Villa Del Balbianello
Villa Del Balbianello
4.8
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This magnificent villa is known for its beautiful architecture, picturesque gardens, mesmerizing views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, and for being the filming location of blockbusters like 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' and 'Casino Royale'. You can take a guided tour of the villa's lavish interiors, where you’ll also be able to view artworks and artifacts collected by explorer and former owner Guido Monzino. The villa is only open to the public from March through to November, so it can get pretty busy—book your tickets early to secure your slot and get there in the morning for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
3,558 reviews
Excellent
2,894
Very good
540
Average
78
Poor
24
Terrible
23
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Sabrina_Alfredo
Padua, Italy202 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The garden of this villa is beautiful, we saw the interiors on a guided tour and they are really interesting. The ticket is a bit expensive but we paid €5 because we have an FAI card. It is difficult to find parking (we recommend the car park in Via Diaz, not very close but less frequented than the one under the villa) and we advise you to book entry.
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilena73
Cavallermaggiore, Italy70 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We recommend a complete guided tour of the Indoor Villa + Gardens (perhaps by making the Fai card first which allows the price reduction from 24 euros to 5 euros). Very difficult to find availability on the online site, so either you leave well in advance or you try at the ticket office on site. Visits every 15 minutes from 10 am, in various languages. We chose to arrive by 9 am so as to take the free parking (there are only about twenty) arranged before the path that leads to the ticket office. Comfortable shoes are recommended because it takes about 20/30 minutes of walking on an asphalt road but sometimes uphill in the middle of the hill, but doable calmly by everyone!! Great visit and very good Guide in the presentation!! Beautiful and well maintained gardens, but worth much more the visit inside the Villa. Overall duration of the Villa+gardens visit: about an hour and a half/2 hours. Great views for photos!!
Automatically translated
Written September 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael T
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Take the C10 bus from outside Como train station and pay by card on the bus €6 return ticket each. Get off at Lenno Campo and walk up to the villa in 20 minutes. Buy villa tickets online a week before to avoid all queues. Take the water taxi from the little villa pier back to Lenno centre. €6 each and pay by card on board. A taxi quoted us €100 each way! Great places for lunch by the sea and then walk up the little path opposite the water taxi stop to the street to jump back on the C10 bus to return to Como town or train station. Much easier than expected! Villa is an absolute must visit!
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WitchyYork
Strensall, UK1,435 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Amazing villa with the most spectacular views everywhere you look.
We booked online before our holiday and as members of the British National Trust, we got a discount of €6 each. Just make sure you take your card with you.
Parking can be challenging in the summer, we parked at Via Armando Diaz across from the cemetery where it’s free parking. This is a 30-40 min walk from there, in total, to the Villa gates where you get your timed entry for your guide. Part of this walk is the 25 min uphill walk from the ticket entrance. We saw a queue of people waiting to be admitted at the ticket entrance, so book ahead and buy online to bypass this.
When you’ve reached the Villa gates you are given an entry time to tour the house with your guide, where you meet on the gravel between the loggia and the main house.
The house is left just how it was when it was given to the FAI (Italian National Trust) and is fantastic. Our guide Annalisa was brilliant, so interesting and informative.
The grounds contain the movie locations of James Bond Casino Royale and Star Wars Attack of the Clones, which whilst fun to find are bustling with people trying to get the perfect photo.
We booked online before our holiday and as members of the British National Trust, we got a discount of €6 each. Just make sure you take your card with you.
Parking can be challenging in the summer, we parked at Via Armando Diaz across from the cemetery where it’s free parking. This is a 30-40 min walk from there, in total, to the Villa gates where you get your timed entry for your guide. Part of this walk is the 25 min uphill walk from the ticket entrance. We saw a queue of people waiting to be admitted at the ticket entrance, so book ahead and buy online to bypass this.
When you’ve reached the Villa gates you are given an entry time to tour the house with your guide, where you meet on the gravel between the loggia and the main house.
The house is left just how it was when it was given to the FAI (Italian National Trust) and is fantastic. Our guide Annalisa was brilliant, so interesting and informative.
The grounds contain the movie locations of James Bond Casino Royale and Star Wars Attack of the Clones, which whilst fun to find are bustling with people trying to get the perfect photo.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nina2121
San Antonio, TX16 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Gorgeous Villa, outstanding gardens and interesting tour. A few important logistical notes:
1. Buy your ticket online in advance. This will save valuable time by not standing in line. Try to book a minimum of a week or two ahead of time. If you want to see the inside of the villa, book way in advance. You might get lucky and get a tour at the window when you arrive (we did!).
2. It is critical to wear comfortable shoes. The villa is a 20-25 minute walk from l where the ferry drops off in Lenno. Much of it is uphill. It is a nice stroll but wouldn’t be if not wearing the right shoes.
