Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como Welcomes Early Season Visitors, Sees Strong International Interest

Lenno, Italy – Villa del Balbianello, a historic residence on Lake Como and a prized property of the Italian Environment Fund (FAI), has experienced a surprisingly strong start to its 2026 visiting season. Despite rainy weather, 461 visitors explored the villa and its gardens this past Saturday, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, marking the beginning of public access that will continue through Epiphany 2027.

First Visitors and International Appeal

The first visitors of the season were a family of five from Chicago, Illinois, who expressed their excitement about experiencing Lake Como for the first time. “It’s the first time we’ve come to Lake Como,” they stated after entering the property. “We are in a hotel in Como and will spend a week on this lake that we have heard a lot about. We purchased the entrance tickets for Villa del Balbianello two weeks ago online.”

Notably, approximately 70% of visitors on opening day were international tourists, with a significant representation from the United States, the United Kingdom and France. French tourism to Villa del Balbianello and nearby Villa Carlotta has been particularly strong since the post-pandemic period. The majority of tickets were purchased online.

FAI Manager Highlights Positive Start

Giuliano Francesco Galliarea, manager for FAI Como-Sondrio, expressed his satisfaction with the early turnout. “Today’s entry data certainly represents a pleasant surprise, so much so that the weather certainly favored us more than in the morning,” he noted. “The photograph taken at the conclude of the day tells us that the tourist season has in fact partially begun on Lake Como. The 70% of admissions involving foreign visitors could not otherwise be explained. Already since February our lake has reconfirmed its connection with the United States, which historically represents one of the reference tourist markets.”

Visiting Information and Admission Limits

Villa del Balbianello is currently open to the public on weekends between February and mid-March, from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Regular opening hours, with access five days a week, will resume after mid-March.

Starting April 3, coinciding with the Easter weekend, a daily admission limit of 1300 visitors will be enforced, a policy first implemented on August 3, 2023, making Villa del Balbianello the first FAI property to introduce such a measure. FAI

About Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is an 18th-century residence situated on a peninsula overlooking Lake Como. It was bequeathed to FAI by Guido Monzino and has hosted numerous writers, travelers, and notable figures throughout its history. The villa and its gardens are known for their beauty and have been featured in films, including those of the James Bond series and Star Wars. Ville e Musei del Lago di Como