Lake Como is known throughout the world for its breathtaking landscapes and luxurious historic villas scattered along its shores. Villa Balbianello is one of the most famous and recognizable, not least thanks to Hollywood directors who have been unable to resist its beauty.
Villa Balbianello: A Bit of History
The picturesque villa emerged at the end of the 18th century thanks to Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who had originally planned to purchase the island of Comacina about one and a half kilometers to the west, but could not agree on a price. As a result, the country residence had to be built at the very edge of the Doso d’Avedo peninsula, right on the ruins of a medieval Franciscan monastery, of which the church façade and two bell towers still survive.
Later, the villa changed owners several times and was even abandoned for as many as 30 years, until in 1919 it was purchased by Butler Ames, the son of Edelbert Ames, an American general from the Civil War era. The new owner thoroughly restored the dilapidated villa and tidied up the park.
In 1974 the ownership changed once more, and it was acquired by Guido Monzino, the famous explorer and mountaineer who led the first Italian expedition to Everest. He bequeathed Villa Balbianello to the National Trust of Italy (FAI), to which it still belongs today. The villa consistently tops the list of the Trust’s most visited sites. In 2022, over 150,000 people visited, breaking the previous record set in 2019.
Territory
All visitors arriving by boat are greeted by a Latin inscription engraved on the floor of the portico leading to the dock: Fay ce que voudras (“Do what you will”), which was placed here by its first owner, Cardinal Durini.
The Villa Balbianello complex consists of the villa itself, the Durini loggia, a church, a park-garden, a portico, and a small dock.
The interiors of the villa are imbued with the spirit of adventure and can tell much about its last owner, Guido Monzino. True to the nature of an explorer, he brought back numerous trophies from his expeditions and assembled a large collection of ethnic artifacts and artworks from various cultures. Antique English and French furniture from the 17th–18th centuries also made its way here thanks to Monzino.
The upper floor of the villa serves as a museum entirely dedicated to the famous explorer. Here you will find numerous photographs, awards, and memorabilia of Monzino, including one of the eight sleds he used to reach the North Pole.
The building of the loggia houses the former music salon, which the last owner transformed into an office, and a library boasting over four thousand volumes dedicated to expeditions and mountaineering.
After the assassination of Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades in 1978, Monzino began to worry about his own safety and connected all the buildings of the villa with secret passages.
The villa’s particular pride is, of course, its luxurious panoramic garden-park, which cascades down to the water in terraces. Although the park’s area is relatively small, it offers a rich variety. Green lawns bordered by boxwood and laurel hedges, wisteria, plane trees, cypresses, azalea and rhododendron shrubs – all form a picturesque, evergreen backdrop for the villa. Special attention is drawn to the huge umbrella oak, which is regularly pruned by gardener–alpinists using genuine mountaineering gear.
Do not confuse Villa Balbianello with Villa Balbiano, which is located nearby. Balbiano was built first and also belonged to Cardinal Durini. It is larger in size, so the cardinal’s second villa was named Balbianello.
Villa Balbianello in Film
Camera, Motor!
George Lucas had an enormous budget and the entire world at his disposal to show us the beautiful planet Naboo, and he chose Lake Como and Villa Balbianello without hesitation.
The famous kiss between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala took place right here, on the villa’s terrace overlooking Lake Como. The only thing Lucas changed was the villa itself. In the film, we see buildings enhanced with computer graphics, but the dock, where the boat carrying the heroes arrives, is the real dock of Villa Balbianello.
It was also here that the secret wedding scene of Anakin and Padmé, which concluded “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” was filmed.
Four years later, the filming crew of “Casino Royale,” the 21st James Bond film, arrived at Lake Como to shoot another love scene in the villa’s garden – a conversation between Daniel Craig’s and Eva Green’s characters.
Other films shot at Villa Balbianello:
- “Piccolo mondo antico” (1941)
- “La Chartreuse de Parme” (1947)
- “Jackpot” (1992)
- “A Month by the Lake” (1995)
Marriage Proposal on a Romantic Villa from “Star Wars”
Say SI / YES! at Villa Balbianello
Marriage Proposal, January 6, 2023, Photographer: Hanna Baranava, Organized by WOWITALY
You and your partner stroll through one of the most beautiful and famous villas on Lake Como. On the terrace, a photographer approaches your charming couple and suggests taking a few shots – you look so natural together against the backdrop of these stunning views.
“Why not?” you decide. The bride poses for the photographer. While she is busy, you are ready to surprise her. At that moment, when she turns towards you, she sees her knight – kneeling, with a ring in his hand and a single question on his lips… Yes, it’s your surprise for her!
And you hear her heartfelt SI / YES!
You present her with flowers and continue your photo walk now as a bride and groom.
The cost for a marriage proposal at Villa Balbianello – starting from 1,500 euros.
The price includes:
- Organization of the marriage proposal at Villa Balbianello (rental fee and all duties),
- Permission for a photoshoot at Villa Balbianello during its operating hours,
- Photographer’s services for 2 hours,
- A bouquet for the future bride,
- Services of a Russian-speaking organizer who will be in constant contact with you,
- Transportation to the villa is available only by private boat. Cost – from 600 euros.
Wedding Ceremony at Villa Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is one of the most popular venues for weddings and marriage proposals at Lake Como. In just the first 9 months of 2022, over 200 marriages and proposals have taken place here.
Whether you are a fan of “Star Wars” or the 007 saga, a wedding at Villa Balbianello is an experience you both will never forget. We take care of all the organizational details, leaving you free to enjoy each other, the magnificent views of Lake Como, and to keep smiling at the photographer.
Our stunning couple: Evgeniya Chernobaeva & Ilia Abrosimov
Villa Balbianello: How to Get There
Address: Via Guido Monzino 1, Tremezzina
It takes about 25 minutes to reach the villa on foot from the town of Lenno, which is about one kilometer away. If you are traveling by car – the nearest parking, Parcheggio Mercato, is located on Via degli Artigiani.
And you can also, just like the heroes of “Star Wars,” arrive at the villa by boat using the water taxi service.
Opening Hours
10:00 to 18:00. Last entry at 17:00. The villa is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Our stunning couple: Evgeniya Chernobaeva & Ilia Abrosimov
Photographer: Anna Linnik
Video: Movie in white
Organization WowItaly
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