The queen of Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello rests on the tip of a small wooded peninsula and is celebrated for its elaborate terraced gardens. The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. By the time wealthy American businessman Butler Ames purchased the property in the early 20th century, the villa had fallen into a state of neglect. Ames renovated the estate extensively, making vast improvements to the already impressive gardens. In 1974 the property was sold to Guido Monzino, the leader of the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest, who filled the villa with a rich collection of fine art and artifacts acquired on his expeditions. After paying the entry fee, you can walk freely through the gardens and enjoy the sweeping views of the lake. Guided tours of the interior are available at additional cost. To visit Villa del Balbianello and get the most from your holiday in Tremezzina, create itinerary details personal to you using our Tremezzina day trip planning tool.
Create an itinerary including Villa del Balbianello
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello reviews
-
This is the house of famed explorer Guido Monzino, which was build on a peninsula in Tremezzina town, facing Como Lake and Comasina island. Original Architectural features and overall outlook were... more »
-
Truly a beautiful Italian Villa with perfect lake views! If you would like a nice visual tour, check out my Youtube channel, "Not Your Average Abroad" and look out for my video, Epic Trip Through... more »
-
Superb experience 🙂 I was scared about the tourist trap because of the popularity of the area. But I was positively surprised by the Spot. I advice you to take the full ticket and not only the garden even if it's twice the price. You will have access at the inside of the villa and its history. It's a very dynamic visit of one hour. You'll see and learn a lot. Definitely worth it !
-
I think this is one of the most Beautiful places to visit on Lake Como. No wonder why it has featured prominently in a lot of movies. The Villa and the surrounding areas combined with the tranquility of the beautiful lake makes this such a relaxing place to visit. There is a small hike up here, unless you take a boat taxi from the village nearby so it's not particularly friendly for the disabled.
Plan your trip to Tremezzina
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Tremezzina
Trips to Villa del Balbianello by other users
22 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Milan
Bellagio
Arco
60 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM TURKEY
Palermo
Agrigento
Syracuse
10 days in Milan
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Il Cenacolo
Piazza del Duomo
Duomo di Milano
27 days in Milan
BY A USER FROM ITALY
Palazzo Cagnola
Pinacoteca di Brera
Monumento a Francesco Hayez
3 days in Milan
BY A USER FROM ITALY
Castello Sforzesco
Basilica di Santa Tecla
Piazza del Duomo
8 days in Northwest Italy
BY A USER FROM TURKEY
Venice
Verona
Milan