Free Walking Tour of Como (with Route Map!)

Exploring the Terme di Como Romana (Roman Baths of Como) offers a fascinating journey into the ancient past of the city. These well-preserved remnants of a Roman bath complex date back to the 1st century AD, providing a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the Roman citizens who once inhabited the area. Located in the heart of Como, the site reveals the advanced engineering and architectural techniques of the time, with visible sections of the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium. As you walk through the site, you can almost imagine the bustling activity that took place here centuries ago. The Roman Baths are an essential stop for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage that lies beneath the modern city.

A visit to Teatro Sociale in Como is an immersive experience in both history and culture. Located in the heart of the city, this elegant theater, built in 1813, boasts a rich legacy of performances and events. The Neoclassical architecture, with its grand facade and intricate interior details, transports you back to the 19th century. Inside, the beautifully adorned auditorium, with its red velvet seats and frescoed ceilings, captures the grandeur of the era. The theater continues to host a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and concerts, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Whether you’re attending a show or simply exploring the historic building, Teatro Sociale offers a glimpse into Como’s artistic heritage.

The Duomo di Como, or Como Cathedral, stands as a magnificent testament to centuries of architectural evolution and religious devotion. Located in the heart of Como, this grand cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, making it one of the most stunning cathedrals in Northern Italy. As you step inside, the soaring nave, intricate stained glass windows, and richly decorated chapels immediately captivate your attention. The impressive facade, adorned with sculptures and a majestic rose window, is equally breathtaking. The Duomo is not just a place of worship but also a museum of art and history, with works by artists like Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari. Whether you are admiring its architectural beauty from the outside or exploring its serene interior, the Duomo di Como offers a profound connection to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

The Broletto di Como, the city’s Old Town Hall, is a captivating blend of history and architecture, located right next to the Duomo di Como. Originally built in 1215, this medieval structure served as the center of Como’s civic life for centuries. The Broletto’s distinctive facade, with its alternating bands of gray, white, and red marble, reflects the Gothic-Romanesque style typical of the era. As you walk through its arches and explore the building’s details, you can feel the echoes of the past, where city councils and public assemblies once gathered. The Broletto has since been repurposed and now serves as a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events, making it a dynamic space that bridges Como’s rich history with its vibrant present. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply enjoying a stroll through Como’s historic center, the Broletto offers a unique glimpse into the city’s medieval roots.

Piazza Cavour, the vibrant heart of Como, offers a perfect blend of urban life and scenic beauty. Nestled along the shores of Lake Como, this bustling square is a central hub where locals and visitors alike gather to soak in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. The square is framed by charming cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, creating a lively atmosphere that invites you to sit back and enjoy the rhythm of the city. Whether you’re indulging in a coffee at one of the outdoor terraces, watching the boats glide across the water, or simply people-watching, Piazza Cavour provides a quintessential Como experience. Its proximity to key attractions like the Duomo di Como and the Funicular to Brunate makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s rich cultural and natural offerings.

The Como–Brunate Funicular is a historic cable railway that connects the city of Como, located on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, with the hilltop village of Brunate. Established in 1894, this funicular was a significant engineering achievement of its time, designed to provide easy access to the panoramic views and the tranquil environment of Brunate. The funicular travels a steep incline, covering a distance of about one kilometer, with a vertical ascent of around 500 meters. The ride offers breathtaking views of Lake Como, the surrounding mountains, and the charming Italian landscape. The funicular has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years to maintain its safety and efficiency while preserving its historical significance

The Village of Brunate, often referred to as the “Balcony of the Alps,” is a picturesque and serene town perched above Como, offering stunning vistas over Lake Como, the city below, and the distant Alps. Brunate is known for its luxurious 19th-century villas, narrow cobblestone streets, and lush gardens, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The village has attracted artists, writers, and tourists for centuries, drawn by its beauty and tranquility. Visitors can explore the village on foot, visiting landmarks such as the lighthouse Volta (Faro Voltiano), which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding region, and the Church of San Andrea, a charming historic church. Brunate’s blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Lake Como area.

The Lighthouse Volta (Faro Voltiano) is a striking monument located in the village of Brunate, high above the city of Como, Italy. Dedicated to the renowned Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, who is celebrated for his invention of the electric battery, the lighthouse was inaugurated in 1927 to honor the centenary of his death. Standing 29 meters tall, the Faro Voltiano is situated on the summit of Monte Tre Croci, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Como, the Alps, and even the distant Po Valley on clear days. Visitors can ascend the internal spiral staircase to reach the viewing platform, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas. At night, the lighthouse illuminates the skies, serving both as a navigational aid and a symbolic beacon celebrating scientific achievement.

