The location of Villa Balbiano is one of the locations that I have most appreciated during my experience as a wedding photographer on Lake Como. I have collected all the most important information, to allow you to get to know the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the location. Enjoy the reading!
Villa Balbiano: a history of over 500 years
On Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is a historic residence built in the 16th century in Ossuccio. The complex was built on a previous building from the 15th century, the Pretorio della Pieve d'Isola. Around the 16th century, in fact, the latter was hit and destroyed by a terrible flood.
The family that owned the building at the time, the Giovio family, kept possession of it for two centuries, then selling it to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio began a series of renovations and extensions, based on the design of the architect Pellegrino Tibaldi. Villa Barbiano then passed to Abbot Marco Gallio, who continued the renovation work, concentrating on the facades and the exterior of the complex.
In the middle of the 17th century, the exedra of the villa was built, embellished with frescoes by the Recchi painters from Como. Villa Barbiano remained in the hands of the Gallio family until 1778, when it returned to the Giovio family. The Giovio sold the villa only nine years later to Cardinal Durini, who transformed it into a luxurious residence. This was the period of greatest splendour for the complex, which became a small meeting place for noblemen and academics. With the death of Durini, however, the Villa passed back to the Giovio family.
During the 19th century, Villa Balbiano was abandoned for a long time. It was only when it was purchased by the German industrialists Gessner that a slow recovery of the structure began. At the end of the Second World War, yet another restoration was commissioned, involving the Villa's garden.
Later, Villa Balbiano was bought by the Canepa family, before being taken over by a Russian property developer in 2011. Transformed into an exclusive location, in 2020 it was chosen by Elettra Lamborghini to celebrate her wedding. Moreover, in 2021, the Villa was used for the filming of the movie "House of Gucci".
Villa Balbiano: the perfect setting for a princely and glamorous wedding
Villa Balbiano, with its enviable view of Lake Como, is an elegant location for princely weddings. It is the perfect setting for luxurious and exclusive weddings. Here, history and nature combine to perfection, offering simply unforgettable moments.
The most striking feature of this splendid structure is undoubtedly the large garden overlooking the lake. The Villa is surrounded by centuries-old trees and plants and offers fairy-tale corners suitable for bucolic summer receptions. You can also ask to celebrate your emotional symbolic rite a few meters from the beautiful mirror of water.
If you prefer to celebrate your reception indoors, Villa Balbiano also offers its indoor salons. Furnished with a perfect mix of period elements and design pieces, these rooms are ready to fill your eyes with wonder. These vast halls, rich in frescoes and small works of art, are perfect for celebrating refined events.
Villa Balbiano is the perfect setting for a luxury wedding, a must for glamorous couples. If you love art, culture and nature, you will not be disappointed and you will always have a sweet memory of your wedding.
Villa Balbiano: the structure of the location
Villa Balbiano has a majestic structure, spread over four floors with many salons and suites. What is most striking about this splendid location is its privileged position on the shores of Lake Como. It also has a dock that can be used to access the structure by boat.
The beautiful Villa is surrounded by a lush, centuries-old park, giving the location privacy and fairy-tale corners. Walking along the tree-lined avenue, lined with cypress trees, visitors are immediately transported to an oasis of peace and tranquillity. This is then surrounded by a beautiful ivy-covered portico and embellished by an elegant fountain.
The complex's vast Italian-style garden extends around the villa, gently embracing it. In addition to the modern swimming pool, ideal for summer cocktails, the most striking feature of this green space is the secondary garden. Situated behind Villa Balbiano, it extends to the shores of the lake. You can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view on this beautiful natural terrace, an ideal backdrop for your symbolic ceremony.
As you approach the main building, you cannot fail to be enchanted by its 18th-century architectural beauty and simplicity. Upon entering the Villa, visitors are greeted by richly decorated rooms, with an endless succession of frescoes and memorabilia. There are also 6 luxury suites furnished in perfect style, where guests can stay or prepare for the ceremony.
Villa Balbiano is truly a magical, luxurious and princely venue. Organising your wedding here means living a daydream. If you are looking for an exclusive and glamorous location, it will not disappoint.
Frequently asked questions about Villa Balbiano
- Where is Villa Balbiano? Villa Balbiano is located in Tremezzina, Ossuccio, in the province of Como. The structure is located directly on the lake, with private access for boats.
- Can I celebrate my wedding at Villa Balbiano? Certainly you can. You can organise the shooting and the reception inside the structure and in all the adjoining areas. The entire complex is exclusively dedicated to your celebration. In addition, you can celebrate your symbolic rite on the shores of the lake on request.
- Is there a restaurant inside Villa Balbiano? The Villa does not have an in-house catering service, the catering can be chosen freely by the bride and groom.
- What events can be celebrated at Villa Balbiano? At Villa Balbiano you can organise your most important events. The structure, in fact, is open to weddings and private events. You can also organise your meetings and photo shoots. The Villa is also available for filming.
- Can Villa Balbiano host business meetings? Certainly it can. Villa Balbiano makes its premises available for the organisation of events and conventions. It is a luxury location, suitable for exclusive parties and high-end companies.
- Can I stay overnight at Villa Balbiano? Villa Balbiano has six luxury suites in which you can stay overnight or simply prepare before the reception.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding photos in Lake Como, don't forget to count on the right wedding photographer.
He will capture the emotions of that day and turn them into memories you will cherish forever.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Lake Como, or are still considering wedding venues, take a look at our wedding photography galleries.
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CIAO! è UN PIACERE CONOSCERTI, SONO
MATTEO
E SONO UN FOTOGRAFO
DI MATRIMONI
Oltre a essere un fotografo di matrimoni, sono un marito (fortunato!) e un papà (superfortunato!).
Amo le scodinzolate piene di felicità e le fusa nella penombra della sera, perciò nella nostra famiglia ci sono anche due meravigliose pelose, Ottavia e Nova.
Adoro il profumo dei boschi dove tutto è così selvaggio, dove puoi recuperare le connessioni profonde con la natura. Allo stesso modo amo l'unico mezzo che ti permette di restare fortemente connesso al mondo che ti circonda, la moto.
Io e mia moglie Giulia abbiamo attraversato l'Europa fino ad arrivare a Capo Nord, dove abbiamo lasciato un pezzo del nostro cuore.
