Lake Como (Italy) Star Wars ultimate guide: visit real-life Naboo

Lake Como has long been a destination synonymous with elegance, privacy, and cinematic beauty. Its timeless charm and dramatic landscapes have not only inspired royalty, artists, and designers, but also some of the world’s most iconic filmmakers. Among them, George Lucas, who chose Lake Como as the setting for one of the most memorable moments in the Star Wars saga: the secret marriage between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.

If you're a discerning traveler and a Star Wars enthusiast, a visit to Lake Como offers the unique opportunity to step into Naboo. Here's where the galaxy far, far away meets real-life beauty.

Villa del Balbianello: Anakin and Padmé love retreat

Nestled on a promontory overlooking the lake, Villa del Balbianello is not only one of the most iconic estates on Lake Como, it also served as the breathtaking filming location for Varykino, the lakeside retreat on the planet Naboo in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" where Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala shared intimate moments and ultimately celebrated their secret wedding.

Filming took place in the first week of September 2000, with the villa’s elegant terraces, sculpted gardens, and loggia providing the perfect backdrop for the fictional hideaway. Villa del Balbianello required virtually no digital enhancement. George Lucas chose it precisely for its ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere, which perfectly captured the romantic stillness of Naboo’s Lake Country. This is why, when visiting Villa del Balbianello, you can truly feel as if you've stepped into Star Wars world.

Moreover, Villa Del Balbaniello was also one of the Lake Como sets of "James Bond: Casino Royale".

How to visit Villa del Balbaniello: the most famous Lake Como Star Wars location

The way to Naboo is easier than you think: you can reach Villa del Balbaniello on foot from Lenno with an uphill stretch, which can be covered in about 25 minutes, or by lake with public ferry or private boat.

Arriving by water offers the same breathtaking perspective seen in the film, with the villa emerging from the lush greenery like a hidden treasure. Guests of Como Yachting can enjoy a bespoke yacht tour that includes a stop at the villa’s private dock, followed by a curated visit through the gardens and interiors.

Villa del Balbianello is open to the public and can be visited by anyone with the purchase of an entrance ticket. Built in the 18th century by Cardinal Durini, the villa was donated in 1988 to the FAI (the "Italian National Trust", a foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting Italy’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage) by its last private owner, Guido Monzino.

Tickets and up-to-date information about opening days and hours are available on the official FAI website.

Villa del Balbianello is also available for private events and exclusive weddings. Here, you can celebrate your special day just like Anakin and Padmé—with cinematic romance, breathtaking views, and timeless Italian charm.

Lake Como (Italy) Star Wars: a galactic landscape beyond CGI

Beyond the villa itself, the lake’s dramatic surroundings played a major visual role in conveying the serene, almost dreamlike quality of Naboo. The filmmakers chose Lake Como for its natural beauty.

Lake Como boat tours: a luxury experience for Star Wars enthusiasts

While Star Wars chose Lake Como for its ethereal beauty, you don’t need to be part of the Rebel Alliance to enjoy its magic. Combine your passion for film with refined travel: explore the villas that inspired Hollywood, dine in lakeside restaurants with curated menus, and unwind aboard a private yacht with Como Yachting exclusive tours, where every detail is designed for comfort, discretion, and excellence.