Como: The Complete Guide

Como, a stunning city in northern Italy, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Nestled on the shores of Lake Como and surrounded by the foothills of the Alps, Como is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The lake itself, one of the deepest in Europe, is the centerpiece, drawing visitors with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque shoreline dotted with elegant villas and lush gardens. The historic town center is equally captivating, with its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and the impressive Como Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage.

Beyond its scenic allure, Como is a hub of cultural and recreational activities. The city serves as a gateway to exploring the lake’s many charming villages, such as Bellagio and Varenna, which can be reached by ferry. The funicular ride to Brunate offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying water sports on the lake, or simply relaxing in a lakeside café, Como provides a serene yet vibrant experience that encapsulates the essence of Italian elegance and beauty.

History of Como

Ancient Origins of Como

Como, located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, has a history that stretches back to ancient times. Originally inhabited by the Celts, the area around Como became a significant settlement under the Romans. The town, known as “Novum Comum,” was founded by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC. As a Roman colony, Como flourished, becoming an important center for trade and military activities. The strategic location of the town, near the Alps and along key trade routes, helped it grow in prominence during the Roman Empire.

Como in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, Como became a key player in the power struggles of northern Italy. The town was fortified with walls and towers, remnants of which can still be seen today. Como was involved in the long-standing conflict between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, two factions that represented the interests of the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor, respectively. This period also saw the rise of Como as a center of wool and silk production, industries that would play a significant role in its economy for centuries. The construction of the Como Cathedral, which began in 1396, marked the city’s growing importance as a religious and cultural center.

Renaissance and Modern History of Como

The Renaissance brought a period of cultural and economic prosperity to Como. The town became known for its fine silk production, which continues to be a hallmark of the region. Como’s strategic location made it a contested site during various European conflicts, but it largely maintained its autonomy and continued to develop as a commercial hub. In the 19th century, Como became part of the Kingdom of Italy, and the city experienced industrial growth while preserving its historical character. Today, Como is a vibrant city that combines its rich historical heritage with modern amenities, attracting visitors from around the world to its stunning lakeside setting.

Visiting Como for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Como on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Como not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Como and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Statua di Alessandro Volta (Statue of Alessandro Volta)

In 1780, Luigi Galvani began experimenting with frogs’ legs, using bits of metal to make them twitch when a small electric current passed through. Galvani and his followers believed that the electricity was produced by the animal tissue itself. However, Alessandro Volta, a native of Como, disagreed and sought to prove that the sparks were […]

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Location: Statua di Alessandro Volta, Piazza Alessandro Volta, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Statua di Alessandro Volta (Statue of Alessandro Volta)

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Piazza Cavour, Como

Cavour Square is the main square of Como and the vibrant heart of the city’s historical center. It offers stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills, making it an ideal spot for people-watching, festivals, and cultural events. In the Middle Ages, this area was a swampy and undeveloped tract of land, but it […]

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Location: Piazza Cavour, Como Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Piazza Cavour, Como

Explore Como yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Broletto di Como (Old Town Hall)

“Broletto” is an old term originating from the Medieval Latin word “brolo,” which referred to a broad, walled field where town meetings were held. Over time, the brolo or broletto evolved into the Town Hall. Citizens would gather in front of the municipal building, summoned by a bell installed in the tower. Eventually, the Old […]

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Location: Broletto - Como, Piazza del Duomo, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Broletto di Como (Old Town Hall)

Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

The Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is reputedly the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. It dominates the expansive Piazza Duomo in the heart of Como City. Though primarily Gothic, the cathedral also features elements of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Construction began in 1396 […]

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Location: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta - Duomo di Como, Piazza del Duomo, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Hours: Weekdays from 10.30am to 5.00pm, and holidays from 13.00pm to 4.30pm. | Price: Free | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

Basilica di San Fedele (Basilica of Saint Fidelis)

Saints Fidelis, Carpophorus, and Exanthus are revered as saints and martyrs in Como. According to tradition, these three soldiers dedicated themselves to converting pagans in the region. Regardless of the variations in their stories, they all conclude with their martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian. The Basilica of Saint Fidelis is dedicated to this third-century […]

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Location: Basilica di San Fedele, Piazza San Fedele, Como, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Basilica di San Fedele (Basilica of Saint Fidelis)

Teatro Sociale (Social Theater)

The Social Theater (Teatro Sociale) of Como was established following a decision by the local nobility, who felt the need for a new, more modern theatre. It replaced an older building dating back to 1765, which had become outdated. The site chosen for the new theatre was the location of the ruined medieval castle, the […]

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Location: Teatro Sociale, Via Vincenzo Bellini, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Teatro Sociale (Social Theater)

The Life Electric

The Life Electric is a modern sculpture located on the breakwater of Como’s promenade, near the mouth of the harbor. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect and artist Daniel Libeskind, the sculpture was unveiled in 2015 as a tribute to Alessandro Volta, the famed Italian physicist known for inventing the electric battery. Standing 16.5 meters […]

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Location: Life Electric, Diga foranea Piero Caldirola, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting The Life Electric

Monumento alla Resistenza Europea (Monument to the European Resistance)

