Como, like Milan, is a magical northern Italian city, full of beautiful attractions and activities. It’s a must-visit destination when traveling in Italy!
One of the most beautiful cities in the Lombardy region, Como has been attracting visitors for centuries with its stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage. The city lies on the shores of the famous Lake Como and has become an important commercial and cultural center throughout its long history. It’s often called the „city of silk” as it was the center of silk production for centuries.
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Como attractions
Lake Como
One of Italy’s most beautiful and romantic lakes, which is the city’s main attraction.
The 146 square kilometer lake is one of Europe’s deepest lakes, captivating visitors with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking Alpine panorama. Along the lake’s shores stand elegant villas, historic castles, and picturesque small towns, many of which are homes to world stars. Due to its special microclimate, Mediterranean vegetation decorates the shores, including palm trees, citrus trees, and olive trees.
The lake offers excellent opportunities for various water sports and excursions. Ferries and boats regularly travel between the lake’s different settlements, allowing visitors to easily discover the area’s hidden treasures. The promenades and gardens along the lakeshore provide perfect venues for relaxation and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Como Cathedral
Como’s most imposing religious building stands in the city’s heart, on the main square.
Construction of the Duomo di Como began in 1396 and lasted for more than four centuries, which is why different architectural styles blend within it. The facade was built in late Gothic style, while the dome already bears Renaissance features. The cathedral’s specialty is that it’s decorated with statues of two famous Como natives, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, who were Roman writers and scholars, at the main entrance.
Its interior is filled with stunning artworks, including beautiful frescoes, carved altars, and valuable paintings. The sanctuary behind the main altar is particularly noteworthy with its rich decoration and historical significance. The cathedral’s organ is also of excellent quality and serves as a venue for regular concerts. From the church tower, a beautiful panorama opens over the city and the lake.
Piazza Cavour
Como’s center is an elegant main square located on the lakeshore.
The square was shaped into its current form in the 19th century and has since been one of the city’s most attractive and lively venues. It was named after Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, who was one of the key figures of Italian unification.
The square is surrounded by elegant buildings, including historic palaces, hotels, and restaurants. From the square, there’s a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal place to admire the city’s beauty.
Villa Olmo
One of Como’s most elegant and significant neoclassical villas stands on the lakeshore.
The villa was built at the end of the 18th century by Marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi and designed by the renowned architect Simone Cantoni. The building got its name from the surrounding huge elm tree (olmo) that was the villa’s symbol for centuries. Its specialty is the beautiful facade and perfect symmetry, making it a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.
Around the villa is a stunning English garden that extends to the lake and is home to numerous rare plant species. Walking in the park, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
It currently functions as a cultural center and regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. Both the villa’s halls and the park can be visited, allowing visitors to gain insight into the former life of the aristocracy.
Volta Temple
The temple was built in memory of Alessandro Volta, the famous physicist and inventor.
It was inaugurated in 1927, on the centenary of Volta’s death. The building was constructed in neoclassical style and showcases the life’s work and discoveries of the famous scientist born in Como. The temple’s specialty is that it serves not only as a religious but also as a scientific memorial site, as Volta was born and lived here.
Inside, valuable documents, experimental instruments, and Volta’s original inventions can be viewed. The exhibition presents the scientist’s life path, the discovery of galvanism, and his achievements in the science of electricity. The temple’s surroundings are also special, with beautiful gardens and walkways.
Porta Torre
One of the most imposing remains of Como’s medieval fortification, a symbol of the city’s historical defense.
The gate built in 1192 is the only remaining part of the massive city wall that once surrounded Como. The 40-meter-high tower is an excellent example of Barbarossa-era architecture and stands as testimony to Como’s medieval power. Its name simply means „Gate Tower” which well reflects its former function.
The tower’s walls are more than two meters thick and represent a masterpiece of medieval construction technique. Climbing the internal stairs provides a wonderful view of the city and surrounding landscape. The parts near the tower still testify to the greatness of Como’s former fortification.
Torre Gattoni
One of Como’s highest and oldest defensive towers, an important memorial of the city’s medieval past.
The tower built in 1241 originally belonged to the Gattoni family residence, who were one of Como’s most influential patrician families. The 60-meter-high structure was built in Lombard-Gothic style and stands out with its special architectural solutions. Its specialty is its polygonal floor plan, which was unusual in contemporary architecture.
The tower changed its function over the centuries: it was a residential tower, watchtower, and prison. Today it operates as a museum where visitors can learn about Como’s medieval history and the tower’s past. From the upper levels, a stunning panorama opens over the city, the lake, and the surrounding Alps.
San Fedele Church
One of Como’s oldest and most sacred temples.
Its foundations date back to the 7th century when it was built during Lombard times. The current building took its final form in the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Lombard Romanesque style in Northern Italy. The carved capitals depicting biblical scenes are particularly outstanding.
The church’s interior is decorated with valuable frescoes and artworks, including medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. Behind the main altar is a wonderful wood carving group showing the life of Saint Fedele.
