On the border of Italy and Switzerland, in the picturesque region of Lombardy, at the foot of the Alpine mountains, lies an amazing beauty. For centuries, Lake Como has inspired writers, artists, composers and filmmakers. Many celebrities of our time have also chosen this place: George Clooney, Madonna, Ronaldinho and others.
Lake Como is now a recognized center of Italian tourism. Numerous small towns and villages with narrow streets, luxurious villas and medieval castles, traditional Italian cuisine, heavenly landscapes and entertainment for all tastes - this is what this region can boast of.
Choosing a place to stay on Lake Como is not easy: each town is beautiful in its own way. We have already written about big city, which gave the name to the whole lake -. Today Blogoitaliano invites you to visit 5 more equally beautiful and picturesque towns along the coast.
Lecco
Lecco is located in the southeast of Lake Como, where the lake itself flows smoothly into the Adda River. He is famous for his Villa Manzoni, where the Italian writer drew inspiration for his novel Betrothed; its palaces, the most popular of which is the Belgioiso Palace; his old church Saint Nicholas of the 18th century; four bridges thrown over the bed of a restless river, as well as beautiful streets buried in the green of oleanders and cypresses.
Lecco is one of the most major cities Lake Como
Amateurs will find entertainment for every taste in Lecco active rest... There are excellent ski slopes and climbing trails, picnic areas are spread out on the picturesque peaks. Lovers of dungeons will have a walk to the Karst Lead Cave. And on the chic surface of the lake you can go windsurfing and yachting.
Bellagio
If you look at Lake Como from above, it becomes clear that it looks like an inverted Y, stretching from north to south. Bellagio is located right at the intersection of the three branches of Lake Como in the most picturesque setting. The strategic value of this corner was appreciated even during the times of the Roman Empire. Back in the 5th century. BC. defensive fortifications were built here. However, later the protective function of Bellagio was lost.
Villa Melzi in Bellagio - one of the finest pieces of architecture from the 19th century
The beauty of this place was appreciated by the cream of European society, who began to build luxurious villas here. Particularly famous are Villa Melzi, built in the 19th century by order of the Vice-President of the Italian Republic, Francesco Melzi, and Villa Serbelloni, whose building appeared in Bellagio in the 15th century.
Both villas feature sophisticated parks that gently slope down to the lakeside. By the way, Villa Serbelloni is also an exquisite 5-star hotel that has been known far beyond the borders of Italy for over a century. Despite the fact that the prices in the hotel are not cheap, there are no vacant rooms in the season already 2-3 months before arrival.
There are several ancient churches in this small resort town. The oldest, the Basilica of San Giacomo, dates back to the 11th century. The churches of San Giorgio and San Giovanni are no less interesting.
In addition, it is a city of romantics, narrow streets, old houses and wrought-iron fences. No wonder it was Bellagio who chose the famous composer Franz Liszt for his honeymoon trip... Since then, celebrating the honeymoon here has been considered the key to the beginning of a successful family life.
Menaggio
Menaggio is a quiet, cozy town located very close to the elite Bellagio. The favorable location near the mountains, hiding cold winds, created favorable conditions for the growth of exotic crops. Numerous villas and a picturesque lake promenade are buried in greenery.
The majestic mountains in Menaggio create a favorable climate for Mediterranean vegetation
Menaggio is not as famous as his neighbor. Nevertheless, there is a harmony between a purely Italian flavor and the availability of tourist attractions. In addition to walks along the coast, vacationers are offered numerous mountain routes to Plesio and Breglie, at an altitude of 785 m above sea level, a picturesque mountain park Val Sanagra, as well as the peak of Grona (1400 m), from where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
Varenna
In addition to small towns, Lake Como is home to numerous picturesque villages. The most famous among tourists is Varenna, apparently because it is located directly opposite the Menaggio and Bellagio described above and is connected with them by regular ferry service.
Varenna surprises at first sight with its colorful houses
The main attraction of Varenna is considered to be the medieval center, one of the best preserved in Lombardy. Here you should definitely look at the medieval churches of the XIV-XVII centuries, the villas of Chepressi and Monastero, the Museum of Luigi Scanagatta and the ruins of the Vezio castle. An excellent entertainment will be a boat trip to neighboring towns and villages.
