ITALY – Lago di Como, Villa del Balbianello // Casino Royale (2006)

Villa del Balbianello is a lush paradise at Lago di Como. No wonder, James Bond came here to recuperate in “Casino Royale”. He was not the only one.

Why Bond was here
James Bond (Daniel Craig) went from winning a poker game in Montenegro to getting beaten down by Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Healing time is at beautiful Lago di Como in northern Italy, with his lover Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) at his side. The private clinic was set up at the renaissance lake house Villa del Balbianello on the western lake shore. 

How you gonna get there
Villa del Balbianello is situated along the coastal road from Como up to Menaggio at the beautiful harbour town Lenno. A car ride from Como is less than an hour, local autobus C10 goes several times a day from Como as well. The closest airport is down in Milano. 
The villa is at the tip of a small peninsula east of Lennos harbour. There are free parking spots in Lenno directly at the entry to the peninsula. From there, you can hike through the forest till you reach Villa del Balbianello.
You may also arrive by boat: There are ferries from Gestione Governativa Navigazione going from both Como and Bellagio to the small seaside village Lenno. The estate has an extra entry just for boat visitors. 

Impressions from Villa del Balbianello and Lenno

Good to know
Once a Franciscan monastery from the 13th century, Villa del Balbianello is today one of the most romantic spots at Lago di Como. In the morning hours, the gardens are illuminated by the sun, later the afternoon the huge oak trees casts soft shadows. Of course Villa del Balbianello not only stars in “Casino Royale”, but other feature films like “Star Wars Episode II” as well. 
The villa is property of the Italian National Environmental Fund FAI and thus allows public visit. Entry fee to the villa and the surrounding gardens is 22 Euros, just the gardens is 11 Euro. Filming took place in the gardens – both at the terrace with the characteristic umbrella oak tree and on the grass in front of the main villa.

Don’t miss to spend some extra time in Lenno. The harbour might be little, but sitting there on a bench or strolling along the curved sea wall gives you a nice glimpse of dolce vita along Lago di Como. On Tuesdays there is a market in Lenno, with stands along the harbour front and up the little town square. It is mainly cheap clothing and household goods, but you’ll find some local farmers and food vendors as well.

© 2022 Huntingbond (1,4), © 2006 Sony Pictures, Danjaq LLC and United Pictures Inc. (2)