Have you ever dreamt of strolling into the enchanting landscapes of Naboo from Star Wars? Well, brace yourself because Naboo’s breathtaking beauty is just a 50-minute drive from Milan! Imagine green mountains, expansive fields, and crystal-clear blue waters – welcome to the real-life Naboo, nestled in the heart of Northern Italy.
Naboo is a small planet boasting lush green mountains, sprawling fields, and serene blue waters. The best part? You don’t need a spaceship to experience its wonders; Naboo is conveniently less than an hour from Lombardy’s capital, the world-renowned city of Milan.
To embark on this otherworldly journey, look no further than the iconic Villa del Balbianello.
Situated on the glacial lakeshores of Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello serves as the picturesque backdrop for one of Star Wars’ iconic planets. This hidden gem is a mere hour’s drive from Milan, the style capital of Lombardy.
Lake Como, a haven for celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna, is where the magic unfolds. A stellar location just a stone’s throw away from Naboo ensures you’ll be immersed in luxury as you explore this cinematic wonder.
Now, let’s plot your course back to Naboo in Italy.
Our adventure began on a sunny day in Milan in September 2015 when we joined Nick and Marg from The Crowded Planet for a scenic 50-minute drive from Lambrate to Naboo. While public transportation is an option, we opted for the flexibility of a car due to time constraints on our last day.
The journey is a visual feast, winding through picturesque villages with medieval houses painted in vibrant hues, narrow streets stacked atop the other, and the straightforward, laid-back life that defines the region. It’s a blend of nature and history that only Europe can offer.
How to get to Naboo from Milan
To reach Naboo from Milan by public transportation, catch a train from Cadorna towards “Como – Staz. Autolinee” and hop on bus Line C10 to Lenno from the station. The bus arrives every hour, and trains depart every 30 minutes.
Suppose you are going there by car; parking near Naboo is crucial upon arrival. In that case, the narrow roads make turning challenging the further you go. Once parked, choose between two picturesque hiking paths – a 1 km stroll or a slightly longer 3 km trek. We opted for the shorter route, mindful of time and energy.
Entrance to Naboo, managed by FAI (Fond Ambiente Italiano), is ticketed but well worth it. Adult day tickets are €13, while a guided tour (available in English or Italian) costs €17. The funds support FAI’s praiseworthy work restoring and maintaining historical sites across Italy.
Villa del Balbianello, a testament to FAI’s dedication, went from ruins to a cinematic marvel. Dating back to 1787, the villa sat abandoned for years before FAI intervened, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
As with many European attractions, Villa del Balbianello is open from mid-March to mid-November, welcoming visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Naboo in this Italian paradise. Make your way to Villa del Balbianello, and let your Star Wars adventure begin!
Villa del Balbianello is Naboo in Italy!
Via Comoedia, 5, 22016
Tremezzina CO, Italy
fondoambiente.it/luoghi/villa-del-balbianello
The side-by-side pictures above are from one of the first times we used an analog camera for travel photography, back in 2015. We wrote an article about our favorite half-frame camera, and you can read it here.