The view of Lake Como from the Vezio castle is simply mesmerizing
Colico
Will finish our review of interesting tourist cities Lake Como is a small town of Colico, located in the northern part of the lake. It is here that the world famous Piona Abbey is located - one of the most beautiful monasteries in northern Italy. The main church of the abbey was built in the distant XI century, later it was repeatedly completed and rebuilt.
The Abbey of Piona in Colico - the most romantic attraction in northern Italy
The forts of Fuentes and Montecchio are also famous among the sights of Colico. Unlike Fuentes, which was erected in the 17th century and has survived to this day only in the form of ruins, Montecchio was built during the First World War and has been preserved in excellent condition.
In addition to cultural attractions, you can find modern entertainment here: surfing, kitesurfing, tennis courts, an excellent beach.
How to get to the cities of Lake Como
First of all, you need to fly to Milan, where the closest to Lake Como is located. You can buy plane tickets here:
- drive to destination by public transport with transfers;
- rent a car at the airport.
Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Along Lake Como by public transport
Almost to any town on east coast the lake can be reached by electric train from Milan. They are sent from the central
Along the lake in a rented car
You can also get to Como by rented car. It will cost quite inexpensively: about 70 euros for 7 days. The car can be picked up at the airport and returned at the end of the journey at the same location. The most popular car rental service in Europe is Rentalcars: in essence, it is a price comparison service with the possibility of booking. The site has a version in Russian. Blogoitaliano has already written in more detail about the service, as well as the peculiarities of movement in the Apennines in the article.
In addition, by car, you can drive along the entire coast, seeing many no less interesting towns: Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Argenio and others. And the ferry service in the Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio triangle will allow you to quickly and easily transport a car from one coast to another.
Geographical location of Como
The Alps protect the coast of Como, which appeared in time immemorial with the melting of glaciers, from cold winds from the north, so the climate is milder here than in other parts of Lombardy. The bottom of the lake lies 200 meters below sea level, maximum depth the reservoir reaches 400 m. In the north, near the town of Colico, the Alpine Adda River flows into Lago di Como, along the perimeter there are mountain streams. Around the middle, in the Bellagio area, the lake divides into two branches. The length of Como is over 45 km, the width ranges from 4.2 to 0.65 km. The mild southern afternoon winds blowing all year round “breva” and night “tivano” usually do not disturb the calmness of the water surface, but in July and August the weather brings surprises: insidious storms are possible in Como, affecting the schedule of boats and ferries.
Natural attractions
The main reason for the popularity of Lake Como is its magnificent views: rocky, forested shores, red-tiled roofs of village houses, old villas and castles, gardens blooming from March to October. On the northern bank, at the mouth of the rivers Adda and Mera, is located nature reserve Pian di Spagna is a plateau wetland between lakes Como and Medzola.
Have southern borders the reserve has comfortable campsites lying right on the shore or within walking distance from the lake. At Camping La Torre in Sorico, tourists will be offered caravans or micro-houses with verandas, hot and cold water, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Guests can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, horse riding, paragliding and hang gliding. Camp La Riva is set on the Mere River with its own outdoor pool. On the opposite bank, La Grande operates, enticing guests with the opportunity to bring pets with them. The camping season on Lake Como starts in March and lasts until November. A room costs about 10 euros per day, but all services, such as electricity, are extra paid. For rent, guests are offered boats and boats, fishing and swimming equipment.
Como beaches
There are few on the lake sandy beaches, one of the few located in the area of the town of Lierna on east coast... In other areas of Como, narrow strips of the coast are covered with pebbles, and near Lecco, at the eastern "leg", the rocks are quite close to the water. The most visited beaches with developed infrastructure are in the Bellagio area. The water of Como is cool, the optimal time for swimming is July and August. It is recommended to swim along the coast to avoid cold currents.
