Villa del Balbianello: the most well-known villa of Lake Como

Villa del Balbianello was built during the end of the 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini’s wish on the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery, whose facade is nowadays visible. It has many owners to the last one, the count Guido Monzino, who restored it and enriched with his collections. After his death, the Villa was transferred, on owner’s willingness, to FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano.

Villa Balbaniello welcomes its guests by a motto engraved into the floor of the portico saying “Fay ce que voudras” (“Do what you want”), a perfect description of the spirit of this wonderful place.
The complex is constituted by the Villa, the Loggia, the Library, the Sala dei Primitivi, the Museo delle spedizioni and the garden-park.
The Sala dei Primitivi  hosts a rich collection of Chinese, African and pre-Columbian art, alongside 18th-century English and French furniture, while instead the Museo delle spedizioni collects memorabilia of Monzino’s expedition to Everest and the North Pole, among which the sleigh.
From the Loggia you can admire breath taking views on Lake Como.

Villa del Balbianello is so elegant also thanks to its terraced gardens, where you can walk along its paths, surrounded by statues, wisterias and great plane trees pruned as big candlesticks. You can also stand in its lush gardens with hedges of box and laurel, and see in its park holm oaks, magnolias, cypresses, plus bushes of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Cover’s image: Ph. Roberto Valsecchi

Villa del Balbianello as film set

Villa Balbianello has been the set for many films, among which:

• Piccolo mondo antico by Mario Soldati (1940)
• La Certosa di Parma by Christian-Jaque (1947)
• Jackpot by Mario Orfini (1992)
• Un mese al lago by John Irvin (1995)
• the second episode of Star Wars saga (2002)
• Casinò Royale by Martin Campbell with the charming James Bond.

Villa del Balbianello: Opening Hours and Admission Fees

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and visiting arrangements, we recommend checking the official website directly. This way, you can verify any changes, special events, or updates before your visit.

Visit the official website >

Buy tickets online >

Dogs allowed

Dogs are welcome in all FAI goods.
Please held your dog with leash while you’re walking in the garden, inside only guide or small dogs to be kept in your arms or into the proper special pet carrier.

How to get to Villa del Balbianello

• On foot
  Villa del Balbianello is in walking distance (approximately 1 km) of Lenno, with an uphill stretch. It is a 25 minutes walk.
• By water
  It is possible to reach the Villa by water, using the taxiboat service provided on the Lido of Lenno.
• By coach
  Coach SPT C10 operates a regular service between Como and Lenno. Once arrived in Lenno, continue on foot or by taxiboat.
• By train
  Como Lago Railway Station. The service is operated by Trenord, for further information on the timetables see their website.

Villa del Balbianello: where is it?

Address: Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzina CO