Gianni Colombo was a sculptor and a leading figure in post-World War II contemporary art. In the 1980s, he was invited to design a memorial for the victims of the war. He conceived a monument that was “not only visible but livable.” The monument features three separate staircases that lead to an “absent” center. From […]

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Location: Monumento alla Resistenza Europea, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Monumento alla Resistenza Europea (Monument to the European Resistance)

City Walls, Como

The city of Como, rich in history, boasts impressive city walls that reflect its strategic importance through the ages. The original fortifications date back to 51 BCE when Julius Caesar fortified Como, recognizing its strategic position. However, only a few remnants of these Roman walls remain today. The more prominent walls that visitors see were […]

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Visiting City Walls, Como

Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio (Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum)

The Archaeological Museum has been housed for over a century in the Palazzo Paolo Giovio, once the in-town residence of the noble Giovio family. In 1894, collections of ancient and medieval artifacts were relocated to this historic building, which is situated in the pedestrian area within the city walls. The palace itself dates back to […]

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Location: Museo archeologico Paolo Giovio, Piazza Medaglie d'Oro Comasche, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Hours: The building is closed to the public until further notice. | Price: € 5 | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio (Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum)

Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi (Giuseppe Garibaldi History Museum)

In May 1859, General Giuseppe Garibaldi of the Roman Republic, along with his Hunters of the Alps military corps, advanced from the town of Varese towards the mountain pass at San Fermo. There, they cornered the Austro-Hungarian forces near the church of San Fermo. Despite suffering 14 casualties, the Italians, attacking from three sides, swiftly […]

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Location: Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi, Piazza Medaglie d'Oro Comasche, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Price: € 5 | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi (Giuseppe Garibaldi History Museum)

Terme di Como Romana (Roman Baths of Como)

The Terme di Como Romana, or the Roman Baths of Como, are a significant archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the city. Discovered in the late 20th century, these baths date back to the 1st century AD, during the Roman occupation of the area. The complex, originally part of a […]

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Location: Terme di Como Romana, Viale Lecco, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: 10.00 to 14.00 Saturday: 10.00 – 18.00 | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Terme di Como Romana (Roman Baths of Como)

Tempio Voltiano (Volta Temple)

A true mausoleum dedicated to the genius of Alessandro Volta, the Tempio Voltiano in Como is a stunning example of Lombard Neoclassical architecture and one of the city’s must-see attractions. Built in 1927 to commemorate the centenary of Volta’s death, this monument overlooks the first basin of Lake Como and is surrounded by gardens and […]

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Location: Tempio Voltiano, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Tempio Voltiano (Volta Temple)

Porta Torre

Porta Torre, also known as the “Tower Gate,” is one of the most iconic landmarks in Como, Italy. Constructed in 1192 as part of the city’s medieval defensive walls, this imposing tower served as the main entrance to the city from the south. Standing at approximately 40 meters (130 feet) tall, Porta Torre is a […]

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Location: Porta Torre, Piazza Vittoria, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Porta Torre

Saint Vitale Tower

The Saint Vitale Tower (Torre San Vitale) is an impressive remnant of Como’s medieval fortifications, located at the southeastern corner of the city’s historic walls. This tall, square tower was originally constructed in the 12th century as part of the broader defensive system commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Federico Barbarossa, who sought to strengthen Como […]

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Location: Saint Vitale Tower, Viale Cesare Battisti, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Saint Vitale Tower

Torre Gattoni

Torre Gattoni, located on the outer perimeter of the ancient city walls of Como (between Viale Varese and Viale Carlo Cattaneo), holds historical significance as the place where the young Alessandro Volta first nurtured his scientific talents. This medieval tower belonged to Jesuit naturalist Giulio Cesare Gattoni, who was Volta’s mentor. Gattoni generously provided Volta […]

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Location: Torre Gattoni, Viale Varese, Como, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Torre Gattoni

Como–Brunate Funicular

The Como-Brunate Funicular connects the towns of Brunate at the top and Como at the base. This historic line has been in operation since 1894. In August 2011, the funicular was updated with new cars, each 39 feet long and capable of carrying 81 passengers. The journey takes just seven minutes, reaching a maximum speed […]

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Location: Como-Brunate funicular, Province of Como, Italy | Price: Return €6.10 | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Como–Brunate Funicular

Brunate

Visiting Brunate, often referred to as the “Balcony of the Alps,” is a delightful experience that offers stunning panoramic views, charming streets, and a peaceful escape from the bustle of Como. Perched high above the city at an altitude of about 715 meters (2,346 feet), Brunate is easily accessible by the historic Como-Brunate Funicular, which […]

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Location: Brunate, Como | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Brunate

Faro Voltiano (Volta Lighthouse)

The “Faro Voltiano” (Volta Lighthouse), an iconic symbol of Como, was built in 1927 as a tribute to the renowned scientist Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. Designed by engineer Gabriele Giussani, this striking octagonal tower stands 29 meters tall and is perched atop San Maurizio in Brunate, overlooking the city and the […]

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Location: Faro Voltiano, Faro Voltiano, Brunate, Province of Como, Italy | Distance: 2.2km

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Visiting Faro Voltiano (Volta Lighthouse)