Man-made landmarks in the vicinity of Como
If travelers do not have enough time to explore all the attractions of coastal cities and towns, they are advised to pay attention to the town of Como, which once competed with Milan for dominance in the region. Today, the fortress of Baradello towering over a 430-meter hill, or rather the square watchtower of the 6th century and the chapel of St. Nicholas, reminds of its former glory. The Gothic cathedral of Como was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque in the 14th century, the interior was renewed in the 16th-17th centuries. The building, reaching a height of 75 meters, is made in the form of a Latin cross. You can take pictures inside the temple, but not during church holidays.
Ancient cult objects have been preserved in other parts of Lake Como. In Gravedona, on the northwest coast, tourists can see the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, built in the 12th century from white marble and black stone. Inside, from the previous buildings, there is a floor with a 5th century mosaic with black-white-red patterns, fragments of medieval frescoes.
Mount Ossuccio - UNESCO World Heritage Site
The status of the protected object was not obtained by itself natural monument and baroque chapels on it. The 419 m high rock is located 25 km north of the town of Como, on the western shore of the lake, in the commune of Ossuccio, opposite the island of Comacina. Once in the mountain sanctuary, the goddess Ceres was worshiped, in the 17th-18th centuries 14 chapels with 230 terracotta statues of saints leading to the last building - the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary were erected in its place according to a single plan.
Comacina Island
Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, is small - only 600 meters long and 200 meters wide. In the 12th century, during the Ten Years War between Como and Milan for trade routes, the island was set on fire, and the inhabitants were forced to swim from the burning ruins to escape. In memory of this event, hundreds of toy boats with lighted candles are launched on the Sunday closest to June 24 every year. After the defeat, the island was deserted for a long time, medieval buildings fell into decay. Residents returned to Comacina only in the Baroque era, at the same time the Church of San Giovanni appeared. Hotels for tourists began to be built in the twentieth century.
Comacina IslandVillas and castles of Como
In the Perleda area on the eastern shore of Lake Como, the 12th century castle of Veccio is well preserved. True, tourists are more likely interested not in the harsh medieval building, but in the bird of prey show, which takes place in the garden every day from 10 am to 4 pm from March to October. You can admire the rapidly diving buzzards, owls, and hawks for only 4 euros. The respectable Castello di Lierna, located 6 km to the south, differs from the austere stone building surrounded by a fortress wall. The Milanese fought for the right to occupy it back in the XII century, but then the locals simply used a solid foundation to build residential buildings over it, giving it a cozy bourgeois look.
There are many inaccessible private villas on the coast of Lake Como, but some of the most interesting from an architectural point of view are open to visitors for only 6-9 euros. The Villa Carlotta, built in the 17th century in Tremezzo, on the western shore of the lake opposite Bellagio, deserves attention. The complex looks most impressive in spring, when one and a half hundred species of azaleas bloom in the garden. The building itself houses a unique collection of Canova statues. No less famous is the garden at the neoclassical Villa Melzi, open to tourists from late March to November.
On the promontory of the commune of Ossuccio, right on the coast, at the foot of a wooded mountain, rises Villa Balbianello. Built in early XVIII century on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, it has become a living backdrop for many film projects - Italian classics, one of the James Bond series, an episode of "Star Wars". The last owner of the villa, Guido Monzino, the famous traveler who conquered the North Pole, opened a museum in the house, which displays household items of the Inuit, Argentine Indians, Masai, Tibetans, valuable collections of Venetian glass and English furniture.
Video: Surroundings of Lake Como
Active holidays on Lake Como
Lake Como is the only place in Europe where you can get a seaplane pilot's license, spending six months of your personal time and more than 10 thousand euros on it. Ordinary tourists prefer the easier route - for 80 euros, take a passenger seat on a half-hour seaplane flight over Como. The town of Como has a year-round diving training center with a diving pool and kayaking courses. For lovers of the classics, there is a rowing school. There are many excellent fishing spots on the lake, but you can fish yourself only after purchasing a special permit, which costs about 30 euros per year.
There are many hiking trails in the vicinity with detailed maps, accessible pointers and markup. You can also climb the mountains by cable car from Como to Brunate in just 7 minutes. The line was opened back in 1894 and has since been completely rebuilt. The carriage runs every 15-30 minutes with 4 stops. Despite the favorable relief, near Como on alpine skiing do not ride - the nearest resort is located an hour and a half north of the lake.