3. There is a pier at the back of the villa where private tours can drop you. Wish I’d done this! You can also get a ride on a water taxi back BUT the line may be long. I think they take about 12 people every 20 minutes. I believe it cost 6 Euro one way per person and you pay on board. We ended up walking back (again, wear good shoes!) just to make sure we caught the departing ferry on time.
It is a gorgeous and special experience, especially if you are prepared with good shoes, water, and sun protection. And maybe a snack or two :)
1. Buy your ticket online in advance. This will save valuable time by not standing in line. Try to book a minimum of a week or two ahead of time. If you want to see the inside of the villa, book way in advance. You might get lucky and get a tour at the window when you arrive (we did!).
2. It is critical to wear comfortable shoes. The villa is a 20-25 minute walk from l where the ferry drops off in Lenno. Much of it is uphill. It is a nice stroll but wouldn’t be if not wearing the right shoes.
3. There is a pier at the back of the villa where private tours can drop you. Wish I’d done this! You can also get a ride on a water taxi back BUT the line may be long. I think they take about 12 people every 20 minutes. I believe it cost 6 Euro one way per person and you pay on board. We ended up walking back (again, wear good shoes!) just to make sure we caught the departing ferry on time.
It is a gorgeous and special experience, especially if you are prepared with good shoes, water, and sun protection. And maybe a snack or two :)
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,860 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
The photos, the movies, the raving reviews. We knew we had to come when we planned our vacation to visit Lake Como. This review will focus a bit more on the logistics to help with some of the questions we had when we were planning.
Be sure to book online to tour the inside of the villa itself. We booked months out, nonrefundable, for 2:15 pm. This allowed leisurely time to travel from Bellagio to Lenno. Visit Lenno town, have a nice lunch lake side. Then we took the water taxi to go across the lake. This offered us a magnificent view of the villa, and great photo opportunity.
We arrived earlier than the 2:15 pm as they allow you to explore the gardens. At the gate, they check your names and told you the villa tour meeting spot. The grounds of the villa is simply beautiful. We especially enjoyed the terraces that looked out to the lake. If you have patience, you can actually wait and get photographs without crowds. People were very kind and courteous.
The last owner, Guido Monzino, kept a lot of his exploration memorabilia in the villa. He was also an avid collector of many amazing artifacts. Some thousands of years old. We found the secret passage and trap doors fascinating. We feel it is definitely worth the cost and effort to get the interior tour. The umbrella trees were so unique, they were admired by many.
We found the grounds to be very clean and well maintained. There were bathroom facilities for use and they were clean. There is a bit of "up and down" to walk this property. Be sure to wear good footwear.
In the end, we chose to walk back to Lenno town, as it was mostly down hill. About 30 minutes or so, leisurely and mostly in the shade. Note the ferry back to Bellagio did not run too late, so plan accordingly.
Be sure to book online to tour the inside of the villa itself. We booked months out, nonrefundable, for 2:15 pm. This allowed leisurely time to travel from Bellagio to Lenno. Visit Lenno town, have a nice lunch lake side. Then we took the water taxi to go across the lake. This offered us a magnificent view of the villa, and great photo opportunity.
We arrived earlier than the 2:15 pm as they allow you to explore the gardens. At the gate, they check your names and told you the villa tour meeting spot. The grounds of the villa is simply beautiful. We especially enjoyed the terraces that looked out to the lake. If you have patience, you can actually wait and get photographs without crowds. People were very kind and courteous.
The last owner, Guido Monzino, kept a lot of his exploration memorabilia in the villa. He was also an avid collector of many amazing artifacts. Some thousands of years old. We found the secret passage and trap doors fascinating. We feel it is definitely worth the cost and effort to get the interior tour. The umbrella trees were so unique, they were admired by many.
We found the grounds to be very clean and well maintained. There were bathroom facilities for use and they were clean. There is a bit of "up and down" to walk this property. Be sure to wear good footwear.
In the end, we chose to walk back to Lenno town, as it was mostly down hill. About 30 minutes or so, leisurely and mostly in the shade. Note the ferry back to Bellagio did not run too late, so plan accordingly.
Written July 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dapper777
Monaco69,077 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We loved it.
It is an absolute "must" for connoisseurs and garden lovers!
Originally it was a monastery, then, after being partially abandoned for decades, this villa was restored and inhabited again at the end of the First World War.
There is a museum in the buildings with objects and furnishings brought by one of the former owners.
There is also an extraordinary collection of Arctic maps, some of which were used for 19th-century expeditions.
The last owner died in 1988 and bequeathed the villa to a private Italian cultural and monumental association, which now takes over its management and maintenance.
The easiest way to get here is by boat from Lenno.
The short boat ride is also truly spectacular, not to be missed.
