Lake Como is a striking landmark in northern Italy. It is located just north of Milan. The place is considered prestigious for recreation, and many celebrities dream of purchasing real estate in these parts.
Helpful information
The age of the lake is impressive - it is almost the same age as the Ice Age! During Ancient Rome, Lago di Como was considered an important strategic point for the defense of the Roman Empire, therefore, Roman legionnaires were always based in these areas.
Since the area was protected, here trade began to develop and flourish, crafts developed, more and more new settlements arose.
The lake has second name – Lario. This name was given to the lake by the ancient Greeks, and the Romans subsequently only transformed the name to “lacus larius” (“deep place”). In the Middle Ages, the name was shortened to the current one - Como.
Until the 19th century, ordinary quiet Italian villages, but from the middle of the 19th century, European aristocrats chose this Lake Como for relaxation and began to build luxurious villas.
The depth of the reservoir is quite large - about 430 meters, and is the third largest in Italy. The beauty of the lake region is given by the surrounding mountains and lush Mediterranean vegetation (dominated by chestnuts, vineyards, cypresses and olive trees).
On the map
Weather
The most favorable time to visit Lake Como is from May to mid-October. The air temperature in the summer months is set within from +24 to +29 degrees, but it doesn't get hot due to cool breezes. The Alps protect the resort from too cold winds blowing from the north.
The water temperature does not drop below +25, so swimming in the lake will only be a pleasure.
Rainfall is not frequent in this region, and if they happen (mainly in winter and spring), they are very short-lived.
Where to stay?
Accommodation options at the resort vary. Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to live in a celebrity’s villa, but hotels on the coast will be no worse than luxury villas.
You can familiarize yourself with the options and list of hotels on special websites and choose an acceptable accommodation option - from five-star hotels to a room in an inexpensive guest house.
The best (and more expensive) accommodation option is hotels on the coast, near the water. Hotels have own SPA centers, entertainment complexes, swimming pools, restaurants. And the infrastructure near the coast is better developed - along the embankments there are many cozy restaurants ready to pamper guests with Mediterranean cuisine.
The best hotels on Lake Como in Italy:
- Sheraton Lake Como Hotel 5* (Como) – from 9840 rubles.
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni 5*(Bellagio) – from 10,230 rubles.
- Hotel Metropole Suisse 5*(Como) – from 6730 rubles.
- NH Lecco Pontevecchio 4*(Lecco) – from 4620 rubles.
- Grand Hotel Victoria 4*(Menaggio) – from 6210 rubles.
As an option, you can consider staying in guest houses and campsites on the lake shore.
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Transport
Cruises are organized on the lake, departing from both large settlements - Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, and small villages. The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from 5 to 13 EUR depending on the route, the cost of a round-trip ticket ranges from 9 to 25 EUR. For example, the highest fare (12.60 EUR one way, 23 EUR return) is valid for travel from Como to Lecco. It is better to check departure times and rates on the cruise company’s website. Prices on the page are for December 2019.
Map
Popular hotels in Como
Entertainment and attractions
Notable in Como is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in 1399; the Romanesque church of Sant'Abbondio; Basilica of San Fedele in Lombard style; Palace Broletto, and Villa Olmo. In Como, it is worth taking a ride on the funicular that takes you up one of the surrounding mountains, Mount Brunate, from the observation deck of which you can admire stunning views.
Comacina Island - the only island located on the lake, attracts with a fort built in 1169 and the Basilica of St. Eufemia. In Varenna, the villas Cipressi and Monastero are of interest, as is the Castello di Vezio, dating from the 11th century and rebuilt several times. Since 1999, the castle with its dungeons, built during the First World War, has been open to visitors.
In Piona there is an abbey of the same name, the first records of which date back to the 7th century, and Cernobbio is generally considered the residence of glamorous aristocrats. Colico lies on the road leading to the Stelvio glacier (in the ski region of Valtellina) and Majola (Valchiavenna). You can also visit the Pian di Spagna nature reserve, where the beautiful mountain lake Mezzola is located.
On the sacred mountain of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ossuccio, one of the nine sacred mountains of Lombardy and Piedmont, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, there are fourteen chapels built between 1635 and 1710. in baroque style.
Active recreation enthusiasts can enjoy horse riding, windsurfing, golf, tennis, cycling, rock climbing, and water sports.
Guides to Como
Villas in Como
The main attractions on the lake are the luxurious villas that dot the entire shore here. One of the fragments of the film “Star Wars” was filmed at the Villa Balbianello (1787), located on Cape Lavedo in Lenno. Today the villa houses the museum of the Italian Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, and the adjacent gardens are open to the public.
