Villa del Balbianello
A treasure chest of memories of exploits and adventures on the western shore of Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory, offering an enchanted view of Lake Como. This elegant, romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa.
Villa del Balbianello was bequeathed to FAI by Guido Monzino in 1988.
Perched on the edge of the wooded peninsula of Lavedo jutting out over the Lake Como, the Villa offers a wide panorama, which makes it one of the most spectacular estates in the area.
The construction of the building was commissioned by Cardinal Durini, a scholar and patron of the arts, who, at the end of the 18th century, saw this peaceful corner as the ideal venue for exclusive literary retreats.
Villa del Balbianello was brought back to its original vocation in modern times, when Guido Monzino, entrepreneur, collector and passionate traveler, chose it to preserve the memories of his adventures, which include being the first Italian to climb Mount Everest, with impeccable order and exquisite taste.
Maps, travel tools, books, furniture items, as well as precious and peculiar collections of ancient and primitive art objects, evoke the life and deeds of their owner: everything is still arranged according to his will, including the relics and souvenirs of his mountaineering exploits displayed in the fascinating Museum of Expeditions.
In accordance to his wishes, FAI has been managing the Villa since 1988, preserving its spirit and taking care of its magnificent garden. Trees pruned into unusual shapes, romantic views, avenues lined with statues, panoramic terraces and abundant blooms surround an ascending path leading to the 18th century Loggia Durini, which crowns the whole Balbianello complex and offers the visitors two different panoramas of the Lake.
The beauties of Villa del Balbianello, which is also accessible by water, led many Hollywood directors to pick it as the filming location for several movie series, such as Star Wars and 007.
ALERT: on Saturday May 25th the Villa will close at 5:30 pm (last guided visit at 4 pm, last entrance to the garden 4:45 pm)
The ticket entrance includes accompanied tours - in Italian and English - of the interiors of the villa for 15 people maximum. The visit can’t be booked in advance and the tour lasts 60 minutes.
Single entry is not bookable. It is possible to book a guided and private tour at a fixed time with a supplement as indicated under the voice Guided Tours.
Days of opening to the public:
from March 15th, 2019 to January 6th, 2020: opened every day except Mondays and Wednesdays (if not holydays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Last entrance to the garden 5:15 pm; last entrance to the Villa 4:30 pm according with availability
from November 1st the Villa will close at 5 pm (last entrance to the garden 4 p.m.; last entrance to the Villa 3:30 according availability)
Special openings: April 22nd, 24th and 29th; August 14th
Closed on December 25th
On foot
Villa del Balbianello is in walking distance (approximately 1 km) of Lenno, with an uphill stretch. It is a 25 minutes walk.
By water
It is possible to reach the Villa by water, using the taxiboat service provided on the Lido of Lenno.
By coach
Coach SPT C10 operates a regular service between Como and Lenno. Once arrived in Lenno, continue on foot or by taxiboat.
By train
Como Lago Railway Station. The service is operated by Trenord, for further information on the timetables see their website.
20% discount on the admission ticket for ITINERO or IOVIAGGIO card holders.
10% discount on the admission ticket for the holders of a Trenord train ticket to Como, validated on the same day of the visit.
Garden only
Standard: € 10
Reduced (age 6-18): € 5
Children aged 0-5: free
FAI members: free
National trust members and students up to 25 y: € 8 People with disabilities + 1 companion: free
Whole property
Compulsory, not bookable, 60 minute guided tours are provided in both Italian and English to groups of up to 15 people
Standard: € 20
Reduced (age 6-18): € 10
Children aged 0-5: free
FAI members: € 4National trust members and students up to 25 y: € 14
People with disabilities + 1 companion: free*
*With the exception of special events taking place, in which case only the price of the admission ticket to the event will be charged. All prices may vary during certain events (e.g. exhibitions).
Photoshoots (e.g. weddings) are subject to fees and must be reserved in advance: for further information please contact m.sormani@fondoambiente.it
60 minute guided tours for groups of up to 15 people are available by reservation. The cost of a guided tour is € 60 per group plus the cost of the admission tickets
The cost of guided tours for school groups of up to 12 students is € 10 per student.
Reservation is required. For reservations and further information, contact faibalbianello@fondoambiente.it
All the purchases made in our bookshops help to support FAI’s mission
Comfortable shoes are recommended
People with disabilities have free access to FAI properties.
Unfortunately, the property is not yet fully equipped to meet the needs of people with motor disabilities. Please contact the Villa for more detailed information.
Choose Villa del Balbianello as a venue for your events!
Villa del Balbianello, an elegant and romantic mansion on the Lake Como The beautiful spaces of the Villa overlooking the Lake are a sophisticated and unique location for exclusive receptions (civil or symbolic wedding ceremonies, aperitivi, dinners for up to 150 guests, business meetings, incentives) as well as professional filming and commercial photography. Villa del Balbianello, with its spectacular garden, appeared in a great number of films and commercials and had so many movie stars among its guests. Photo shoots (e.g. weddings) are subject to fees and the location must me reserved in advance: locationbalbianello@fondoambiente.it Choose a FAI property as a location for your event and support the conservation and protection of the Italian landscape.
For further information: Villa del Balbianello Telephone: 034456110 m.sormani@fondoambiente.it
Area
60 SqM
Capacity
Weddings: 80-100 guests
Area
240 SqM
Capacity
Dinners: 150 guests
Area
90 SqM, 170 SqM including the external area
Capacity
Dinners: 75 guests, 120 including the external area
Area
80 SqM
Capacity
Buffets, cocktails, aperitivi: 100 guests
