Como-Italy | Characterful Historic City with a Splendorous Lakefront.


Como is a characterful historic city of Italy,famous to be the major centre of one of the most beautiful waters basin of the world and with a splendorous lakefront which is one of its magnificent highlights and landmarks.


That notable centre of Lombardy rich in style,elegance and with a relevant historic past visible in its charming medieval core is characterised by a strong identity never tired to show its beauty and charm but also its image of active and busy city.

Thanks to the prestige and fame of its several resorts along the coasts of a marvellous lake with its name which are classy destinations to breathe something of highly special.

The visitor also finds in Como a more than attractive place and once visited there is always the desire to come back and not only for that marvellous waters basin that Northern Italian city offers unique in its kind.

The noble history and traditions enclosed within its ancient walls,with an enchanting heart developed in the Middle Ages offers everything and more.

It is enough walking for its streets,taking a look to its architecture,its historical monuments a short distance for the spectacular image of its ravishing waterfront which is like an ample window offering spectacular views and its long lake promenade make Como beautiful day and night in every corner.

You are in a place which received several praises for its beauty and unique fascination by illustrious artists and prominent people worldwide.

.The Romantic poet Shelley said: "This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty." while in a famous phrase Wordsworth commented "Como and its lake are a treasure which the earth keeps to itself".

Also Stendhal,that famed and talented French artist described it as" an enchanting spot, unequalled on earth in its loveliness".Many others famed characters named the Lario with magnificent words the Latin Philosopher Virgil called it simply "our greatest lake".Fyodor Dostoevskij mentioned Lake Como in his novel: "Notes from Underground" .

The list honouring that place is so endless Como in all its unique charm also has inspired prominent poets and writers such as Alessandro Manzoni and Lord Byron composers as Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner and also Ernest Hemingway's character Lieutenant Henry in Farewell to Arms talks about holidays to Lake Como.

Apart that work the famed American writer during his stays in Italy often loved to visit the lake and that city.

Very close to Milan which is just 45,0 kilometres away with its approximately 92,000 inhabitants,that centre with its lake is famous for being among the most popular tourist destination of Northern Italy.

Thanks to its magnificent geographic position is a superb gate to visit other spectacular places such as the Alps,Switzerland and an endless list of cities and town with an important historic patrimony.

Surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains,dominated by Alpine peaks facing its centre and located at an altitude of 201,0 metres of altitude on  area of approximately 73 square kilometres.Another captivating highlight of that wonderful place is the high presence of beautiful aristocratic villas and magnificent parks,elegant gardens which are a sort of frame of a stunning picture.



The history of that city is rich of events,inhabited since ancient times,it was originally settled by the Insubri,a Celtic population and it reached a notable importance as Roman colony in a period in which under rule of the Imperial Rome it gained prestige thanks also to its strategic position.In the year 196 B. C.

Como which was already a notorious base of navigation made that the Romans established a fleet on its lake starting to explore its coasts.

Devastated by the Huns and Goths and later conquered by the Lombard in the early 12th century.In medieval times it became a free city including it was also destroyed by the eternal rival  Milan being accused to have an alliance with Frederick Barbarossa.

The future Emperor linked to the Swabian dynasty always preferred Como than Milan for many reasons. The city of the Lake was less  expansionist,more adaptable to diplomatic issues,obviously less powerful in terms of army and also with less charismatic characters linked to other poweful Duchies and Kingdoms with the risks of plots and alliances not always convenient.

 Once he defeat Milan,Frederick Barbarossa ordered the construction of several defencive towers and forts around the city limits of which today there are only the ruins of the iconic Baradello Fortress.

 In the 14th century, after having belonged to the noble family Rusca, the city moved under Milanese influence.In the 15th century the economy flourished with the activity of linked to the production of silk which continues today.

For half century it was submitted to the Sforza family, the noble, aristocratic and powerful family of Milan after a brief period of independence with the Republic of Sant'Abbondio.

