Lake Como: places to discover.

Located at the tip of the Lavedo promontory in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most fascinating historic residences. Built in 1787 at the request of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, it became an important cultural meeting place, welcoming many writers to its celebrated literary salons.

Over the centuries, the villa passed through several noble families before becoming the home of explorer and collector Guido Monzino, who transformed it into an elegant house museum. In 1988 it was bequeathed to FAI, the National Trust for Italy, which now preserves it and opens it to visitors.

Surrounded by a magnificent terraced garden with sweeping lake views, the villa also holds two 18th-century statues representing War and Peace. Its cypress-lined paths and scenic vistas have made it a famous film location, appearing in Star Wars and 007 Casino Royale.