World War Memorial
This is the city’s most important memorial site.
The memorial was dedicated to the memory of Como soldiers who lost their lives during the two world wars. The monumental work stands in one of the city’s most imposing squares and was designed by architect Giuseppe Terragni, who was a Como native and one of the pioneers of rationalist architecture.
The memorial was completed in 1933 and stands out among the surrounding traditional buildings with its modernist style. The long rows of names carved on the marble tablets show the names of heroes who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
Pinacoteca Civica
Como’s municipal art gallery is one of the most important guardians of the city’s and region’s artistic heritage.
The museum was founded in the 18th century and is one of Como’s oldest cultural institutions. The collection’s foundation was formed by donations from local noble families who collected artworks for centuries. It places special emphasis on Lombard painting and artists from the Como area, but also preserves significant works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The exhibition presents the development of art in chronological order, from medieval iconography to the 20th century. Particularly valuable are the 16th-17th century paintings, among which works by both local masters and famous Italian artists can be found. The museum building itself is of historical significance, housed in a former noble palace.
All information can be found here!
Museo della Seta di Como (Como Silk Museum)
This unique museum showcases Como’s silk industry traditions.
Como was one of Europe’s most important silk production centers for centuries, and the city’s wealth was largely due to this industry. The museum presents the entire manufacturing process from silkworm breeding to finished textiles. The exhibition contains original machines, tools, and documents that help visitors understand the complexity of this traditional industry.
The museum’s specialty is that it also provides insight into the silk processing process in a working workshop. Visitors can see how beautiful silk fabrics are made and how traditional dyeing techniques are applied. The museum shop offers unique silk products that make excellent souvenirs and gifts.
All information can be found here!
Baradello Castle
The ruins of the historic fortress towering above Como offer stunning views of the city and lake.
The castle was founded in 1158 by German-Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa after the siege of Como. The fortress’s strategic importance lay in its ability to control the northern part of the lake and surrounding trade routes. The castle served as a fortification for several centuries until it began to deteriorate in the 17th century. Today only its ruins are visible, but these still provide an imposing sight.
The hiking trail leading to the castle winds upward through beautiful natural surroundings and offers unparalleled views of the area along the way. From the top of the fortress, a 360-degree panorama unfolds, encompassing the entire Lake Como, the city, and the surrounding Alps.
All information can be found here!
Brunate Funicular
One of Como’s most famous attractions has been transporting visitors to the village of Brunate towering above the city since 1894.
The funicular travels along a 1050-meter track and covers a 496-meter elevation difference in seven minutes. The railway’s construction was a significant technical achievement at the end of the 19th century and still works excellently with its original mechanism. The cars have a vintage atmosphere, and during the journey, stunning views open over Como, the lake, and the surrounding countryside.
The journey itself is an experience, as the railway travels on a steep slope through forests and rocky sections. The train also includes two stops along the way. The journey offers a special experience in every season, in winter over snow-white landscapes and in summer through lush green forests.
Brunate Viewpoint
From the famous viewpoint of Brunate village, located 715 meters above Como, a breathtaking panorama opens over the area.
Brunate is often called „Como’s balcony” and this designation perfectly describes this magical place. The view from the village encompasses the entire Lake Como, the city, the Lombard plain, and on clear days even Milan’s skyscrapers.
The village exudes an intimate atmosphere with its small, charming streets and traditional houses. Numerous restaurants and cafes can be found here where visitors can rest and enjoy local specialties. It’s an ideal starting point for various hiking trails leading to the surrounding mountains.
Como weather: when is the best time to visit?
Como has a four-season, temperate continental climate moderated by the proximity of Lake Como.
Spring (March-May):
Spring is pleasantly warm and gradually becomes sunnier. Average temperatures range between 8-20°C, and precipitation is moderate. At the end of April and in May, the city’s parks and gardens bloom, making this one of the most beautiful periods for nature lovers. Pleasant walks can be taken along the lakeshore, and mountain hiking is also ideal at this time.
Summer (June-August):
Summer is warm but not excessively hot, with average temperatures ranging between 18-28°C. Due to the lake’s proximity, humidity can be higher, but mountain breezes moderate the heat. This season is ideal for water sports, boat trips, and outdoor activities. Rainy days are rarer, but heavy summer thunderstorms can occur.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn is one of Como’s most beautiful seasons when the surrounding mountains dress in colorful foliage. Average temperatures range between 10-22°C, and precipitation gradually increases. October is particularly pleasant, with ideal weather for sightseeing and hiking. The harvest season gives the area a special atmosphere.
Winter (December-February):
Winter is cool but not extremely cold, with average temperatures ranging between 2-10°C. Occasional snowfall occurs, lending a magical atmosphere to the city. Winter is a quieter period in tourism, but it can still be attractive for lovers of Christmas markets and winter sports.
Best time to visit:
The most ideal time to visit Como is late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), when the weather is pleasant, precipitation is moderate, and all the city’s beauty can be enjoyed most perfectly.