Funicular from Como to the commune of BrunateShops and restaurants
The cities on Lake Como cannot surpass Milan in terms of the range of goods and prices, but they also have something to profit from. On the shores of the lake, farmers breed silkworms, which provide the raw material for delicate scarves and colorful ties. Numerous restaurants offer mainly Italian cuisine, including fresh fish.
Information for tourists
Excursion boats run on Lake Como. The cost of a day trip from Como to Nesso with stops for sightseeing is 15 euros. For long-term stays, it is advantageous to purchase season tickets for river transport. The tourist season begins in Como at the end of February, after the carnival, the main attractions open at the end of March. In November, life freezes again in anticipation of spring.
How to get there
Travelers usually come to Lake Como from Milan from Central Station by electric trains that run every hour. From Switzerland through Colico in the north there is an expressway.
Lake Como is a vibrant landmark in northern Italy. It is located slightly north of Milan... The place is considered a prestigious holiday destination, and many celebrities dream of buying real estate in this area.
Useful information
The age of the lake is impressive - it is practically the same age as the Ice Age! In the days of Ancient Rome, Lago di Como was considered an important strategic point for the protection of the Roman Empire, therefore, Roman legionaries have always been based in these parts.
Since the area was protected, here trade began to develop and flourish, crafts were developing, more and more new settlements.
The lake has and second name - Lario... This name was given to the lake by the ancient Greeks, and the Romans later only transformed the name to “lacus larius” (“ deep place"). In the Middle Ages, the name was shortened to the present - Como.
Until the 19th century, the banks were crowded with ordinary quiet Italian villages, but from the middle of the 19th century, European aristocrats chose this Lake Como for recreation and began to build luxurious villas.
The depth of the reservoir is quite large - about 430 meters, and is the third largest in Italy. The beauty of the lake area is given by the surrounding mountains and lush Mediterranean vegetation (dominated by chestnuts, vineyards, cypresses and olive trees).
On the map
Weather
The most favorable time to visit Lake Como is from May to mid-October. The air temperature in the summer months is set within from +24 to +29 degrees but it doesn't get hot due to the cool breezes. The Alps protect the resort from too cold winds blowing from the north.
The water temperature does not drop below +25, so swimming in the lake will only be a pleasure.
Rains are not frequent in this region, and if they happen (mainly in winter and spring), then they are very short-lived.
Where to stay?
Accommodation options at the resort vary. Of course, it is unlikely that it will be possible to settle in the villa of some celebrity, but hotels on the coast will be no worse than luxury villas.
The options and the list of hotels can be found on special sites and choose an acceptable accommodation option - from five-star hotels to a room in an inexpensive guest house.
The best (and more expensive) accommodation option is hotels on the coast, near the water. The hotels have their SPA centers, entertainment complexes, swimming pools, restaurants... And the infrastructure along the coast is better developed - along the embankments there are many cozy restaurants ready to pamper guests with Mediterranean cuisine.
Best hotels on Lake Como in Italy:
- Sheraton Lake Como Hotel 5 * (Como) - from 9840 rubles.
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni 5 *(Bellagio) - from 10,230 rubles.
- Hotel Metropole Suisse 5 *(Como) - from 6730 rubles.
- NH Lecco Pontevecchio 4 *(Lecco) - from 4620 rubles.
- Grand Hotel Victoria 4 *(Menaggio) - from 6210 rubles.
Alternatively, you can consider living in guest houses and campgrounds on the lake.
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Lake Como is hardly known to anyone, although it is one of the largest in the European part of the continent. It has a curious shape, but that is not why it is notable for tourists. Since ancient times, famous people have sought to settle on the coast of this reservoir, surrounded by mountains, because of the picturesque landscapes. Today, world stars of show business also prefer to plunge into the calm atmosphere of the Italian north, therefore, along with small towns and villages, the shores are decorated with luxurious cottages.
Description of the geography of Lake Como
Most people do not know where Como is, because it is located in the north of Italy, far from the sea coast. From Milan you need to drive closer to the border with Switzerland. In fact, the reservoir is surrounded by mountains, and itself is raised above sea level by 200 m.In the south, the hilly terrain is not higher than 600 m, and from the north, the granite mountains reach an altitude of 2400 m. 
