Como Cathedral

Cathedral in Como

Como Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta Esterno Facciata

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

Como Cathedral, or the Duomo di Como, rises elegantly above Piazza Duomo, anchoring the historic heart of the city with its striking mix of Gothic and Renaissance design. As the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy, it effortlessly combines centuries of craftsmanship in a single monumental building that remains one of the top attractions in Como. Whether you step inside to admire the tapestries or wander the quiet corners of the piazza, this cathedral offers a glimpse into the rich cultural legacy of the region.

What makes the Duomo especially memorable is the way it blends architectural styles from different eras. Its Gothic origins remain clear in its sculpted facade and soaring proportions, yet Renaissance touches give it a unique personality. For many visitors, it is a highlight of any walking tour of Como, offering both historical depth and an intimate connection to local traditions that still echo through the city.

History and Significance of Como Cathedral
Things to See and Do in Como Cathedral
How to Get to Como Cathedral
Practical Tips on Visiting Como Cathedral
Where to Stay close to Como Cathedral
Is Como Cathedral Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Como Cathedral
Nearby Attractions to Como Cathedral

History and Significance of Como Cathedral

Construction of Como Cathedral began in 1396 under architect Lorenzo degli Spazzi, replacing an older Romanesque church that once occupied the same spot. The project unfolded slowly over nearly four centuries, and this long timeline explains the fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements seen today. The imposing facade, completed in the 15th century, is rich with sculptural detail, including two tondos depicting Adam and Eve and niches holding the statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, two of Como's most celebrated historical figures.

Work continued into the 18th century, culminating in the completion of the cathedral’s grand dome by architect Filippo Juvarra in 1770. At 286 feet long and 246 feet wide, the structure follows a Latin Cross layout with three naves and a Renaissance-style transept. The exterior’s rose window and carved figures capture the spiritual storytelling typical of late Gothic architecture, while interior paintings by Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari enrich the experience with Renaissance artistry.

Among the cathedral’s more charming features is the “Door of the Frog,” a north entrance named for a small 1400 sculpture of a frog catching a butterfly. Local legends claim that touching this frog brings good luck, and the story of how the frog supposedly stopped a historic flood has become woven into Como’s folklore.

Things to See and Do in Como Cathedral

Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire a series of remarkable tapestries from Florence, Ferrara, and Antwerp, which add texture and warmth to the stone interior. The artwork feels like a museum in its own right, showcasing themes ranging from religious devotion to everyday life as imagined by Renaissance painters. For lovers of Italian art, the paintings of Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, and the Adoration of the Shepherds by Bernardino Luini stand out as unforgettable pieces.

The Renaissance transept and Juvarra’s dome invite visitors to look upward and appreciate the graceful engineering of a structure that took centuries to complete. Walking beneath the dome, you feel the shift from Gothic to Renaissance aesthetics, where light, harmony, and balance become central themes. Don’t miss Gaudenzio Ferrari’s Marriage of the Virgin, one of the most admired works inside the Duomo.

Before you leave, make sure to seek out the Door of the Frog. Even if you’re not superstitious, the quirky sculpture and the legend surrounding it provide a fun and unexpected detail that connects visitors to Como’s long storytelling tradition.

How to Get to Como Cathedral

Como Cathedral is located in the very center of Como, making it relatively easy to reach whether you come from Milan, Switzerland, or another town along Lake Como. For international travelers, the closest major airports are Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate. These airports offer frequent train and bus links toward Como. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Como on Booking.com.

