The last private owner was Monzino, the son of a noble family who was a famous explorer.
Over the centuries the structure was expanded several times, thus becoming the home of cardinals and noble families. Overlooking one of the most beautiful spots on the lake, it was originally a monastery. Villa Balbianello, now mostly known to be the Lake Como Star Wars Villa, is one of the most spectacular places on Lake Como, an extraordinary marriage of architecture and nature.