The lake has a peculiar shape in the form of three rays directed in different directions. Someone compares a pond with a slingshot. The length of each arm is approximately 26 km. The surface area is 146 sq. km. The reservoir is known as the deepest in Europe, its maximum depth reaches 410 m, the average does not exceed 155 m. 
Three rivers flow into Como: Fumelatte, Mera and Adda. The latter brings most of the water into the lake and also flows out of it. There is a lot of vegetation around the reservoir, it is not without reason that these are the most Beautiful places in this part of the country. Compared to the flat part of northern Italy, due to the Alpine mountains, fogs do not reach the reservoir, but there are prevailing winds here: southern breva and northern tivano. 
The climate in this part is continental, and due to the location in the mountainous area, the air temperature is lower than in the south of the country. However, it does not drop to zero during the year. The water of Lake Como is quite cool even in summer, as there are a lot of underwater springs at the bottom. Snow can fall in winter, but it rarely stays longer than a few days. 
Attractions in the vicinity of the lake
The lake is surrounded by small towns, each of which has something to see. Most of the sights are religious in nature, but there are also modern villas that surprise with the uniqueness of the style. For those who love a cultural holiday, it is recommended to visit Como and Lecco, as well as the island of Comacina. 
It is worth noting what to see next to the reservoir, in the form of a small list, because there are enough interesting places to fill the day with impressions of exploring the surroundings of Lake Como. Tourists often visit:
The only island in Como is called Comacina. Previously, it was used to protect the adjacent territory, but today representatives of the society of artists gather here. Tourists can admire the landscapes with the ruins of the Middle Ages and even purchase pictures made by local painters. 
Interesting facts about the Italian reservoir
Lake Como has another name - Lario. Mentions about him came from ancient Roman literature. The word has Dolatin origin, which modern linguists translate as "deep place". In the Middle Ages, the reservoir was called lacus commacinus, and later it was shortened to Como. It is believed that such a reduction is associated with the city that appeared on the shore of the lake. True, according to some sources, each branch is given a separate name in accordance with the names of large settlements located on the coast. 
An unusual lake, or rather picturesque views around it, are of interest to creative people. For example, painters who organize an artists' club often gather on the island and draw inspiration from admiring the beauty of Italy. You can also see Como in famous films, because at the reservoir the shooting of Ocean's Twelve, Casino Royale, one of the parts of Star wars"And other films. Perhaps this is what prompted George Clooney to buy a villa in northern Italy, surrounded by small towns, where there is rarely an influx of tourists. 
Few people know that the small town of Bellagio is famous for its Christmas tree decorations. In this quiet place, there are still factories that use blown glass technology to produce works of amazing beauty. One has only to look into the shop with New Year's accessories, and it seems that the whole world is immersed in a festive fairy tale. 
Information for tourists
It is important for guests who come here to know how to get to scenic spots and whether it is possible to stay here for the night if necessary. From Milan you can take the train to Colico or Varenna, and there is also a bus to Como. The lake is easy to navigate using water transport... In large settlements, mainly in the southern part, there are many hotels ready to accommodate tourists with maximum comfort. Moreover, there are even entire villas for rent so that visitors to northern Italy can experience the local flavor to the fullest. 
A trip to the famous reservoir would attract little tourists if there were no equipped beaches here. The question often arises whether they swim in Lake Como, because even in summer the air temperature is rarely higher than 30 degrees. On hot days near the shore, the water warms up enough to swim in it, however, you should not choose a backwater where foam has already appeared. 
Anglers will certainly appreciate the opportunity to go out into the lake for trout or perch. There are a lot of fish here, which are allowed to fish upon receipt of a pass valid for the whole year. The cost of the permit is 30 euros. However, even ordinary boating on the water surface will bring many positive emotions, as well as give unforgettable memory photos.
Como (Como) - city and administrative center province of the same name in the Lombardy region.
The city of Como is located at its southwestern tip of the lake of the same name.
