How to visit Villa Balbianello (Star Wars Lake Como villa)

A few unforgettable scenes from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and 007 Casino Royale were filmed at Villa Balbianello, so many people call it the “Star Wars Lake Como Villa”.

But honestly, you absolutely have to visit it even if you’re not a movie fan. It’s the most beautiful villa on Lake Como, sooo romantic!

Last time I was here, we had so much fun recreating the Star Wars scenes. Since I was taking the photos, my boyfriend and our dog Balù played Anakin and Padmé, so now I have what’s basically their wedding photoshoot!

I am a Star Wars fan, a photography lover and I’ve been here so many times. In this post I’ll share everything you need to know: tips, filming locations and how to visit Villa Balbianello, whether for movies, romance, or stunning lake views.

Villa Balbianello

Nestled on a wooded promontory on the Lavedo peninsula near the town of Lenno, Villa Balbianello is a true treasure of Lake Como. 

Its position is simply jaw-dropping, with some of the most stunning views you’ll find on the entire lake. It’s a romantic, elegant and absolutely dreamy place. 

The villa itself? Gorgeous. The gardens? A work of art. But the real star of the show (at least for me) is the 18th-century Loggia Durini. 

This stunning spot has two panoramic views of Lake Como, surrounded by columns wrapped in perfectly pruned Ficus Repens and I swear it feels like something out of a fairy tale. 

Honestly, it’s no wonder filmmakers have fallen in love with this place. It even had its moment of fame in Star Wars and 007, making it a must-visit for movie fans.

A bit of history

Villa Balbianello’s story began waaaay before it became a movie star!

Built on the ruins of an old Franciscan monastery, its Loggia Durini dates back to the late 18th century, when Cardinal Durini built the villa as a retreat for his literary gatherings with friends. (Can you imagine book clubs with that view?)

After changing hands many times, the villa fell into neglect until General Butler Ames restored it in the late 19th century, adding modern amenities like heating and electricity.

In 1974, its final owner, Guido Monzino (an adventurer and the first Italian to climb Mount Everest!) renovated the interiors to house his collection of artifacts and memorabilia from his travels around the world. Today, they are displayed in the villa’s Museum of Expeditions.

Monzino left the villa to FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano, a non profit trust who now maintains the villa and its gardens.

Star Wars Scenes Filmed at Villa Balbianello

The Star Wars movie filmed on Lake Como was Episode II: Attack of the Clones. If you haven’t seen it (silent judgement here), here’s a quick recap.

Ten years after The Phantom Menace, the galaxy is almost on a civil war. Padmé Amidala, a former queen now senator, becomes the target of an assassination attempt. To protect her, the master jedi Obi-Wan assigns his pupil Anakin Skywalker as her bodyguard. Sparks fly, and the two fall into a forbidden romance that breaks all rules.

Their love story leads to a secret wedding… guess where? Yes, Villa Balbianello! ❤️

Sure, there’s a whole bunch of other galactic drama happening (clone armies, political conspiracies and Anakin starting to lean into his dark side vibes), but the romance part is what we care about in this article.

Let’s explore the Star Wars Lake Como scenes and shooting locations at Villa Balbianello. 

Arrival at the villa and wedding 

In the movie, Varykino (or Lake Retreat) is a villa on Naboo’s scenic Lake Country. 

The exterior of the on-screen version was heavily edited with CGI, there are actually no domes in Villa Balbianello! It looks very different, but it’s still breathtaking, trust me.

Anakin and Padmé arrive by boat, climb the grand staircase and then step onto the terrace and talk while looking at the lake. 

If you’re a Star Wars fan, I’d recommend taking a taxi boat to have a similar experience, it’s the perfect way to start your visit.

Normally, I’d suggest walking there and taking the boat back but for fans, starting your visit by boat just makes more sense. While you won’t dock exactly where they did in the movie, you’ll be very close.

If you decide to walk instead, the terrace will be one of the last things you see, whereas with the taxi boat, it’ll be your first stop. Either way, don’t miss visiting the iconic stairs and the dock too!

Oh, and one more thing: this terrace is also where Anakin and Padmé tie the knot in their secret wedding at the end of the movie. Romantic, right?

Anakin’s nightmare

During their stay on Naboo, Anakin has a vivid nightmare about his mother, suffering and calling for help on Tatooine. The next morning, Padmé finds him meditating on a terrace overlooking the lake.

The scene was shot in Loggia Durini. 

Other movies filmed at Villa Balbianello

I’m sure you’ve seen at least one of them!

Casino Royale

Villa Balbianello also made an appearance in 007 Casino Royale, with James Bond heading to a private clinic to recover from a bad beating from Le Chiffre. 

The private clinic outdoor scenes with his lover Vesper Lynd were shot at Villa Balbianello, on the terrace with the umbrella-shaped tree:

And on the lawn just below Loggia Durini:

A month by the lake

This romantic drama, set in 1937 on Lake Como, tells the story of an older Englishwoman who falls for a reserved major. But, of course, love never runs smoothly, with a younger woman who stirs up the drama and flirts with the man out of boredom. 

Villa Balbianello is the film’s stunning backdrop and several scenes were shot there. 

How to visit Villa Balbianello

Here’s everything you need to know and some tips to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How to get to Villa Balbianello 

First, you need to get to Lenno. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can either drive (parking can be tricky here, so good luck) or take public transport. If you’re already staying on the lake, the ferry is your best option. 

From the Lenno ferry station, you have two options to reach the villa: walk or take a taxi boat. There are two entrances: one for walkers and one for those arriving by boat. You’ll need your ticket at either one.