The beauty of the lake can be seen in other films, such as Ocean's Twelve and Casino Royale. In Tremezzo there is Villa Carlotta with a sculpture museum, surrounded by an extraordinary park of rare plants.
Bellagio is home to Villa Melzi, built between 1808 and 1815. designed by the architect Giocondo Albertolli at the request of Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Duke of Lodi, and Villa Serbelloni, now a luxury hotel located on the edge of the cape.
On a jutting rocky spit overlooking the town of Gravedona rises the Gallo Palace. The magnificent residence was commissioned in 1586 by Italian Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Secretary of State in the service of the Papal See.
Lake Como
Weather in Como
Thanks to the Alps, which shield the lake from the northern winds, the climate here remains mild and even all year round. During the tourist season from May to October, the air temperature fluctuates between +22..+28 °C.
Geographical location of Como
The Alps protect the shores of Como, which appeared in ancient times when glaciers melted, from cold winds from the north, so the climate here is milder than in other parts of Lombardy. The bottom of the lake lies 200 meters below sea level, the maximum depth of the reservoir reaches 400 m. In the north, near the town of Colico, the Alpine Adda River flows into Lago di Como, and there are mountain streams along the perimeter. Approximately in the middle, in the Bellagio area, the lake is divided into two branches. The length of Como is more than 45 km, the width ranges from 4.2 to 0.65 km. The soft southern afternoon wind "breva" and nighttime "tivano" blowing all year round usually do not disturb the calm of the water surface, but in July and August the weather brings surprises: treacherous storms are possible in Como, affecting the schedule of boats and ferries.
Natural attractions
The main reason for the popularity of Lake Como is its magnificent views: rocky, forested shores, red-tiled roofs of village houses, ancient villas and castles, gardens blooming from March to October. On the northern shore, at the mouth of the Adda and Mera rivers, is the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, a plateau wetland between lakes Como and Mezzola.
At the southern borders of the reserve there are comfortable campsites located right on the shore or a few minutes’ walk from the lake. At the La Torre campsite in the town of Sorico, tourists will be offered vans or micro-houses with verandas, hot and cold water, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Guests can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, horse riding, paragliding and hang gliding. Camp La Riva is located on the Mere River and has its own outdoor pool. On the opposite bank, La Grande operates, enticing guests with the opportunity to bring their pets with them. The camping season on Lake Como opens in March and lasts until November. The room costs about 10 euros per night, but all services, such as electricity, are paid additionally. Guests are offered boats and boats, fishing and swimming equipment for rent.
Beaches of Como
There are few sandy beaches on the lake; one of the few is located near the town of Llerna on the eastern shore. In other areas of Como, narrow strips of the coast are covered with pebbles, and near Lecco, at the eastern “leg”, the rocks come very close to the water. The most visited beaches with developed infrastructure are in the Bellagio area. Como water is cool, the optimal time for swimming is July and August. It is recommended to swim along the shore to avoid cold currents.
Man-made attractions in the vicinity of Como
If travelers do not have enough time to see all the attractions of coastal cities and towns, they are recommended to pay attention to the town of Como, which once competed with Milan for dominance in the region. Today, the Baradello fortress, towering above a 430-meter hill, or rather, the square watchtower that remains from the 6th century and the chapel of St. Nicholas, remind us of its former glory. The Gothic Cathedral of Como was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque one in the 14th century, and the interior was renovated in the 16th-17th centuries. The building, reaching a height of 75 meters, is made in the shape of a Latin cross. You can take photographs inside the temple, but not during church holidays.
Ancient religious objects have been preserved in other parts of Lake Como. In Gravedona, on the northwestern coast, tourists can see the Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, built in the 12th century from white marble and black stone. Inside, what remains from the previous buildings is a floor with mosaics from the 5th century with black, white and red patterns, and fragments of medieval frescoes.
Mount Ossuccio - UNESCO World Heritage Site
It was not the natural monument itself that received the status of a protected object, but the baroque chapels on it. The 419 m high rock is located 25 km north of the town of Como, on the western shore of the lake, in the commune of Ossuccio, opposite the island of Comacina. Once upon a time, the goddess Ceres was worshiped in the mountain sanctuary; in the 17th-18th centuries, 14 chapels with 230 terracotta statues of saints were erected in its place according to a single plan, leading to the last building - the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Comacina Island
Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, is small - only 600 m long and 200 wide. In the 12th century, during the Ten Years' War between Como and Milan over trade routes, the island was set on fire, and residents were forced to swim out of the burning ruins. In memory of this event, every year on the Sunday closest to June 24, hundreds of toy boats with lit candles are launched into the water. After the defeat, the island was deserted for a long time, the medieval buildings fell into disrepair. Residents returned to Comacina only in the Baroque era, when the Church of San Giovanni appeared. Hotels for tourists began to be built in the twentieth century.
