The villa now belongs to FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano), a non-profit and private organization founded in 1975 to protect, maintain and enhance the artistic and natural Italian heritage by restoring and opening it to the public. It then belonged to many important families and personalities who each made improvements to this majestic piece of architecture and lush terraced gardens for which it is famous and from where you can enjoy unparalleled views. It was built in 1787 after a Franciscan monastery rising on a point over lake Como in the town of Lenno. But it was also used as a scenic backdrop to ‘Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones’ (2002). It was portrayed as the hospital in which James Bond was recovering after being tortured.

Scenes from ‘Casino Royale’ (2006), were filmed in front of Villa del Balbianello. The 18th century Villa del Balbianello and Villa Gaeta were featured in the film and have been recently celebrated by many international newspapers, including The Telegraph, as one of the most amazing Bond locations of all time.

The beauty of the lake and the many palatial villas have made it a popular site for movie shoots including scenes from the James Bond movie, ‘Casino Royale’! Soap operas and television series have had episodes filmed in the region. It has featured in numerous music videos. The lake has been mentioned in countless works of literature. The area has been favoured by the aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times and continues to be a top choice as a retreat destination for many, tourists and famous personalities alike, including George Clooney, Ronaldinho, Richard Branson, to mention a few, who have or have had homes along its shores. Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Italy is one of these locations!

Have you seen ‘Spectre’, the latest James Bond’s cinematic adventure?įor 50 years Britain’s most famous spy saga have been thrilling both action movie fans and travel lovers as every single episode of the 007 story offers the opportunity to embark on a journey that takes you all over the world to discover its most sensational corners.

Casino royale house location