Ended that rule the city followed later its historic golden ages,initially as a Duchy and later incorporated in that big Empire under Hapsburg influence.For a brief period it was also part of  the Cisalpine Republic under French rule and led by Napoleon Bonaporte before to come back under Austrian rule once again.

 In that latter period,Como was incorporated in  the Austrian  Kingdom in that territory called Regno Lombardo-Veneto,consisting in those important regions Lombardy and Veneto but also including the Trentino Alto Adige and the Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Como played an important role in the Unity of Italy,when Giuseppe Garibaldi with the Hunters of the Alps freed the city from the Austrian domain in that famous Battle of San Fermo dated the year 1859  which took place in the outskirts of the city.It was after that event  joined the Kingdom of Italy under Savoy Royal rule.

In the year 1945, during the latter stages of the 2nd World War in the municipality of Mezzegra,not far from Como were executed the dictator Benito Mussolini and Claretta Petacci captured in proximity of Dongo on the shore of the lake with the intention to reach the Swiss border.

The centre of the city is developed south of its superb lakefront starting from the wide and lively square Piazza Roma.

 That place is also the main access to the medieval core,flanked from one side by a long street called Via Caio Secondo Plinio and on the other side by Via Manzoni an avenue which runs from the main Como Nord Lago Station from north to south crossing the heart of the city.

Lungo Lario Trieste is the second section of the lakefront promenade continuing further with the name Viale Genio,a long avenue east of the centre leading to the promontory where lies Villa Genio.In opposite direction from Piazza Roma you can reach on the other side of the walkway flanking the lake in  about ten minutes the famous Tempio Voltiano which is close to the Stadium Sinigaglia facing the lake in the western side of that splendorous lakefront.


Very rich in artistic heritage,the most shining jewel of  is undoubtedly  the magnificent medieval Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta the  Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption originally erected  in the year 1396 and restored and the end of 1740.

You can start your visit from that emblematic and historic monument which is also situated the core and heart of that city of Lombardy.That majestic religious building was erected on a previous Temple,the facade was completed in the year 1455 and the dome was developed following the draft of the famous architect Filippo Juvarra.

Inside you can admire great works as the Sacred Conversation by Luini, a fresco by Morazzone and nine relevant tapestries of the 16th century.commonly referred as the last Gothic Cathedral built in Italy.It is of course a wonderful architectonic masterpiece,with different styles present used during the periods of restorations and changes.You will notice a marvellous rose window,a portal with vaults and magnificent arched windows on the sides showing traditional medieval and Gothic architectonic canons very evident in all the frontal section but also of splendid Renaissance works in the external apses.The temple is 87 metres long and the dome reaches 78 metres in high.

The initial and original design was by the architect Lorenzo Degli Spazzi and its interior is subdivided in three naves,ten cruciform pillars with pointed arches of various amplitude and cross vaults.

Two statues of  Plinio il Vecchio (Plinius the Old) and Plinio il Giovane (Plinius the Young) are located on the sides of the majestic portal and they are a work of the sculptor Tommaso Rodari.

The impressive dome was designed by the Sicilian architect Filippo Juvarra very famous artist who has among his numerous works the projects in Turin, Palazzo Madama and Basilica of Superga, in Madrid the Royal Palace and in Portugal the Mafra Palace.

Next to that outstanding building you can admire the Broletto,the former Town Hall erected in the year 1215 and modified in 1477 due the construction of  the Cathedral.

The old Palazzo del Broletto served as politic and administrative centre during the early Middle Ages.Originally it was built in Gothic style and it was completed  with a relevant mixture of refined Romanesque and Renaissance details.

Particularly attractive is the facade of that building which was developed using  Lombard marble,as well as the tower built using the technique of ashlar a typical and particular wall of the Renaissance period.Y

You are there in a point which is also the access to the medieval centre,a short distance from the waterfront waterfront and that concrete place is the site which represented the secular power of the city and it is of course one of the most emblematic corner of the entire Como.