If you are arriving by train, Como San Giovanni station is the most convenient, and from there it's a short walk through the old streets to Piazza Duomo. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Traveling by car is straightforward thanks to well-maintained regional roads connecting Como to Milan and the lake's surrounding towns. Parking around the historic center can be limited, so it's worth planning ahead or using one of the city's paid garages. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Como Cathedral

Best time to visit Como Cathedral: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and softer lighting.
Entrance fee in Euros: Entry is typically free, but small donations are appreciated to support upkeep.
Opening hours: Usually open daily from morning to early evening, though hours may vary during religious services.
Official website: Search “Duomo di Como official site” for updated visiting information.
How long to spend: Around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your interest in art and architecture.
Accessibility: The piazza and main entrance offer step-free access, though some interior areas may be uneven.
Facilities: Restrooms are available nearby and there are cafés around Piazza Duomo.
Photography tip: Capture the facade in the late afternoon when the stone takes on warm tones.
Guided tours: Available through local guides and often included in city walking tours.
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and trattorias around the piazza, ideal for a break before or after your visit.

Where to Stay close to Como Cathedral

Staying near Piazza Duomo places you right in the heart of Como's pedestrian-friendly historic center. The area is filled with boutique hotels and charming guesthouses that give easy access to the cathedral and lakefront. Consider Palace Hotel, which offers lake views and elegant interiors just a short walk away. Another excellent option is Albergo Firenze, a comfortable and centrally located hotel ideal for sightseeing. For a more intimate stay, Hotel Tre Re offers a historic setting just steps from the cathedral.

Is Como Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Como Cathedral is not only one of the must-see places in Como but also one of the great architectural achievements of northern Italy. Its blend of Gothic grandeur, Renaissance art, and Baroque flourishes makes it compelling for both casual travelers and dedicated architecture enthusiasts. Whether you're wandering the piazza or exploring the cathedral's richly adorned interior, the Duomo offers a memorable glimpse into the cultural and artistic history of Como.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (20,080)

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta — Duomo di Como sits in the heart of Como and impresses with a palatial interior rich in tapestries, frescoes and intricate stonework; visitors highlight the blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, soaring vaults and colorful stained glass, a richly decorated Baroque-style pipe organ above the nave, and notable exterior sculptures (including Renaissance statues of the Plinii) that draw curiosity and an on-site timeline explaining the cathedral's development; the setting outside often hosts markets and food vendors.

a week ago

"Beautiful cathedral!n•amazing stoneworks and sculpturesn•The craftsmanship is extraordinary—intricate stonework adorns every surface, from thepillars to the arches, telling stories in relief. •You can almost feel the history in these ancient walls.n•markets and local food vendors available outside during my visit!..."

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Nancylee Spitzer

a month ago

"Very interesting. But what I would like is a MAP of the figures on the OUTSIDE of this structure. Clearly there are some very unique figures (notusually seen on churches), like Pliny the Younger. I would like to know more about the why each of these figures/animals were chosen and why they were placed in their current location. The construction of this Cathedral was begun in 1396 and over 300 years combined Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. What is interesting is that the cathedral in Milan was just begun 10 years before. There is a timeline of events related to the Cathedral di Sant Maria Assunta, is located inside, which is informative...."

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Murat Kurnaz

4 weeks ago

"Located in the heart of Como, the Duomo is a stu ing mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Construction started in 1396 and wascompleted around 1770, with the dome attributed to Filippo Juvarra. Inside, don’t miss the magnificent Baroque-style pipe organ above the nave, richly decorated with gold. The cathedral’s tapestries and soaring vaults make it a true artistic and spiritual masterpiece...."

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FAQs for Visiting Como Cathedral

Modest clothing is recommended, with shoulders and knees covered, especially during religious services.

Photography without flash is usually allowed, but restrictions may apply during services or events.

Most visitors spend around one hour, though art lovers may want longer.

Generally yes, but opening hours can vary during holidays and special ceremonies.

Yes, several local guides offer tours, and some walking tours include the cathedral as part of the route.

Nearby Attractions to Como Cathedral

Basilica of Sant’Abbondio: A Romanesque masterpiece just outside the city center, known for its serene atmosphere.
Lake Como Waterfront: A scenic promenade perfect for lakeside strolls.
Tempio Voltiano: A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta's life and inventions.
Piazza Cavour: A lively square near the lake with cafés and excellent people-watching.
Funicular to Brunate: A quick ride up the hillside for panoramic views over Como and the lake.

The Como Cathedral appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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