The Monumento alla Resistenza Europea (European Resistance Memorial) in Como is a powerful tribute to the resistance movements that fought against fascism and Nazism during World War II. Located along the shores of Lake Como, this stark and solemn monument was inaugurated in 1983 to honor the memory of those who resisted oppression across Europe. Designed by architect Gianni Colombo, the memorial features a minimalist concrete structure with inscriptions and commemorative plaques, representing the unity and sacrifice of various European resistance groups. The setting of the monument, with its serene lakeside backdrop, contrasts poignantly with the gravity of the historical events it commemorates, making it a place for reflection and remembrance of the struggle for freedom and human rights.

The Life Electric is a striking modern sculpture situated on the breakwater of Como’s promenade, created by the renowned architect and artist Daniel Libeskind in 2015. The 16.5-meter-tall stainless steel structure is a tribute to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist celebrated for his invention of the electric battery. The sculpture’s curvilinear form captures the dynamic flow of electrical energy, with its polished surfaces reflecting the surrounding lake, sky, and cityscape. Positioned at the end of a pier, The Life Electric connects the natural beauty of Lake Como with the scientific legacy of Volta, serving as both a visual landmark and a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The Statua di Alessandro Volta is an elegant bronze statue located in Piazza Volta, one of the central squares in the city of Como, Italy. This statue pays homage to Alessandro Volta, the renowned physicist and native of Como, who is celebrated for his invention of the electric battery. Erected in 1838, the statue depicts Volta in a contemplative pose, holding a model of his revolutionary invention, symbolizing his immense contributions to science. Surrounding the statue, Piazza Volta is a lively and charming square, lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. The square not only honors Volta’s legacy but also serves as a vibrant hub within the city, blending historical significance with the everyday life of Como.

The city walls of Como are a remarkable testament to the city’s rich historical and strategic significance, dating back to their origins in Roman times. While the original walls were constructed under Julius Caesar in 51 BCE, the more prominent fortifications seen today were built in the 12th century under Holy Roman Emperor Federico Barbarossa. These medieval walls, which have been preserved largely intact, reflect Como’s crucial role as a gateway through the Alps, offering protection against invasions and control over trade routes. Over the centuries, the walls have seen various modifications and served both military and commercial purposes, ultimately becoming a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy.

Torre Gattoni, also known as Torre Nuova, is a historic tower located on the southwestern corner of Como’s ancient city walls. Acquired by the Gattoni family in 1784, the tower gained significance when it was used by the famed physicist Alessandro Volta to conduct some of his early experiments on electricity. This association with Volta adds a layer of scientific heritage to the tower, connecting it to the city’s rich history of innovation. The Torre Gattoni, originally built as part of the city’s medieval fortifications, stands today as a blend of historical architecture and scientific legacy, symbolizing Como’s contributions to both defense and knowledge.

The Porta Prætoria and Porta Torre are two significant historical gateways that highlight different eras of Como’s rich past. The Porta Prætoria was the primary entrance of the ancient Roman city, constructed in the 1st century BCE under Julius Caesar. Located on the southern edge of the Roman settlement, this gate was a key part of the city’s defensive walls, serving both military and commercial purposes. Although only remnants of the Porta Prætoria remain today, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Como’s ancient Roman heritage.

In contrast, the Porta Torre was built in the 12th century as part of the medieval fortifications commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Federico Barbarossa. Positioned close to where the Porta Prætoria once stood, Porta Torre served as the main entrance to the city from the south and remains one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in Como. Standing tall with its imposing structure, Porta Torre symbolizes the city’s resilience and strategic importance during the Middle Ages, linking Como’s Roman past with its medieval history.

The Saint Vitale Tower (Torre San Vitale) is a prominent medieval structure located at the southeastern corner of Como’s ancient city walls. Built in the 12th century as part of the fortifications commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Federico Barbarossa, the tower was designed to bolster the city’s defenses against external threats. Constructed from durable Moltrasio stone, the tower served as both a watchtower and a defensive stronghold, embodying the military architecture of the era. Over the centuries, it has undergone modifications, including the addition of arches at its base to accommodate a tramway in the last century. Despite these changes, the Saint Vitale Tower remains a significant historical landmark, symbolizing Como’s rich medieval heritage.