Como is currently a popular tourist destination in northern Italy. What makes the city of Como so desirable and visited? There are several answers to this question.:
Firstly, Como is a very picturesque, cozy and sophisticated city. There are narrow streets, along which bright buildings interesting architecture reflecting the centuries-old history of the city; a long embankment, walking along which picturesque views open up every now and then; and beautiful nature, embodied in the water surface of the lake, framed by the foothills of the Alps, subtly combined with the rare, but still present in Como, southern vegetation;
Secondly, it is convenient to get there. Direct trains from Milan will take you to the very center of Como in less than an hour;
Thirdly, the city is so cozy that, being in Como, you feel how, dissolving in history, you are captured by the inner harmony and peace provided by the pristine nature.
Yes, Como is not Rome or Venice, but after the noisy and bustling Milan in Como, you rest your body and soul.
Landmarks of Como. What to see in Como
The main attractions of Como are concentrated in historic center, close to the lake and walking distance from each other, which also makes Como very pleasant place for leisurely walks.
Promenade como
The Como promenade is one of the main attractions and walking places in the city. The embankment skirts the southwestern tip of Lake Como. The historic center is located on one side of the embankment, and on the other, there is a lake with mountains on its banks.
By the way, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, its depth reaches 410 meters.
There is a promenade along the lake. On the right side there are: a small park area, the Fontana Viale Geno / Amici di Como landmark and Villa Geno.
Also on the right side of the embankment is the Como-Brunate funicular connecting the city of Como with the village of Brunate. The funicular is one of the main attractions in the area.
Brunate itself is an interesting town (commune), rather a small old village full of mysteries and legends, but the panoramic views of the city of Como, the eponymous Lake Como and the Italian Alps, which are especially attractive from many points of Brunate, attract tourists of incredible beauty.
Walking area, "going into the waters of the lake"
In the central part of the embankment there is a ferry pier and ticket offices. On a pleasure boat, you can take a walk along the lake or go to other settlements of Lake Como.
A promenade pier, walking along which you can see the modern sculpture Life Electric, created in 2014-2015 and dedicated to the native of the city - the famous scientist physicist Alessandro Volta (1745-1827).
Park - Gardens of the Volta Temple (Giardini del Tempio Voltiano), which contains: a playground, a mini-golf course and a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta "Temple of Volta" (Tempio Voltiano).
War Memorial / Monumento ai Caduti
Aero Club Como. Here you can book a seaplane flight with professional pilots and admire the city and the lake from above.
Near the embankment is the parish of St. George or San Giorgio (Saint George Parish / Parrocchia San Giorgio)
The left side of the Como promenade is quieter and less visited. There are places for rest and balconies from which the most picturesque views of the lake and surroundings open than from other points of the embankment.
Villa Saporiti, Villa Gallietta. Lake Como is famous for its villas, which once served as the residences of the aristocrats and the wealthy. Currently, these villas are mainly museums, hotels, restaurants and government offices.
The most exquisite of the villas in Como is Villa Olmo. Villa Olmo, built since 1797 in a neoclassical style, has beautiful architecture and a large park area. It is currently the venue for exhibitions. It may be closed for visits during the period of various works, it is better to check the opening hours on the official website.
Historic center of Como. Old town of Como
The historic center of Como, or, as it is also called " Old city"- the heart of Como, the place where the most interesting and visited sights of the city are located. The most visited part of the historic center is located closer to the right side of the embankment.
In the Historical Center: an interweaving of streets, along which ancient buildings, small squares and courtyards, churches, as well as an abundance of shops, trade and souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants are located.
Duomo Cathedral
The Duomo di Como / Cathedral of Como is the main and largest cathedral in Como. The cathedral is located on the square of the same name. This majestic cathedral is without a doubt business card Como. Made in the Gothic style and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Construction of the basilica began in 1396 on the site of the previous Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Duomo Square in Como (Piazza Duomo)
Broletto palace
Directly adjacent to the cathedral is the Broletto Palace or Palazzo Broletto - the old residence of the city rulers of Como. The palazzo was built in a Gothic style with Renaissance elements on the façade and dates back to the 15th century. Currently, Broletto is used as a congress hall, as well as a place for art exhibitions and celebrations.