Comacina IslandVillas and castles of Como
In the Perleda area on the eastern shore of Lake Como, the 12th-century Castle di Vezio is well preserved. True, tourists are more likely interested not in the harsh medieval structure, but in the show of birds of prey, which takes place in the garden daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March to October. You can admire the rapidly diving buzzards, owls, and hawks for only 4 euros. The respectable Castello di Lierna, located 6 km to the south, differs from the austere stone building surrounded by a fortress wall. The Milanese fought for the right to occupy it back in the 12th century, but then local residents simply used the solid foundation to build residential buildings over it, giving it a cozy bourgeois look.
The coast of Lake Como is home to many inaccessible private villas, but some of the most architecturally interesting ones are open to visitors for as little as 6-9 euros. The Villa Carlotta, built in the 17th century in Tremezzo, on the western shore of the lake opposite Bellagio, deserves attention. The complex looks most impressive in spring, when one and a half hundred species of azaleas bloom in the garden. The building itself houses a unique collection of Canova statues. No less famous is the garden at the neoclassical Villa Melzi, open to tourists from late March to November.
On the promontory of Ossuccio, right on the coast, at the foot of a forested mountain, stands Villa Balbianello. Built at the beginning of the 18th century on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, it became a living setting for many film projects - Italian classics, one of the James Bond series, an episode of Star Wars. The last owner of the villa, Guido Monzino, the famous traveler who conquered the North Pole, opened a museum in the house, which presents household items of the Inuit, Argentine Indians, Masai, Tibetans, valuable collections of Venetian glass and English furniture.
Video: Surroundings of Lake Como
Active holidays on Lake Como
Lake Como is the only place in Europe where you can get a seaplane pilot's license by spending six months of your personal time and more than 10 thousand euros. Ordinary tourists prefer the easier route - for 80 euros, take the seat of a passenger on a half-hour flight over Como on a seaplane. In the town of Como there is a year-round training diving center with a diving pool and kayaking courses. For lovers of the classics there is a Rowing School. There are many excellent fishing spots on the lake, but you can fish on your own only after purchasing a special permit costing about 30 euros for the year.
There are many hiking trails in the area with detailed maps, accessible signage and markings. You can also climb the mountains by funicular from Como to Brunate in just 7 minutes. The line was opened back in 1894, since then it has been completely rebuilt. The carriage runs every 15-30 minutes with 4 stops. Despite the favorable terrain, there is no skiing near Como - the nearest resort is an hour and a half drive north of the lake.
Funicular from Como to BrunateShops and restaurants
The cities on Lake Como cannot beat Milan in the range of goods and prices, but there is something to profit from here too. On the shores of the lake, farmers breed silkworms, which provide raw materials for elegant scarves and bright ties. Numerous restaurants offer mainly Italian cuisine, including fresh fish.
Tourist Information
Excursion boats ply on Lake Como. The cost of a day trip from Como to Nesso with stops for sightseeing is 15 euros. For long-term stays, it is beneficial to purchase river transport subscriptions. The tourist season begins in Como at the end of February, after the carnival, the main attractions open at the end of March. In November, life freezes again in anticipation of spring.
How to get there
Travelers usually come to Lake Como from Milan Central Station by electric trains, which run every hour. From Switzerland, a highway passes through Colico in the north.
Como is a unique corner of Italy, which is at the same time a province, a city and a lake. The city of Como enchants with its amazing landscapes tourists who come to this part of Italy from around the world. Every traveler dreams of seeing the breathtaking panorama of Lake Como. The city of Como, located in Italy, is a place where ancient history is closely intertwined with modernity. This and much more is the reason why the city of Como is currently one of the most popular destinations in northern Italy.
History and climate of the province
Throughout the history of the city's development, the city and Lake Como have had several different names. The ancient Greeks called the lake Lario, and the Romans translated this name into Latin. The name translated meant “deep place.” In the Middle Ages, the lake and the city began to be called Como (short for lacus comensis). Leonardo da Vinci himself worked on the shores of this amazing lake during the Renaissance, receiving inspiration from the surrounding nature and stunning landscapes.
Historians believe that the city of Como is of Gallic origin, and in 193 BC. e. was part of the Roman Republic. Since the 11th century, the management of the city was carried out by its inhabitants, and after some time the settlement was ruined by the inhabitants of Milan. After reconciliation with the Milanese, Como came under their rule. During the development of the province, the production of silk and wool developed there. Como later became one of the first printing centers in Italy. The cities located on the island of Como have a mild climate of the alpine foothills. This allows local residents to cultivate Mediterranean crops that would not normally grow on such lands.
