Star Wars on Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello and the set of Naboo
There is a corner of Lake Como where reality and science fiction overlap in almost incredible ways. Anyone who has seen Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones remembers the romantic scenes between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala at Varykino, the lakeside retreat on the planet Naboo. That place is not the product of CGI set designers: it really exists, it is called Villa del Balbianello, and it is located in Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como. George Lucas chose this residence in the summer of 2000, and the filming — which lasted just four days — forever transformed this promontory into a pilgrimage site for fans from all over the world.
The villa and the scenes shot on the lake
Built in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the foundations of an ancient Franciscan monastery, Villa del Balbianello is now managed by FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano, which preserves it and opens it to the public from March to November. In Lucas's saga, the villa represents Varykino, the residence of the Naberrie family on the planet Naboo. The most iconic scenes show Anakin and Padmé arriving by boat, climbing the staircase that leads from the lake to the lower terrace adorned with red flowers, and sharing their first kiss under the Loggia Durini. It is here, on this very loggia overlooking the water, that the two characters secretly marry. In addition to the villa, Lucas also selected the public gardens of Tremezzo and a nearby picnic area, although these shots were later cut from the final edit.
What to see and how to visit it
Villa del Balbianello can be reached in two ways: on foot via a path that starts from Lenno, or by lake with a taxi boat from the Lido di Lenno. The water access is by far the most scenic — and the most faithful to the cinematic experience — because it allows you to see the villa emerging from the wooded promontory just as it appears in the film's shots. Tickets for the gardens only cost 14 euros; to include a guided tour of the interiors, where the memorabilia of explorer Guido Monzino — the last private owner before the donation to FAI — are preserved, the cost rises to 25 euros. It is advisable to book online, as the villa is not open every day and during peak season spots fill up quickly. For the most dedicated fans, it is worth stopping in the clearing near the villa, where the picnic scenes between the two protagonists were filmed: a tranquil, almost hidden meadow that retains a discreet and authentic charm.
The cinematic allure of Lake Como does not end with Star Wars. Villa del Balbianello was also chosen for Casino Royale (2006), where it becomes the luxury clinic where James Bond recovers after being captured. More generally, the lake has hosted productions over the years such as Ocean's Twelve — with scenes shot at Villa Erba in Cernobbio — and numerous other international titles, drawn by the unique light that filters through the mountains and reflects on the water of Lake Como in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
The problem for those who want to truly experience this place without haste is that the standard visit leaves little room for personal exploration. During peak season, the villa is crowded, the opening hours are strict, and reaching the Lavedo promontory by public transport requires planning. Those arriving by shared taxi boat find themselves following predetermined routes, with tight schedules and no opportunity to stop where they want. For those who want to approach the villa from the water independently — perhaps early in the morning when the light is low and the lake is still quiet — or explore the entire Tremezzina shore including Villa Carlotta and the villages of Tremezzo and Bellagio, the most flexible solution is to rent a private boat. On the Lake Como App, you can find various boats available, with or without a skipper, allowing you to create your own cinematic itinerary tailored to your day.