In 1988, Monzino died and donated Villa del Balbianello to FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano). Later, in 1974, his heirs gave it to the famous entrepreneur and explorer Guido Monzino. He embellished the villa with a rich collection of artifacts that he acquired during his expeditions. One of the most wonderful apartments can be. Some of these are rented out to holiday makers, enabling guests to enjoy staying in a fabulous lakefront location used in the film Casino Royale as the residence of Mr White.

In 1919, Villa del Balbianello was purchased by Butler Ames, an American soldier and businessman, who restored the villa to its original splendor. Situated on the prominent Gaeta peninsula, on the shore of Lake Como, Villa Gaeta is comprised of a dozen private apartments. In the 19th century, after the cardinal’s death, the villa became the property of Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, his grandson.Īfterward, Villa Balbianello was purchased by Marquis Giuseppe Arconati Visconti, who hosted some great intellectuals such as Alessandro Manzoni, Giovanni Berchet, and Giuseppe Giusti. Gianmartino Arconati Visconti, Giuseppe’s son, made some improvements to the villa’s gardens and loggia, but the decline of the noble family eventually led to a state of neglect. From Casino Royales parkour chase to No Time to Dies opening SPECTRE ambush, Daniel Craigs James Bond films had some spectacular action sequences. Villa del Balbianello was built at the end of the 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery. For some reason, I expected Lake Como to make more appearances in the James Bond movies.

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