Como

<< Lombardy

Como is a city located north of Milan, on the southwestern corner of Lake Como and close to the border with Switzerland. Founded in ancient times, Como was a Roman town and during the Middle Ages it emerged as a center of local commerce. The city eventually came under the rule of Milan and followed its history until the Italian unification. Como is now a tourist destination thanks to its historic attractions and beautiful enviroment.

✪ Como Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

The Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) is the main church of Como, located in the center of the city. Erected over a previous church, construction started in 1396 and the project was only completed in 1770. The church has been described as the last masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Italy, but it also features Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. It features an elaborate facade adorned with numerous sculptures, as well as two decorated side portals. The cathedral houses several frescoes, artworks, decorations, and funerary monuments, and also a collection of ancient tapestries. Adjacent to the church is the 13th-century Broletto, a Romanesque-Gothic palace that once served as town hall. The Broletto is topped by the Civic Tower, which also serves as bell tower for the cathedral.

Volta Temple

The Volta Temple (Tempio Voltiano) is a Neoclassical temple erected on the shores of Lake Como during the 1920s. The temple houses a scientific museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como. The museum showcases the life of the scientist, and houses a collection of instruments used by Volta as well as some of its inventions.

Como Promenade

The promenade of Como, located along Lake Como, offers a great view on the lake and the surrounding mountains, and it features various attractions. The main landmarks along the promenade are the Volta Temple and the large Monument to the Fallen (Monumento ai Caduti), inaugurated in 1933. The promenade continues toward Villa Olmo with the pedestrian path called Passeggiata Lino Gelpi.

Basilica of San Fedele

The Basilica of San Fedele is a Romanesque church erected during the 12th century. The structure features various medieval elements, while some sections, such as the facade of the church, were rebuilt in Romanesque Revival style in the early 20th century. The interior of the basilica houses various ancient frescoes and Baroque decorations.

Pinacoteca Civica di Palazzo Volpi

The Pinacoteca Civica di Palazzo Volpi is an art gallery hosted in a 17th-century palace in Como. The museum houses a rich collection of interesting artworks, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and including numerous paintings, frescoes, and sculptures.

Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum

The Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio) is an archaeological museum hosted in a historic palace with frescoed halls. The museum houses a collection of ancient findings showcasing the long history of the city, but also other artworks.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum

The Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum (Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi) is a military and history museum in Como. The museum is mostly focused on the Italian Risorgimento, but it also houses some artworks and other memorabilia.

Basilica of Sant’Abbondio

The Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is a Romanesque church erected during the 11th century at the outskirts of Como. Erected over an older church, the basilica features various medieval decorations and a rich series of 14th-century frescoes.

Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo is a large Neoclassical palace facing Lake Como. Built in the late 18th century, it was erected as a summer residence for the local aristocracy. The villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens and features various frescoed halls.

Walls of Como

Como is surronded on three sides by a series of well preserved ancient walls. Originally erected during the Roman age, the fortifications were later rubuilt and expanded in the Middle Ages. The main feature along the ancient walls is Porta Torre, a 12th-century tower and city gate.

Como Silk Museum

The Como Silk Museum (Museo della Seta di Como) is a museum dedicated to the history of silk production in Como. The museum showcases various historic pieces of equipment that display the entire process of silk production.

Baradello Castle

The Baradello Castle is a historic fortification located on top of a hill near Como. This was the site of the first settlement in the area, and a fort was erected here around the 6th century. Restored and expanded numerous times throughout the Middle Ages, the castle was demolished in 1527, except the tower, which is still standing.