Villa del Balbianello
Lenno, Italy
An 18th-century villa with terraced gardens at the tip of a wooded promontory on Lake Como. It is reached by boat taxi from Lenno or, on some days, on foot along a one-kilometre lane; there is no road access.
The Villa del Balbianello was built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery. It later belonged to the American businessman Butler Ames, who bought it in 1919, and from 1974 to the explorer Guido Monzino, who bequeathed it to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI). The foundation still looks after the estate today. The villa has served as a film location, appearing in "Casino Royale" (2006) and "Star Wars: Episode II", among others.
It stands on a promontory near Lenno on the western shore of Lake Como. From Lenno it is a walk of about 20 to 25 minutes along a path roughly one kilometre long. Alternatively, water taxis run from the Lido di Lenno directly to the villa. Visits are by guided tour. Check opening days and times on the FAI website beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Lenno, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.9657, 9.2025
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping La' VedoCampsite1 km from Villa del BalbianelloTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping La FornaceCampsite8 km from Villa del BalbianelloTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- RanocchioCampsite9 km from Villa del BalbianelloTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping ContinentalCampsite10 km from Villa del BalbianelloTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping SpiaggiaCampsite13 km from Villa del BalbianelloTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping La FasanaCampsite14 km from Villa del Balbianello · 300 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Villa del Balbianello?
Villa del Balbianello is in Lenno, Italy, at GPS 45.9657, 9.2025. It is about 7 km from Menaggio.
Can you camp near Villa del Balbianello?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping La' Vedo, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 71 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Villa del Balbianello?
Villa del Balbianello is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores.
What is there to see near Villa del Balbianello?
Places worth a stop nearby: Villa Carlotta (3 km), Bellagio (5 km), Orrido di Bellano (12 km) and Piona Abbey (20 km).
When is the best time to visit Villa del Balbianello?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)