Villa Balbianello in Lenno

The Villa Balbianello is located in the village of Lenno on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula .
Cardinal Angelo Durini built the villa in 1787 where there was already a small Franciscan monastery.
The complex is structured in two squares, one placed on top of the other and with an arcade with a wonderful view of the "Bay of Venere" and the "Bay of Diana".
The garden consists of terraces and parapets and its structure faithfully follows the course of the terrain; in some points there are steep rocks that create different levels at different levels, where meadows, hedges, cypresses and oaks alternate.
With the death of Cardinal Durini, the villa was inherited by his nephew and then sold to Giuseppe Arconati Visconti. It enriched the garden and the portico. After a period of neglect, the villa was acquired after the First World War by the American general butler Amos, who had the whole complex renovated. After his death, the building was purchased by Count Guido Monzino, who housed his art collection there. In 1988 left. the Count the villa of the FAI, the Italian environmental protection organization.
The Villa Balbianello served as a film set for George Lucas Star Wars Episode 2 and also for various James Bond films the dreamlike backdrop was used for film scenes.

OPENING HOURS:
15. March- 4 November: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Closed on Monday and Wednesday.

ACCESS: from the ship landing stage in Lenno there is a regular private Boat service to the villa (costs 5 € there and back).
Every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday you can also walk to the villa. from the landing stage in Lenno- approx. 800 m. For guided tours of the same villa, a reservation is necessary.

INFORMATION: 0344 56110

REGION: Lake Como , Middle of the lake villas/palaces/parks (Centro Lago)/sights