Not far you can reach  Piazza Verdi (Verdi Square) with monuments which recall various periods such as the medieval walls,the Neo-Classic Theatre and the former house of the Fascist period,designed by architect Giuseppe Terragni in the 30s and part of the contemporary architecture of the city.

Today Piazza Verdi with Piazza del Broletto are the main meeting point for locals and tourists,generally very busy day and evening,it is a very distinctive place since long time ago continuing to be that also in recent times a symbol of that characterful city.

Very close to the Medieval complex,turning on the right and walking for approximately 10 minutes along the lake promenade on the right side you can take the funicular Como-Brunate which linked the city and that enchanting small,hilly and picturesque municipality since the year 1894.

It is still the quickest way of travelling between the city and that lovely town but it is also an opportunity to enjoy enchanting views overlooking Lake Como and the Alps.

Brunate is also nicknamed the balcony of the Alps for the splendid panoramas it offers.That funicular is unique in its kind in Europe and it can carry the tourist in one breath from the shore of the Lake to a mountainous area.

In just 7 minutes with a maximum slope of approximately 55%.In in that short time you will be on the top admiring an unforgettable magic image of the Lario and its beauty.

From there you can enjoy a formidable panoramic view over the harbour,including a splendid image of Cernobbio and Villa D´Este (I wrote a post about that other stupendous resort) and a wide view of Como lakefront.

If you look on the left side you can have an impressive view over the historic centre and reaching by a  a step a road you can admire the forest and the slopes descending towards the lake.Next to that road there is also a bar where you can enjoy a cool drink enjoying that unforgettable scenery.

A great attraction is the Chiesa di Sant´Andrea Apostolo situated at  just five minutes walking from the Funicular Station,a splendid Church dedicated to St.Andrew built in the 14th century and containing relevant frescoes of Lombard school.

Brunate is since long time ago one of the favourite places of locals to spend a day in contact with nature and breathing the fresh breeze,you are there at an altitude of 715,0 metres,furthermore along the woody area there is also a path which was used in ancient time by locals and merchants before the construction of the funicular.

Coming back to the city you can continue your visit with the splendid Basilica di San Fedele which is another important historical Religious building located in the square Piazza San Fedele another medieval landmark of that centre.

The Church has a traditional  Romanesque aspect and it was erected over an ancient early Christian building and it became a relevant pilgrimage destination since the 10th century when were transferred the strips of San Fedele by a Roman officer.

That Imperial figure was converted to Christianity and known as one of the martyrs during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian Emperor in the 4th century.

Developed on a long rectangular plan,relevant is its beautiful facade with a charming gable roof,an outstanding rose window placed on a magnificent rectangular doorway and a beautiful arched portal with mullioned vault.

You can notice admiring those details the great lines used to compose the frontal side of that Church,a perfect symmetry including the superb tower on its left side with two levels of opened arched windows and decorations on its perimeter.

Near the Church is also situated a gate tower which was the ancient entrance to the medieval town since the year 1192.

That place has in addition a further historic value because it was the site in which which  took place  since the middle ages a famous wheat market which gave Como a relevant importance in commerce with several traders coming from many parts of the Italic Peninsula and from abroad mainly from the nearest Switzerland.

From Via Armando Diaz a street which heads towards the lakefront which revolves around the square Piazza Cavour and the adjacent Public Gardens you can  reach in a very short time another square Piazza Volta walking along Lungolago Marconi (the lake promenade) where you can admire the Tempio Voltiano Volta Temple.

That scenic and imposing construction is a magnificent building dated the year 1928 which houses memorabilia about the life and works of Alessandro Volta known physicist and Italian inventor in the 18th century.

That Mausoleum was erected on the shore of Lake Como in in honour of the centenary of Alessandro Volta's death who born in that city and he is considered one of its most illustrious sons a very distinctive and characterfulfigure for all what he represented in the history of Como,Italy and the world with his inventions and relevant scientific studies.

