Villa del Balbianello

The Villa del Balbianello stands in one of the most enchanting locations on Lake Como, at the end of the Dosso d'Avedo promontory, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This historic mansion was founded in the late 18th century at the behest of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, a man of letters and patron of the period, as a place of retreat, delight and cultural recreation.

The villa appears as an elegant and refined complex, surrounded by a striking garden, rich in ornamental plants and organized on multiple levels that embrace the characteristic shape of the land. The garden itself is famous for its bold pruning and romantic views. One of its distinguishing features is the Loggia Durini, an 18th-century pavilion with an elegant arched structure, from which a unique view of the lake can be enjoyed.

The main body of the villa has an imposing three-story facade, flanked by a lower wing facing the lake, which originally included the small church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The interiors are rich in relics and evidence of a noble past and adventurous travels. In fact, they preserve the display desired by the last owner, Count Guido Monzino, a well-known entrepreneur, collector and explorer.

Monzino enriched the villa with English and French furnishings of the time and collected there objects related to his many expeditions, including those to the North Pole and Everest, as well as art collections and an extensive library. After his death in 1988, he left the Villa del Balbianello to the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI), which still manages and opens it to the public.

Because of its stunning beauty and timeless charm, the villa has also been chosen as a location for some film productions, including famous movies such as episodes of "Star Wars" and "James Bond."

The Villa del Balbianello is partially accessible to visitors with disabilities and can be reached by land from Lenno via a path of about 1 km or by lake with a Taxi Boat service. The villa is open to visitors for much of the year, with hours varying according to the season.
It is a place steeped in history, art, and adventure that continues to inspire and fascinate residents and visitors from all over the world.