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 10 Highlights of Como
Como, Lombardy
Como Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral of the city of Como, Lombardy, Italy, and the seat of the Bishop of Como. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Como, Lombardy
The Casa del Fascio of Como, also called Palazzo Terragni, is a building located in Como, Italy, in the Piazza del Popolo, and it is one of the masterpieces of Italian Modern Architecture. It was designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Terragni. It was inaugurated in 1936 as the local office of the National Fascist Party. After the fall of Fascism in 1945, it was used by the National Liberation Committee Parties and in 1957, it became the headquarters of the local Finance Police, who still occupy it. The building has a square plan and four stories.
Thanks to its high historical-artistic value, Casa del Fascio was listed by the Superintendency of Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape in 1986.
Como, Lombardy
Villa Olmo is a neoclassical villa located in the city of Como, northern Italy.
The villa was commissioned by marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi to Swiss architect Simone Cantoni to have a summer retreat alongside the lake. Works started in 1797 and were completed in 1812. The villa was named after an elm tree, no longer alive today, planted in the middle of the ornate gardens. About 800 varieties of trees still grow here.
The villa was acquired in 1924 by the municipality of Como and today is open to the public only during exhibitions, while the lakeside gardens are freely accessible during the daytime.
Como, Lombardy
Villa Erba is a 19th-century villa in Cernobbio, on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. Its location is not far from the Villa d'Este luxury hotel in Cernobbio.
The villa was built by Luigi Erba, brother of the prominent Italian businessman , to express his grandiosity. After the death of Luigi Erba, the villa was inherited by his daughter Carla and was used by members of her family, including her son Luchino Visconti.
In 1986, the property was bought by a public consortium to use as an exposition and congress center.
Basilica of Sant'Abbondio
Como, Lombardy
The Basilica of Sant'Abbondio is a Romanesque-style 11th-century Catholic basilica church located in Como, region of Lombardy, Italy.
Como, Lombardy
The Castello Baradello is a military fortification located on a high hill next to the city of Como, northern Italy.
Como, Lombardy
The Tempio Voltiano is a museum in the city of Como, Italy that is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, a prolific scientist and the inventor of the electrical battery. Volta was born in Como in 1745, held his first professorship there until 1779, and retired to Como in 1819.
The neoclassical building was designed by Federico Frigerio. It was completed in 1927 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the scientist's death, but was inaugurated in 1928. It hosts a collection of scientific instruments used by the physicist including his early voltaic piles. The first floor has a display of his personal belongings and his awards.
In 1984 the museum was featured on the back of the 10,000 lire banknote. Volta's portrait was depicted on the front of the same banknote. The notes circulated until 2001, when the Euro notes replaced them. Banknotes based on the Italian lira have since been replaced by notes denominated in Euros.
Near the Tempio Voltiano are the new statue by Daniel Libeskind named Life Electric and the Faro Voltiano. both dedicated to Volta.
Como, Lombardy
The Basilica of San Fedele in Como is located in the city center. The present Romanesque church dates from 1120 and is dedicated to the Fidelis of Como.
Como, Lombardy
Porta Torre is a main fortified tower located in the town of Como, in Lombardy. It is 40 meters high and it was built in 1192, to defend the main entrance of the city.
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