Villa del Balbianello is located on the tip of the small wooded peninsula of Dosso d’Avedo on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como, not far from the Isola Comacina.
Address: Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Owners, history, exterior & interior design
Lake Como was the province of a few noble families, visited by artists, royalty, world leaders, and the cream of Old Hollywood. Then, in 2002, George Clooney put the tranquil Italian retreat squarely in the spotlight, by buying a property next to Villa del Balbianello, and now reports have everyone from Bill Gates to Rupert Murdoch to Tom Cruise vacationing among its few magnificent Gold Coast villas.
Built for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini at the end of the XVIII century, Villa del Balbianello stands on the tip of a steep promontory overlooking Lake Como, almost opposite Bellagio. Today, the villa has the appearance desired by its last owner, the explorer Guido Monzino, with a rich collection of Chinese, African and pre-Colombian art, precious English and French furniture of the 1700s and the small museum with documents and mementos of his expeditions. Yet the true masterpiece is the panoramic terraced garden dominated by the elegant “loggia” with three arches rising on the highest point of the promontory.
The beautiful spaces of the Villa del Balbianello overlooking the Lake are a sophisticated and unique location for exclusive wedding receptions. With its spectacular garden, it appeared in a great number of films and had so many movie stars and VIP among its guests.
The construction of the building was commissioned by Cardinal Durini, a scholar and patron of the arts, who, at the end of the 18th century, saw this peaceful corner as the ideal venue for exclusive literary retreats.
Villa del Balbianello was brought back to its original vocation in modern times, when Guido Monzino, entrepreneur, collector, and passionate traveler, chose it to preserve the memories of his adventures, which include being the first Italian to climb Mount Everest, with impeccable order and exquisite taste. Maps, travel tools, books, furniture items, as well as precious and peculiar collections of ancient and primitive art objects, evoke the life and deeds of their owner: everything is still arranged according to his will, including the relics and souvenirs of his mountaineering exploits displayed in the fascinating Museum of Expeditions.
In accordance to his wishes, FAI has been managing the Villa since 1988, preserving its spirit and taking care of its magnificent garden. Trees pruned into unusual shapes, romantic views, avenues lined with statues, panoramic terraces, and abundant blooms surround an ascending path leading to the 18th century Loggia Durini, which crowns the whole Balbianello complex and offers the visitors two different panoramas of the Lake.
Getting to Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello can be reached on foot along a pleasant (though steep) path immersed in a wood, but why not allowing yourself the privilege to dock to its small, characteristic private jetty? Private yachts and elegant water-taxis can be arranged for your wedding attendees from Lenno. Engraved on the floor of the dock the phrase Fay ce que voudras (Do what you want) welcomes your guests, while from there they will easily reach the villa through a path overlooking Lake Como.
Cuisine & catering
Michelin-starred chefs, local bakers and chefs patissier can prepare state-of-the-art menus and sweets for your pre-wedding, reception and post-wedding banquet dinners.
Accomodation
Villa del Balbianello does not provide accommodation, but there is accommodation available nearby.
Services
For our esteemed guests, we can organize concierge services, extra heating, air conditioning, cooking services, waiters, porter services and security.
Rental period
April 1st to late October.
Ceremonies & parties
Villa del Balbianello can host both civil and symbolic ceremonies. The most picturesque point of the Villa, perfect for al-fresco ceremonies and more intimate wedding groups, is the Loggia. Medium-sized- and larger wedding attendee list ceremonies can be accommodated in the garden area. For open-to the public weekdays, wedding ceremonies are held in the private area of the garden, while Loggia Segre can accommodate indoor weddings for up to 150 guests.
Celebrity weddings, famous guests & Hollywood flicks on Villa Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello Weddings have been featured on esteemed international press, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Brides Magazine, among others. In the spring of 2006, the movie Casino Royale was filmed in front of the villa, while the gardens and balcony of the villa can also be seen in Star Wars II. In 2018, Villa del Balbianello hosted two of the most beautiful celebrity weddings on Como Lake, that of Deepika Padukone, also India’s highest-paid actress according to Forbes, and fellow Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, that of Finnish Ice Princes Kiira Korpi & Arthur Borges as well as weddings of VIPs and famous sports players.