That Temple shows a strong neoclassical influence of Palladio with a distinctive Lombard decorations and majestic rounded columns with capitals.Majestic and beautiful is the ample pediment which resembles to that one of a Hellenic Temple and also great is the huge portico in which is located the entrance.

The interior shows the visitor a beautiful floor with mosaic,Busts, bas-reliefs and many other objects of  the artist are present inside of that majestic building which was designed by Federico Frigerio,with a shape of a quadrilateral Neo-classic temple, with the statues of Faith and Science by Carlo and Luigi Rigola.

The city also offers the tourist the chance to visit a good number of very interesting museums,one of them is the Pinacoteca Civica, housed in the Palazzo Volpi a splendid palace situated in the nearest Via Armando Diaz.

The building was the residence of the aristocratic Volpi family in the 17th century, including Ulpiano Volpi,who was Bishop of Novara and Archbishop of Chieti.Inside that exhibition the highlights are sculptures and paintings dating back the early Middle Ages and Romanesque designs in  futurist style.

 Palazzo Olginati (Olginati Palace) in Via Balestra very close to the previous museum,close to Via Dante Alighieri, 10 minutes walking from the lake promenade.

 That building is dated 15th century and belonged to the family De Curte over time and finally the Rezzonico and  Olginati families who were the next owners who remodelled the building in a new style.

That building hosts a splendid exhibition is subdivided in several sections corresponding to different periods and themes such as Renaissance, Contemporary History,Ethnography and a Picture Gallery.

One of the main higlights is the section dedicated to  Giuseppe Garibaldi and it can be interesting if you want to have an illustration of the historic events of the unification of Italy.

During the visit do not miss to take a look to Villa Olmo,a wonderful neoclassic villa  designed by the Swiss architect Simone Cantoni.

That splendid mansion is characterised by charming columns and pilasters and surmounted by a terrace with statues.Today it hosts cultural events but it is undoubtedly one of the iconic symbols of the magnificent and several noble mansions you can admire on that marvellous lake.

Another highlight is definitely its splendid garden in which centre stands a fountain with two children playing with a marine monster a work by the sculptor Odofrechi.

From there you can enjoy a splendid view of the bay and the splendorous waterfront delighted by the beautiful Passeggiata,the promenade along the lake offering a spectacular view towards the small headland where that marvellous waters basin has a stupendous curve along the road leading to Bellagio.

That point is also very suggested to take several pictures admiring Brunate mentioned before and all the coastline on the left side leading to Menaggio.

Just outside Viale Roosvelt ( Roosevelt Avenue), in the street Via Regina Teodolinda you can visit the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio.

That beautiful Church is a masterpiece of Romanesque art dated the 11th century erected over the rests of a former Benedictine Monastery dating back the 5th century dedicated to the Evangelists Peter and Paul and it was one of the first Palaleo-Christian buildings erected in the entire area of the Lario.

The Religious building has a front pretty severe with austere lines and outstanding is the perfect composition of the central nave under a gable roof perfectly combined with the aisles lower than the central body and a superb rectangular portal lies in the centre under a splendid arched vault.

That magnificent masterpiece presents all the architectonic canons and complete details of a Romanesque Religious construction and another splendid highlight is visible on one side with a rounded facade with two symmetrical lines of windows which reflect the typical Lombard school of the middle ages.

That Church in its structure also present two majestic towers,in part similar to the Basilica of St. Fedele with two series of arched windows placed under a square roof.

The portico is combined with seven windows leads to the interior which is a hymn to the pure beauty of the medieval art.Along the central nave you will notice the perfect design of the columns which form stupendous arcades over a passage leading to the altar.

In correspondence to the apse you can admire magnificent frescoes dated the 14th century by great painters of the 14th century and relevant anonymous frescoes. 