Walking to the Villa

There are two paths to choose from, both start from here:

1. Panoramic route
   1 km paved road that’s slightly uphill but not challenging at all. It takes about 20 minutes from the starting point and offers lovely views of the lake. We took this path, and even with a million photo stops (oops!), it was super relaxing and enjoyable.
2. Lavedo trail
   This 2.5 km hike takes about 45 minutes and winds through the woods. It’s a proper hike but still reasonably short and manageable.

Taking the Taxi Boat

The taxi boat is the quickest way… on paper. 

However, you’ll need to factor in potential wait times. Boats run roughly every 20 minutes, but during busy times (or even in low season), you might find yourself waiting a while.

For example, when we visited in mid-November, we were the only ones waiting, but it still took 30 minutes for a boat to arrive. So, patience is key!

It leaves from the dock in front of Ristorante Lago and takes only about 5 minutes to reach the villa. 

Tickets are €6 one way or €9 round trip (cash preferred). Dogs are allowed on the boat but must be leashed and wear a muzzle.

Look for this sign to make sure you’re in the right place:

A pro tip from a Star Wars fan to another

Take the boat to the villa and walk back. Arriving from the water gives you the ultimate Anakin-and-Padmé moment. You’ll dock close to where they did, step onto the terrace in minutes, and enjoy an amazing view of the villa as you approach.

Be mindful of the boarding process!

There are benches near the dock and we were sitting there waiting, but when our boat approached, several people cut in line to board. We managed to snag the last two spots, but to avoid surprises, I recommend waiting by the steps directly near the gate instead.

Opening hours

Villa Balbianello is generally open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 18:00. Keep in mind:

• The last entrance to the villa interiors is at 16:00.
• The last entrance to the gardens is at 17:00.

During autumn and winter, the schedule can shift slightly, with the gardens usually closing an hour earlier. From December to February, the villa is only open on select days, so it’s extra important to check the opening times and book in advance, don’t let unexpected closures ruin your plans!

Tickets

Tickets must be purchased online in advance, it’s mandatory. 

During the high season, they sell out fast, so I recommend booking as soon as possible. Same-day tickets? Pretty much impossible to find.

Insider tips for an unforgettable visit

Gardens vs. interiors

When visiting, you can choose between just exploring the gardens or adding a guided tour of the villa interiors. 

While the interiors are fascinating (the Museum of Expeditions is filled with artifacts from Guido Monzino’s adventures across the world), the gardens are the real star of the show.

Honestly, if you’re short on time or tickets for the villa are sold out (which happens a lot), focus on the gardens, you will have access to the terraces and Loggia Durini anyway!

Eat before you get here

Here’s a key detail: there’s no restaurant or cafeteria at the villa, just snacks and beverages at the bookshop. If your entry time is close to lunch, make sure to eat beforehand or bring something with you. Being hungry while exploring isn’t fun (trust me on this, I become a totally different person when I’m hungry).

How to dress

Comfortable shoes are a must for the walk to the villa, but don’t stress, the shortest way is not a hike. And since you’ll probably want a ton of photos, feel free to dress up a bit! The villa is so stunning that every shot will look amazing, your Instagram followers will thank you.

In summer, don’t forget a hat because the sun can be relentless even though there’s plenty of shade. 

For autumn and winter visits, check the weather before you go. Rain isn’t unusual, and chilly days call for cozy layers. Last autumn, I wore a wool coat and jumper, which kept me perfectly snug for a crisp day by the lake.

Photo tips

Let’s talk photography, my favorite thing!

You probably won’t catch a sunrise or sunset here, the gardens aren’t open early or late enough, but a sunny midday visit can still deliver amazing views and vibrant lake colors. 

Spring and summer are gorgeous, but you might have to wait for those iconic shots on the terraces or Loggia Durini because of the crowds. 

For fewer people and a more relaxed experience, autumn is my favorite time to visit.

Pro Tips:

• Visualize your must-have shots before you go or while waiting in line, so you don’t waste time in the wrong spot.
• Shoot in RAW if your camera allows, it’ll make editing backlit photos so much easier. It’s likely you’ll have a few, especially from Loggia Durini.
• If you want drone footage, you’ll need to contact the villa ahead of time for a permit. Yes, even if it’s a small drone under 250g. 
• If you’re planning a professional photo shoot, you’ll also need to book a permit beforehand.

Dogs

Good news: dogs are welcome in the gardens, but not inside the villa.

They’ll need to be on a leash, and while you should bring a muzzle, we weren’t asked to use it during our visit. Dogs are also allowed on the taxi boat, but the will be have to wear the muzzle.

Why Star Wars fans should Visit Lake Como

If you’re a Star Wars fan, visiting Lake Como is like stepping into a galaxy far, far away (sorry, I had to say it!).

For real, Villa Balbianello isn’t just a stunning destination; it’s the backdrop to some of the most romantic and important scenes in Attack of the Clones. 

Walking the iconic staircase, standing on the terrace where Anakin and Padmé fell in love, or meditating (okay, maybe just daydreaming) in the Loggia Durini, it’s a chance to relive movie magic in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!

And it’s also kind of cool to live a crossover between Star Wars and James Bond in your mind!

FAQs

In conclusion

Villa Balbianello is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re in Lake Como and happen to be a Star Wars or 007 fan!

We had so much fun recreating the iconic scenes and soaking in the villa’s stunning beauty. My boyfriend and I now joke about the fact that we have him and our dog’s Star Wars wedding pictures!

Whether you’re staying for one day or planning a longer trip, it’s absolutely a must-see spot. 

In fact, it’s a key part of both the 1 day and 2-3 day Lake Como itineraries I always recommend. If you need help planning your Lake Como adventure, check out those itinerary guides to make your trip unforgettable!