Where in the World?

Question: Where in the world can you find this scenic villa where James Bond once recuperated, and Anakin Skywalker engaged in forbidden romance?

Answer: Villa del Balbianello, on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy.

Perched picturesquely—and rather precariously—upon Lake Como's western shore, the Villa del Balbianello stands as one of Italy's most treasured landmarks. With its storied past, meticulously landscaped gardens, architectural grandeur, and picturesque location, it’s no surprise that this enchanting villa has caught the attention of famous filmmakers such as Martin Campbell and George Lucas.

So, what about this "storied" past? Well, a Franciscan monastery had existed on the site since the 13th century until its stunning location caught the eye of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1785. The Cardinal decided he would transform the old monastery into a summer residence, where he could indulge in his love for art and literature. Before you start considering the irony of a Cardinal bulldozing a religious house, he didn’t tear everything down—the two towers at the villa are the remnants of the monastery’s campanile.

Soon, a distinctive blend of architectural styles was born, seamlessly marrying elements of Renaissance and Baroque design. Now, you can witness carefully pruned trees in Villa del Balbianello’s garden, which create immaculate dome shapes. Terraced gardens, carefully sculpted to harmonize with the natural landscape, cascade gently down the peninsula, with a loggia that offers two different—yet equally enchanting—panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Even better, the meticulously landscaped gardens are punctuated by ornate sculptures and graceful fountains. Meandering paths invite exploration, leading visitors on a journey through history and horticulture. The villa's interiors, adorned with period furnishings and artwork, provide a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited its elegant chambers.

The villa has changed hands among several celebrities: explorers, writers, and art collectors—each leaving their mark on the property's identity. These days, it’s owned by a private, non-profit trust named Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (FAI)—which can simply be translated as the "National Trust of Italy."

4 Fun Facts About Villa del Balbianello and Lake Como:

• Villa del Balbianello has been featured on the silver screen numerous times: Thanks to its architectural magnificence, this spectacular villa has played a supporting role in the world of cinema. This is not only a popular spot for high-end weddings and special events: This photogenic villa has also been featured in movies such as Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.


• The last owner of Villa del Balbianello was a famous explorer: The villa’s most recent owner was Guido Monzino, who purchased it in the 1970s. Guido was an Italian explorer who led the first Italian expedition up to the top of Mount Everest. He filled his beloved villa with a rich collection of Chinese, African, and pre-Colombian art, precious English and French furniture from the 1700s, and a small museum with documents and mementoes of his expeditions before donating the property to the FAI upon his death in 1988. He’s even buried in a mausoleum at the villa.


• Celebrities often vacation in Lake Como: Lake Como has been a favorite retreat for celebrities and artists over the years. Notable individuals like George Clooney, Madonna, and Richard Branson have owned or stayed in properties around the lake.


• Lake Como’s shape forms the letter "Y": Lake Como has a distinctive "Y" shape, with two long branches that meet at the town of Bellagio. This unique shape adds to the charm of the lake and provides various picturesque viewpoints.

Visit "the most beautiful villa of all Lake Como," on our New! Alpine Europe: France, Italy's Dolomites, Switzerland & Austria adventure.