visit
It's closed on Mondays and Wednesdays; visit on any other weekday to ensure places in Lenno are open for a meal afterward.
Best months to visit
The property has limited access in winter and spring; try for April or September—you'll skip the peak summer season with its heat and crowds.
Special events
The property offers several private tour options and events—horticulture enthusiasts should look into the tours available in January and February, when the topiaries are trimmed and the gardens are shown off.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!