In Tremezzina, one of the most extraordinary residences on Lake Como, “chosen” as home by James Bond and by Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala for their secret wedding, with a Garden of Eden overlooking enchanting views of the Lario.
The initiator of the wonders of Balbianello was Cardinal Durini, a man of letters and patron of the arts, who at the end of the 18th century chose this corner of Lake Como to make it his buen retiro, deciding to build a new villa on a former monastery near his residence in Balbiano, hence the name Balbianello, referring to its smaller size compared to his other property.
Perched on a panoramic peninsula, with a stunning garden that blends with the unevenness of the land, the Villa has hosted nobles families, men of letters, and illustrious travellers, up until its last owner, Guido Monzino.
A lake is the most beautiful and expressive feature of the landscape. It is the eye of the earth, looking into which the observer measures the depth of his own nature.
(Henry David Thoreau)
Heir of the founder of the Standa department store and of Matilde Alì d’Andrea-Peirce, a Sicilian noblewoman, Guido Monzino, entrepreneur, collector and passionate climber, famous for the first Italian expedition that conquered Everest in 1973, had fallen in love with it since he was a child during his boat trips on Lake Como.
Monzino restored the Villa and transferred the memorabilia of his travels there. Even today, the thousands of volumes and geographical maps that he consulted to prepare his enterprises are kept there, as well as the works of art that he collected over the course of a lifetime, including an important collection of primitive art and even one of the sleds with which he reached the North Pole.
By his will, in 1988 FAI-Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano took over the management of the Villa, preserving its spirit that lives on in the amazing garden that the Foundation maintains with the same obsessive perfection; just look at the green “sculptures” that surround the famous loggia where Anakin Skywalker kisses his Padmé Amidala.
Villa del Balbianello has been chosen, in fact, by several Hollywood productions and has hosted two cult scenes in the history of cinema: the secret wedding of the future Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and James Bond’s kiss to his Vesper in Casino Royale.
A visit to the garden is an endless emotion, between trees bold pruning and romantic views, avenues flanked by statues, panoramic terraces and abundant blooms, culminating in the eighteenth-century Loggia commissioned by Cardinal Durini which offers a truly breathtaking double and aerial panorama.
One of the most beautiful homes in the world.
The Secret
One of the characteristics of Villa del Balbianello is the particular pruning of the large holm oak that dominates the garden. Guido Monzino commissioned it so he could admire the peak of Monte Legnone from his office. An “umbrella” cut that at the time was achieved thanks to climbing harnesses.
Useful Info
Villa del Balbianello
Via Guido Monzino 1
22016 Tremezzina, Como
Tel. +39 0344 56110
Gardens-only ticket (independent visit with mandatory reservation)
FAI members: free
Full price: 14 euro
Villa + Gardens ticket (interiors can only be visited with a guided tour of about 45 minutes)
FAI members: 5 euro
Full price: 25 euro
