Italy in Photos

Via Balbianello, 22016 Tremezzina, Italy (April 2019)

Villa del Balbianello

The Villa del Balbianello in Lenno is one of the most enchanting and celebrated villas on Lake Como, admired for its elegance, its spectacular gardens, and its breath-taking position overlooking the lake. Situated on the tip of the wooded Dosso di Lavedo peninsula, the villa appears as though it rises directly from the waters, offering one of the most iconic views of the entire region. Its beauty has captivated travellers for centuries and continues to attract visitors from all over the world, making it a cultural and natural treasure of Lombardy.

The origins of Villa del Balbianello date back to the late eighteenth century. It was commissioned in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who transformed a former Franciscan monastery into a refined residence. Durini envisioned the villa as a place of retreat, leisure, and intellectual life, hosting gatherings of poets, writers, and artists. The combination of its idyllic setting and elegant architecture made it an ideal place for inspiration and reflection. Over the centuries, the villa passed through different hands, each owner contributing to its preservation and embellishment.

One of the most important chapters in the villa’s history came in the twentieth century, when it was acquired by Guido Monzino, a wealthy entrepreneur and passionate explorer. Monzino filled the villa with an extraordinary collection of art, books, and memorabilia from his travels, including artifacts from his 1973 expedition to Mount Everest. Upon his death in 1988, Monzino bequeathed the villa and its grounds to the Italian National Trust (FAI), ensuring its preservation and opening it to the public.

The gardens of Villa del Balbianello are perhaps its most striking feature. Manicured terraces, ancient trees, and vibrant flowerbeds are arranged with great care, offering ever-changing perspectives of the lake and surrounding mountains. Sculptures and statues punctuate the pathways, while the villa’s loggias and balconies frame unforgettable views. The garden design creates a perfect balance between nature and art, which has inspired countless painters, writers, and filmmakers.

Indeed, Villa del Balbianello has also gained international fame as a filming location. Its timeless beauty has been featured in movies such as Star Wars: Episode II , Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale, further cementing its reputation as one of the most romantic and cinematic places in Italy.

Today, the villa stands as a symbol of harmony between architecture and landscape, history and modernity. Whether admired from the lake or explored through its halls and gardens, Villa del Balbianello offers visitors an experience of extraordinary beauty and cultural richness.