The representative ensemble of both buildings (the palace and the cathedral) is obvious, but ultimately such a duo became an almost unique testament to the close connection between the spiritual and temporal authorities in the city of the European Middle Ages.
On the left side of the palace is a small Catholic Church of San Giacomo(Chiesa di San Giacomo)
Sotsiale Theater
Per Cathedral the famous Sochiale Theater(Teatro Sociale di Como). The theater was designed by the architect Giuseppe Cuzi, following a decision by the local nobility, in response to the need to replace an already obsolete building. The construction of a new and more modern building began in early 1812, and was supposed to be completed in the same year, but due to bad weather and minor troubles, construction was delayed. The facade of the theater is made in neoclassical style.
Basilica of San Fedele
Another famous shrine of Como is the Church of San Fidel or Basilica di San Fedele (Chiesa di San Fedele). This church is located in the historical center of Como on the square of the same name (Piazza S. Fedele) and is dedicated to the martyr Saint Fidelis.
The construction of the basilica dates back to 1120. The neo-Romanesque façade of San Fedele, rebuilt from scratch in 1914, features an ornate rose-shaped window.
Monument to Alessandro Volta
In one of the central squares of the historical center of Como (Piazza Alessandro Volta) there is monument to Alessandro Volta(Monument of Alessandro Volta)
Church of Saint Cecilia
Church of Saint Cecilia or Church of Adoration (Saint Cecilia / Chiesa dell Adorazione). Outwardly, the church seems invisible, since it is located within the walls. high school Alessandro Volta. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes. Perhaps this is one of the most striking churches in the historical part of Como.
Defensive walls and towers
Another historical landmark can be seen near the Church of Cecilia - Porta Tore(Porta Torre) - one of the defensive towers in Como, erected in 1192 to protect the most important and central entrance to the city. The tower is 40 meters high.
Porta Torre is one of the most interesting examples of military architecture of the Romanesque tradition in Italy. The tower has an unapproachable view from the outside, while on the side the former city one can see four rows of arches, two in each row, corresponding to the four inner floors of the tower.
Behind the Porta Torre Tower you can see monument to Garibaldi(Monumento a Garibaldi)
And along the street Carlo Cattaneo (Viale Carlo Cattaneo) defensive walls and two more towers located in the western and eastern parts of the street from the central tower of Porta Torre: Gattoni Tower or Porta Nuova(torre di Porta Nuova / Gattoni Tower) in the west and tower of San Vitale or St. Vitus(Saint Vitale Tower) to the east.
It is with these towers and the wall that the city of Como can be territorially divided into the historical and newer parts.
Along the protective wall, there is an outgoing tent market, where they mainly sell clothes, bags, toys and other goods.
ChurchSantuariodelSs.Crocifisso (sanctuary of crucifixes)
Not far from the western tower, if you walk to the lake along Varese street, there is an interesting Catholic Church Santuario del Ss. Crocifisso in Como, attractive first of all for its bright decoration, so unusual for the churches of Como.
In the historical center of Como and beyond, there are still many different churches, for example:
Church of Santa Maria di Loreto or Santa Maria di Loreto(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto), located near railway station San Giovanni
church of Sant'Eusebio(Chiesa S. Eusebio)
church of jesus(Chiesa del Gesu) is a small old Romanesque temple located in the historic center of the city. The church looks very simple, inside the typical decoration of Catholic churches is preserved. This church is not touristy, but it is in such churches that one can feel that special atmosphere of the believing life of society. It is definitely worth a visit.
Small catholic Church Parrocchia Sant "Agostino E Antonino built by the Cistercians at the beginning of the 14th century, restored in the 20th century. Frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries can be seen in the interior and adjacent monastery, but most of the decorations are still made in the Baroque style. This church is located near the bus station and railway station Nord Lago.
Parish church of St. Orsola(Parrocchia S. Orsola) located near the eastern defensive tower.
And Basilica of Saint Abbondio(Basilica di Sant`Abbondio) and church of St. Bartolomeo(Chiesa Cattolica Parrocchiale S. Bartolomeo) located outside the old center.
Silk museum
The Como Silk Museum (Educational Silk Museum - Como) tells about the process of making natural silk - from growing caterpillars to looms. The museum is located at Via Castelnuovo, 9.
