Villa del Balbianello

Perched on the green promontory of Lavedo, Villa del Balbianello overlooks Lake Como, embodying a rare harmony between history and landscape. It developed from a medieval hermitage to Cardinal Durini’s 18th-century salon; from the setting for the Risorgimento passions of the Porro Lambertenghi and Arconati Visconti families to the cosmopolitan vision of Guido Monzino – executive, explorer and collector. Each era has left a recognisable mark, still noticeable in the rooms, amidst historic furnishings, travel maps and art collections from diverse cultures around the world. The garden, tended with meticulous care, offers paths through belvederes and terraces that open onto sweeping views, in the shade of expertly pruned plane trees, capable of enchanting travellers, writers and filmmakers (it was the set for scenes of Star Wars and Casino Royale). In retracing the history of the villa and its protagonists, this guide aims to serve as an essential resource to help visitors appreciate the cultural value of one of the most iconic sites on Lake Como.