From Star Wars to Alfred Hitchcock

Lake Como is not only one of Italy’s most stunning tourist destinations, but it has also captured the imagination of filmmakers and actors for over a century. Thanks to its timeless beauty, historic villas, and breathtaking landscapes, the lake has become one of the most sought-after filming locations in the world. From Hollywood to Italian filmmakers, this corner of paradise has provided the perfect backdrop for iconic films, documentaries, and television series.

Lake Como is synonymous with elegance and natural beauty. Its sparkling waters, framed by towering mountains and lush gardens, create an almost surreal landscape. It’s easy to see why, over the years, directors and producers have chosen this location to tell stories of love, adventure, and intrigue. In addition to attracting visitors from all over the world, the lake has welcomed international stars like George Clooney, who fell in love with the area so much that he purchased Villa Oleandra in Laglio.

Many of the films shot on Lake Como have used its historic villas as locations. These estates, surrounded by nature, offer a unique mix of history, architecture, and landscape. Among them, the renowned Villa del Balbianello, situated on a peninsula in Lenno, stands out. This villa has been chosen as the set for some of the most famous films in cinema history, including Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002, directed by George Lucas) and 007 – Casino Royale (2006). In the acclaimed sci-fi film, Villa del Balbianello serves as the backdrop for the romantic scenes between Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), while in Casino Royale, it’s where James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, recovers after a dangerous mission.

Another iconic villa on the lake is Villa La Gaeta, in Acquaseria, in the municipality of San Siro. This residence, with its Gothic architecture and imposing towers, was used for the final scene of Casino Royale, where Bond, the secret agent created by Ian Fleming, confronts his adversary. The combination of the lake and the dramatic atmosphere of the villa created a memorable conclusion to the film.

Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is another popular filming location. This picturesque village, with its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses, has been the setting for several productions. Among these is Ocean’s Twelve (2004), the sequel to the successful Ocean’s Eleven (2001), featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and the rest of the cast, who filmed some of the most iconic scenes in Bellagio, where the elegant lake views and the village’s sophisticated atmosphere perfectly suited a film that combined action and glamour.

Another residence of great charm is Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, a mansion that once belonged to the renowned Italian director and screenwriter Luchino Visconti. This historic estate, nestled in a lush park and overlooking the lake, was the set of Ocean’s Twelve, but also of other productions such as The Luzhin Defence (2000), where Lake Como becomes the backdrop for the love story between young Natalia and chess player Alexander, and Murder Mystery (2019) directed by Kyle Newacheck and starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Villa Erba was also used for music videos, including in 2005, when it became the setting for Gwen Stefani’s music video for Cool, further confirming its status as an iconic place for artistic creativity.

Lake Como has also been the stage for numerous cinematic love stories. Among the most romantic films shot here is A Month by the Lake (1995), starring Uma Thurman and Vanessa Redgrave, with scenes set in the blooming gardens of Villa Sola Cabiati and the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

The lake has also been featured in a documentary dedicated to Gualtiero Marchesi, the celebrated Italian chef. La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, the restaurant that today recreates the maestro’s most famous dishes, pays tribute to his innovative vision of Italian cuisine.

The charm of Lake Como is not limited to its villas. The towns along its shores have also played a role in various films. Varenna, with its narrow streets and houses directly facing the lake, was chosen as the setting for the thriller The Other Man (2008), starring Liam Neeson and Antonio Banderas. The town’s historic architecture and tranquil, almost timeless atmosphere contributed to creating the perfect mysterious aura for the film.

Both Menaggio and Tremezzo, two towns known for their elegant lakeside promenades and panoramic views, provided the backdrop for A Month by the Lake. Here, the scenic beauty of the lake intertwines with a nostalgic love story, paying homage to the elegance and sophistication of the era in which the film is set.

Lake Como has always attracted the interest of filmmakers, dating back to the early cinematic experiments of the Lumière brothers. In the following decades, directors like Alfred Hitchcock, with his silent film The Pleasure Garden (1925), helped cement the lake’s bond with the silver screen. Hitchcock, captivated by the location’s beauty, chose Villa d’Este and Isola Comacina as the setting for some of the most important scenes in his directorial debut.

Today, this place remains a coveted destination for film productions from around the world. In 2021, director Ridley Scott selected the lake for some scenes in House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, shot at Villa Balbiano and along the Regina Road.

Lake Como continues to be one of the most beloved filming locations in the world. Its idyllic landscapes, historic villas, and picturesque towns keep inspiring directors, actors, and producers. Whether it’s a romantic love story or an action-packed thriller, the lake offers a unique setting that makes every cinematic production even more captivating.