Situated between Il Dosso di Lavedo and the Comacine Island, Villa Balbiano is one of the most important historical properties on the shores of Lake Como. The history of Villa Balbiano can be traced back to the mid-16th century. It is strongly linked to the noble Giovio family who used it as their residence. At the end of 16th century, the Villa was sold to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The Cardinal redesigned the original palazzo after the drawings of Pellegrino Tibaldi. A century later, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini acquired the Villa. Enlarged and embellished, Villa Balbiano was used to host festivals, banquets and dances followed one by another relentlessly.*
Villa Balbiano has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. Occupying over 2 hectares, it remains one of largest properties around Lake Como. The Villa also boasts important historical details, such as spectacular 17th century frescoes by the Recchi Brothers and Agostino Silva. The property offers accommodation in six luxury suites in the main palace. All of which have been furnished with the exclusive collection of antique furniture and objects of decorative arts. Four additional bedrooms in the left wing and five bedrooms in the adjacent Villino are also available. Villa Balbiano is an ideal venue for any kind of events, weddings and seminars.*
Villa Balbiano is located Ossuccio, Italy, 40 minutes away from the centre of Milan. The major international airports around are Milan-Malpensa (45 minutes drive) and Milan-Linate (70 minutes drive). For private aviation there are 3 options available: Lugano International airport (40 minutes drive), Milan-Malpensa and Milan-Linate.
We visited the Villa with our good friend, and incredibly talented wedding planner, Blue Gardenia Events. Belinda dreamed up a luxurious Lake Como elopement scenario that she wanted to bring to life. She hopes this will inspire anyone looking for a simple, but still elegant, way to exchange vows in a destination elopement. To view images from that Lake Como Elopement shoot, CLICK HERE.
We’d love the opportunity to photograph your Lake Como elopement or wedding! Shoot us an email if you’re looking for more information. Since we currently live in Paris, we also travel to Italy often for weddings and elopements. To see beautiful Lake Como images from the area, including Bellagio and Villa Balbianello CLICK HERE.
Did you know aside from French Chateaus we love photographing weddings at Italian Villas?! We are English speaking wedding photographers in France & Tuscany. Whether in Tuscany or on the shores of Lake Como, we’d love to document your day in any of these locations! If you’re looking for a wedding planner in Lake Como, we highly recommend our friends at The Lake Como Wedding Planner! Based in Paris we’re a quick trip away. We look forward to hearing from you!
