Como, located at the southern end of Lake Como, is a picturesque town famous for its stunning lake views and historic architecture. The and the neoclassical are among its architectural highlights.
Stroll to the medieval watchtowers built by Frederick Barbarossa and enjoy the three impressive Romanesque basilicas as well as the Art Nouveau buildings that adorn the town. Then take the funicular from the lakeside promenade to and enjoy the breathtaking vistas. The area around Lake Como is so enchanting that you can easily spend an entire week here. Whether it's a trip to , swimming, or hiking – it is a place to relax and take a deep breath.
Top Highlights of Como
Top
Cathedral of Como
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The majestic Duomo di Como has shaped the cityscape of Como since the late 14th century and is one of the most significant religious buildings in Northern Italy. The cathedral combines late Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo elements and impresses with its magnificent marble facade, which was built between 1457 and 1486.
Top
Villa Olmo
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The majestic Villa Olmo has been perched on the western shore of Lake Como since the late 18th century and is considered one of the most significant examples of Italian Neoclassicism. In its opulent rooms, adorned with frescoes by Andrea Appiani, the villa welcomed illustrious guests like Napoleon Bonaparte and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Top
Voltiano Temple
Como, Lombardy, Italy
On the shores of Lake Como stands the Tempio Voltiano, an impressive museum building in the neoclassical-Lombard style, built in 1928 in honor of the famous physicist Alessandro Volta.
Basilica San Fedele
Como, Lombardy, Italy
In the historic center of Como stands the Basilica di San Fedele, a fascinating example of Romanesque architecture with Baroque elements from the 11th century. A early Christian church was already located here in the 7th century, until the current building was constructed after the discovery of the presumed tomb of Saint Fedele in 965.
Basilica of Saint Abundius
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The Basilica di Sant'Abbondio is one of the most significant Romanesque church buildings in Como, built between 1050 and 1095 on the foundations of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century. With its characteristic twin towers and five-nave layout, it combines architectural influences from both sides of the Alps.
Casa del Fascio
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The Palazzo Terragni in Como is one of the most important examples of 20th-century Italian rationalist architecture, built between 1933 and 1936 by Giuseppe Terragni as a party headquarters. The striking building impresses with its clear square shape, four stories, and a thoughtful facade design based on the Golden Ratio.
Porta Torre
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The impressive Porta Torre rises 34 meters into the sky of Como, serving as a powerful testament to Romanesque military architecture. This square fortress tower was built in 1192 to protect the city's main entrance after the city walls were rebuilt with the support of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
Teatro Sociale
Como, Lombardy, Italy
In the magnificent Teatro Sociale, which opened in 1813 with Adriano in Siria, you will find one of the most significant historical opera houses in Northern Italy. Designed in a neoclassical style by Giuseppe Cusi and Luigi Canonica, the theater features a horseshoe-shaped auditorium with three tiers of boxes and two galleries, topped by an impressive chandelier created by the artist Gaetano Spelluzzi.
Monument to Alessandro Volta
Como, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Geno
Como, Lombardy, Italy
The elegant Villa Geno stands right on the shores of Lake Como and has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Designed by architect Giacomo Tazzini in the late Neoclassical style, the building was extensively renovated in the mid-19th century and now houses a restaurant with a view of the lake.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