In 1985, the associations Classe "27 and Ex Allievi del Setificio began collecting materials belonging to silk factories based in Como. In the 1960s, due to a fundamental reorganization textile industry began to change, and in the 1980s silk factories finally left their premises, allowing the collection of machines and other valuables in order to create a museum and pass on the history of the silk industry to future generations.
In 1988, the Arts Committee was established. And in 1990, the Educational Silk Museum was opened, clearly demonstrating the history of silk production.
Silk is given special attention in Como and the surrounding area, as silk and silk products have been produced in these areas for over 500 years. Silk products on the shores of Lake Como are considered one of the best in Italy and have already become the hallmark of Lake Como. Silk products (shawls, scarves, ties, capes, etc.) can be bought in many shops, like in the city of Como and in other localities of the lake.
Como food central market
The food covered market (Mercato Coperto) is located at Via Sirtori Giuseppe, 1, near the defensive towers and the walls of Como.
You can find an abundance of food products in the market: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, etc. Market days: Tuesday, Thursday until 13:00; Friday - Saturday until 19:00; Monday, Wednesday, Sunday - closed.
Supermarkets in the historic center of Como
There are plenty of small grocery stores on the streets of the historic center of Como, but the choice of food and household goods is very limited.
For an abundance of groceries and other small goods, it is better to go to large supermarkets.:
Carrefour Express - Supermercato, located a block from the Duomo, in the basement of a department store, Via Pietro Boldoni, 3. Although this supermarket is more express, the selection of fruits, vegetables and ready meals is still scarce.
Carrefour Market - Supermarket - Perhaps the best food choice in the historic center. Here a good choice fruits, vegetables and cheeses. The supermarket is located near the embankment, or rather the Volta Temple Park, at the intersection of Via Recchi / Via Rosselli.
Esselunga di Via Ambrosoli is a large supermarket with underground parking, located away from the historic center, above the central food market, at Via Carloni, 24.
When is the best time to go to Como
It's hard to say, Como is good at any time of the year, the sights and most of the restaurants are open all year round. We were in Como in the month of January, mainly good weather, +4 - +10 degrees, sunny and what surprised us, the city did not suffer from a lack of greenery. Although some establishments were still closed, as it was written on the information signs, they close from late October to mid-March.
How far to go to Como, what to see in the vicinity of Como
We consider at least three days, although many come from Milan for only a day. It seems that in one day you can see little in Como, or you have to run, which you don't want to do on vacation.
If offhand, then:
One day to the historic center and the embankment (preferably two);
One for the funicular and a walk along Brunate, if you want to stay in Brunate, then the hotel is possible;
Also from Como you can ride on the lake on a pleasure boat. Although boats make walks at any time of the year, it is still more interesting and enjoyable to ride in the warmer months.
On foot from Como, you can walk or take a boat to nearby settlements. For example, Tavernola and Cernobbio.
How to get to Como
There is no airport in Como. Therefore, most often tourists come to Como from the airports and the center of Milan. It is convenient and fast to get there. More details on how to get from Milan city center and Milan airports to Como, as well as from Como to Milan, can be found in our previous reports:
You can also visit Lake Como with a day trip from Milan. Which is very convenient if you have only one free day and you want to see something interesting and truly beautiful, in addition to Milan itself:
Where to stay in Como
The choice of accommodation in Como is very large and varied, here you can find accommodation for every taste and budget, from budget to 5-star hotels, apartments and guest houses, both on the first line, where the windows will overlook the lake and the promenade, and downtown.
The most convenient place to stay is, of course, in the historic center. So within walking distance will be all the main attractions, shops and supermarkets, an abundance of cafes and restaurants, as well as auto and railway stations.
All accommodation in Como, from budget to luxury, is possible.
We stayed in the center of the old town in a small, privately owned Storiko hotel with breakfast included.
Currency and visas
Italy is part of the Schengen area, therefore, to visit the country and Como, you need a Schengen visa and.
Italy is included in the euro zone, therefore the country's currency is Euro (€). Both cash and bank cards in many shops, cafes and restaurants.
Photo of streets of Como city, Italy
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