Villa Balbianello, Lenno

The peninsula of Punta di Balbianello, which climbs steeply from the sea and is covered with gardens, is one of the most romantic sites to be seen from the boats that cruise Lake Como. The Baroque villa and terraced gardens were constructed in the 1700s for a cardinal.

This villa is composed of a structure of two splendid buildings, of which it is possible to visit the finely furnished rooms, surrounded by a magnificent garden that continues on large terraces directly on the lake, built to have a 270° view of the surrounding landscape. Although there is a route that leads there from the village of Lenno, using the little boat from Lenno's dock is the most efficient way to get there. Before you land and ascend to the villa at the top, the boat circles the peninsula so you can see the gardens from below. Around the peninsula, paths meander through the landscaping. Stately trees, blooming plants, and terraces of columns and statues were all strategically placed to frame views of the lake and the mountains to the north. The villa is interesting, but no match for the gardens and the views.