The vibrant Como is very lively in one of its most important artery called Corso Vittorio Emanuele II an avenue which crosses the medieval district,a focal point for shopping and social life,packed by bars, bars,restaurants, shops and boutiques.

In its proximity you can see Palazzo Giovio is a charming palace which houses the Archaeological Museum, dedicated to different historic periods ranging from the prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.


If you are interested about Como Industry you can visit the Museo della Seta the Silk Museum situated in Via Castelnuovo,a street facing the Railway Station Como Borghi.

That exhibition will introduce you the old machinery and the history and the development of the productive cycle of silk in the city.Como produces over the 80% of Europe’s silk and has been doing all that since the 14th century when silk worms were first imported.

If you want to buy something typically linked to that very appreciated material of superb quality,there are boutiques in the centre selling high quality silk articles,such as scarves,ties and shirts which are suggested and excellent products about shopping in the city.

 During your stay if you love medieval art and to visit something more the city also offers the opportunity to visit also minor Churches some very interesting such as Santa Caterina, Santa Margarita, San Marco and San Nazzaro while the Church of the Annunciation is a splendid example of the Baroque period housing a venerated wooden crucifix dating back 14th century.

The surroundings of Como are an authentic hymn of splendorous beauty and the list is so long that lake offers several enchanting places.One of them which is a mandatory is Bellagio considered the pearl of Lake Como, situated on a picturesque promontory between the two arms of the lake.

The town is especially famous for its villas as Villa Serbelloni dated 15th century and hosted the brilliant minds of the Italian Renaissance, including Leonardo da Vinci. Villa Melzi dated 1810  Villa Giulia, Villa Trivulzio and Villa Trotti .(I wrote a post about that great resort).

A must is absolutely to enjoy a beautiful cruise of Lake, the Crociera del Lario.Bellagio deserves the title the Pearl of Lake Como but there are many other enchanting places as Varenna,Tremezzo,Cernobbio Menaggio and many other resorts each with an enchanting and unique charm.

Como cuisine is simply excellent with starters offering tastefully salami,cheeses and excellent pancetta.The traditional  Risotto al Pesce Persico (rice with a lake fish) is a famous highlight and that Pesce persico is also cooked in different styles just like other kind of local lake fish such as Alborelle or the Lavarello that one absolutely great grilled adding olive oil and herbs.

Another speciality is the Fritto Misto di Lago a mix of fried lake fish and the Missoltini a kind of small marinated fish.Other specialities are the famous Polenta often accompanied by cheese,meat or sausages in sauce as the famous Luganighe and wide variety of stews of beef and veal such as Spezzatini and Brasati.

Since 2008, the city is well connected to Milan with the line S11 of the suburban rail service in Milan (S Line) in approximately 30/35 minutes from Milan Malpensa Airport and the city is well served by several lines of buses covering the urban routes and also all along the coast of the lake.

 Como is one of the best destination you can choose,thanks to its lake,that corner of the world by many travellers,intellectuals, aristocrats and famous celebrities decided to live there or come back frequently. frequently.

That city so characterful is the Capital and major centre of that unforgettable lake which will be a a highlight in your album memories after visiting that enchanting place of Italy with a unique enchanting charm highlighted by its unforgettable  landscapes combined with a magnificent history and a multitude of  attractions.

Visiting Como is all that and more,a place which lives with pride its historic past showing in the present all its wonderful  image and always ready to welcome the visitors along its splendorous lakefront inviting them to discover its superb beauty.

 something absolutely unique in the world.

Francesco Mari



Recommended Hotels in Como 

 Hotel Palace 
hotel Villa Fiori 
Gran Hotel di Como 
Hotel Metropole Suisse 
Hotel La Barchetta Excelsior

Recommended Restaurants in Como 

Ristorante Villa Elisa 
Ristorante XV Secolo 
Ristorante Antichi Sapori 
Ristorante L´Antica Riva 
Ristorante La Darsena

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