The entire property can also be rented for events such as weddings, conferences and meetings.
The villa is spectacular, the gardens are very well kept, and the internal spaces are really well preserved.
You can't miss it if you are in the Lake Como area.
It is an absolute "must" for connoisseurs and garden lovers!
Originally it was a monastery, then, after being partially abandoned for decades, this villa was restored and inhabited again at the end of the First World War.
There is a museum in the buildings with objects and furnishings brought by one of the former owners.
There is also an extraordinary collection of Arctic maps, some of which were used for 19th-century expeditions.
The last owner died in 1988 and bequeathed the villa to a private Italian cultural and monumental association, which now takes over its management and maintenance.
The easiest way to get here is by boat from Lenno.
The short boat ride is also truly spectacular, not to be missed.
The entire property can also be rented for events such as weddings, conferences and meetings.
The villa is spectacular, the gardens are very well kept, and the internal spaces are really well preserved.
You can't miss it if you are in the Lake Como area.
Written July 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jardin-de-miel
Berlin, Germany176 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Worth a trip. It's best to book tickets online. If the weather allows, it's even better to combine a private boat trip across Lake Como with a trip to the villa. The morning is the most beautiful and not so crowded.
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dominik z Rybnika
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany486 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
Villa Balbianello can be reached from Como by bus C10, exit to Lenno, then travel a relatively long way on foot. For all four photos from the movies, the cheapest Ingresso Solo Parko ticket without access to the villa is enough. This ticket costs 13 euros and can be purchased at the box office at the entrance or online. The photo "Anakin" is taken by the balcony in the patio of the villa, the photo "Bond and Vesper" by the opposite staircase below it, the photo "Bond and Mathis" in the large loggia with a huge tree, and the photo "Anakin and Padme" in the smaller and lower loggia.
Automatically translated
Written January 22, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i gigi
Legnano, Italy860 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Masterpiece villa dating back to 1700 and donated by Guido Monzino to fai; an engaging beauty both for the exterior and inside where in the six floors you can admire the exploits of the explorer monzino
Highly recommended!!!!
Highly recommended!!!!
Automatically translated
Written December 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buongiorno.
È possibile pranzare al sacco presso l'esterno della villa?
Grazie
Written August 17, 2024
Hello. For online tickets to visit Villa del Balbaniello (only the garden). Is the ticket hour strictly to visit at that specific hour? If you buy ticket to visit at 10:30am, do you need to enter at 10:30am? or you can enter to the villa at any time on the Day of the ticket date? Sorry about my english. Thank you for your help.
Written August 5, 2024
Hello - I reached earlier than my time & they allowed.
Written August 7, 2024
Hello. For online tickets to visit Villa del Balbaniello (only the garden). Is the ticket hour strictly to visit at that specific hour? If you buy ticket to visit at 10:30am, do you need to enter at 10:30am? or you can enter to the villa at any time on the Day of the ticket date? Sorry about my english. Thank you for your help.
Written August 5, 2024
I am trying to buy tickets but can only find tickets for the gardens, can anyone advise where to buy tickets for both the villa and the gardens? Thank you
Written June 24, 2024
Hey, is there any locations in the area between Lenno and Tremezzo that you can safely store luggage.
Written June 19, 2024
Hey my partner and I will be visiting in June, arriving in Varenna. We want to take a water taxi over - can we book tickets for it in advance or is it a first in first served situation?
Written May 24, 2024
Hi, I have purchased an online ticket (villa + gardens) for Villa Balbianello at 14:15. Based on your experience, do you think I can visit earlier? Additionally, is there a time limit for visiting the gardens?
Thank you!
Written April 5, 2024
If the villa is closed, are we still able to tour the grounds? Or is the whole location off limits?
Written December 2, 2023
When we went the villa was closed for a private function, but we could still (pay) to walk the grounds. We visited during normal hours. If you arrive out of hours, then it will be closed because you need a get past the entrance to walk around the grounds.
Written December 3, 2023
Bonjour,
Y a-t-il des consignes pour laisser les bagages ? (nous aurons une valise de 20kg)
Merci à ceux qui nous répondront!
Nathalie
Written August 19, 2023
Bonjour, Je ne pense pas qu'ils aient des consignes. Je n'ai rien vu de semblable. Si vous venez de Lavedo il faut marcher pendant environ 1km (et cela monte!). avec 20kgs il vaudrait mieux arriver en bateau. Vous pouvez demander via leur site si vous pouvez laisser votre bagage en arrivant? Près de m'embarcadère il y a un petit magasin. En venant à pied il y a petit bureau..Ils accepteront peut-être de garder votre bagage.
Written August 20, 2023
Trying to buy tickets to Villas on Lake Como but all websites in Italian without English option. Anyone has a tip how to get tickets beside from Vivatickets site?
Written August 1, 2023
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