Porta Torre, Como
Tower in Como
Porta Torre is one of the most iconic symbols of Como, an immense Romanesque tower that has guarded the southern entrance to the city since 1192. Rising roughly 40 meters above Piazza Vittoria, it is one of the top attractions in Como for visitors fascinated by medieval fortifications and the city's powerful strategic position in northern Italy. Its stark stone walls and narrow openings convey the defensive strength needed during centuries of conflict and political tension.
The tower is especially compelling because it stands close to the site of the far older Porta Prætoria, the main southern gateway of Roman-era Como. This layering of Roman and medieval defenses makes the area a great place to visit on a walking tour of Como, offering a vivid glimpse into more than two millennia of urban history.
History and Significance of Porta Torre
Constructed in 1192, Porta Torre formed a crucial part of Como's medieval defensive walls, built during a period of intense rivalry among northern Italian city-states. The tower's robust Romanesque design-with massive stone blocks, thick walls, and slit-like openings-reflects its military purpose. Positioned at the southern edge of the city, it controlled movement in and out of Como, protecting the inhabitants from invasions and ensuring the security of trade routes.
Standing at around 40 meters, the tower was both a defensive structure and a visual symbol of the city's strength. Its height allowed guards to monitor approaching roads, while its fortified gate funneled entry through a secure passage. Porta Torre was only one component of a larger fortification system, which included additional gates and walls encircling the medieval city.
Beneath its medieval grandeur lies a deeper history: the nearby ruins of the Porta Prætoria, the principal gate of Roman Como. Built in the 1st century BCE, during the era of Julius Caesar, the Porta Prætoria controlled the southern approach to the Roman settlement. Though only remnants survive, they reveal the scale and precision of ancient Roman urban planning. These ruins are occasionally open to the public, allowing visitors to stand on the threshold of Como's earliest city gate.
Things to See and Do in Porta Torre
Visitors can walk around the base of Porta Torre to appreciate its impressive height and the precision of its stonework. The structure's rectangular form, defensive slits, and layered openings offer an exceptional example of Romanesque military architecture. It's a rewarding site for photography, especially in the late afternoon when the stone façade glows.
Nearby, the excavated remnants of the Porta Prætoria provide a striking contrast. These Roman foundations show the alignment of Como’s ancient streets and the scale of the original gateway. Whether open or viewed from outside, the site brings the Roman origins of the city into sharp focus.
Piazza Vittoria, where Porta Torre stands, is a lively and spacious square filled with cafés, small shops, and local life. It's also an excellent starting point for exploring Como's medieval streets, including routes leading toward the cathedral and historic palaces.
How to Get to Porta Torre
Porta Torre is located in Piazza Vittoria at the southern edge of Como's historic center. Travelers arriving by air typically land at Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate airports, both offering convenient transport links to Como. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Como on Booking.com.
For those arriving by train, Como San Giovanni is the nearest major station, from which it's a pleasant walk to Porta Torre through the city streets. 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.
If traveling by car, Como is well connected by major roads from Milan and nearby towns. Parking around the historic center can be limited, so using public garages or designated lots near Piazza Vittoria is recommended. 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 Porta Torre
- Best time to visit Porta Torre: Early morning or late afternoon for photography and quieter surroundings.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free public space.
- Opening hours: The exterior is always accessible; Roman ruins open occasionally.
- Official website: Search “Porta Torre Como” for updates on Roman site openings.
- How long to spend: 15-30 minutes, longer if visiting the Porta Prætoria ruins.
- Accessibility: Piazza Vittoria is flat and accessible.
- Facilities: Cafés and shops located around the square.
- Photography tip: Capture the tower’s full height from the southeast corner of the square.
- Guided tours: Commonly included in medieval- and Roman-themed walking tours.
- Nearby food options: Plenty of trattorias and cafés in the surrounding streets.
Where to Stay close to Porta Torre
Staying near Porta Torre gives easy access to Como's old town and Roman remains. Albergo Firenze offers a comfortable and central location. For lake views and elegant surroundings, Palace Hotel is a refined choice. A more traditional stay awaits at Hotel Tre Re, within walking distance of Porta Torre and other major sites.
Is Porta Torre Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Porta Torre is one of the must-see places in Como, offering a powerful glimpse into the city's medieval fortifications and its ancient Roman foundations. The combination of the towering 12th-century gate and the remnants of the Porta Prætoria creates a uniquely layered historical experience that appeals to architecture lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
What Other Travellers Say...
Porta Torre is a well-known medieval city gate in Como's Piazza Vittoria, built in 1192 and rising impressively above the southern entrance to the old town; visitors praise its striking Romanesque presence, note arched openings on the inner side where wooden floors once stood, and say it anchors a lively area of restaurants, shops and a popular Saturday market—though some warn the tower itself isn't accessible and could use better signage or upkeep.
FAQs for Visiting Porta Torre
Nearby Attractions to Porta Torre
- Porta Prætoria Ruins: Remnants of the ancient Roman gateway.
- Basilica di San Fedele: A beautiful Romanesque church nearby.
- Como Cathedral: The city's grand Gothic-Renaissance landmark.
- Broletto di Como: Historic medieval town hall beside the cathedral.
- Piazza Vittoria: A lively square with cafés and local shops.
The Porta Torre 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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Nearby Attractions
- Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi (0.2) km
Museum - Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio (0.2) km
Museum - Torre Gattoni (0.2) km
Tower - Torre San Vitale (0.3) km
Tower - Como’s Ancient City Walls (0.3) km
City Walls - Basilica di San Fedele (0.3) km
Church - Terme di Como Romana (0.4) km
Roman Site - Social Theater (0.6) km
Theatre - Como Cathedral (0.6) km
Cathedral - Broletto di Como (0.6) km
Town Hall