City of Como: attractions
If you are planning a trip to Italy and don’t know what to see in the city of Como, we have compiled for you a small list of the main attractions that every tourist who comes to this province should see.
- The Duomo Cathedral is the main decoration of the historical center of the city, which is distinguished by its unusual architecture in the Gothic style.
- The Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, the town hall building which houses the Romanesque church, was consecrated by one of the famous bishops of Como, Amanzio.
- – the castle, from which the spirit of the Middle Ages emanates, is located on a hill and is elevated above the city by almost 400 meters. From this height you can see an amazing panorama of the lake, valley, and also admire the mountains.
- and - estates that have special historical value, surprise with their aristocratic architecture and rich works of art.
- St. Nicholas Cathedral is an amazing landmark dating back to the 18th century. The main decoration of the cathedral is the Matitone tower.
To correctly plan your route, have time to see the most beautiful ones and move freely throughout the province, you will need a map of the city of Como with photos of the main provinces of Italy.
Hotels
The city of Como offers tourists a wide range of options for every taste. Hotels in the city of Como differ in the number of stars, location and price. Before looking for suitable housing, you need to decide which area of the city to choose for your vacation.
- Hotel Como – located near the center of Como and the lake. Has a rooftop with a swimming pool for guests.
- Metropole Suisse is an old hotel, furnished in a classic style. Located on the promenade of the city of Como from where it is convenient to go to any point on the lake;
- – a new hotel near the lake. In addition to beautiful views from the windows, luxurious rooms, the hotel has a swimming pool and a wonderful viewing terrace on the roof;
- Barchetta Excelsior - the hotel is located in the most central square of Como (piazza Cavour).
Another convenient accommodation option is villas. They are preferred by tourists who love an exclusive holiday, as well as those who simply do not like hotels. If you are vacationing with a large group, it makes sense to rent a villa for a certain period.
When planning a trip to the city of Como (Italy), do not forget to read detailed information about the attractions of the province, find out exactly where the cities, museums, and villas you are interested in are located and create an approximate travel route. This will allow you to optimally distribute your time and make the trip as exciting as possible.
Como is a city and the administrative center of the province of the same name in the Lombardy region.
The city of Como is located at its southwestern tip of the lake of the same name.
Como is now a popular tourist destination in northern Italy. What makes the city of Como such a desirable and visited place? There are several answers to this question:
Firstly, Como is a very picturesque, cozy and sophisticated city. There are narrow streets lined with bright buildings of interesting architecture, reflecting the centuries-old history of the city; a long embankment, walking along which you can see picturesque views every now and then; and beautiful nature, embodied in the water surface of the lake, framed by the foothills of the Alps, subtly combined with the rare, but still present in Como, southern vegetation;
Secondly, it is convenient to get there. Direct trains from Milan will take you to the very center of Como in less than an hour;
Thirdly, the city is so cozy that, being in Como, you feel how, dissolving in history, you are captured by the inner harmony and peace provided by pristine nature.
Yes, Como is not Rome or Venice, but after the noisy and bustling Milan in Como you can relax your body and soul.
Sights of Como. What to see in Como
The main attractions of Como are concentrated in the historical center, near the lake and within walking distance of each other, which also makes Como a very pleasant place for leisurely walks.
Como seafront
The Como promenade is one of the main attractions and promenades in the city. The embankment skirts the southwestern tip of Lake Como. On one side of the embankment there is the historical center, and on the other there is a lake, along the banks of which mountains rise.
By the way, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, its depth reaches 410 meters.
There is a walking promenade along the lake. On the right side are: a small park area, the landmark Fontana Viale Geno/Amici di Como and Villa Geno.
Also on the right side of the embankment is the Como-Brunate funicular, connecting the city of Como with the village of Brunate. The funicular is one of the main attractions of the area.
Brunate itself is an interesting town (commune), rather a small ancient village full of mysteries and legends, but tourists are especially attracted by the incredible beauty of the panoramic views opening from many points of Brunate to the city of Como, Lake Como of the same name and the Italian Alps.
Walking area “going into the waters of the lake”
In the central part of the embankment there is a ferry pier and ticket offices. On a pleasure boat you can take a walk around the lake or go to other settlements of Lake Como.
A walking pier, walking along which you can see the modern sculpture “Life Electric” created in 2014-2015 and dedicated to a native of the city - the famous physicist Alessandro Volta (1745-1827).
Park - gardens of the Voltine Temple (Giardini del Tempio Voltiano), which contains: a children's playground, a mini-golf course and a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta "Temple of Volta" (Tempio Voltiano).
Monument to the Fallen or War Memorial (War Memorial/Monumento ai Caduti)
Aero Club Como. Here you can book a seaplane flight with professional pilots and admire the city and lake from above.
Near the embankment is the parish of St. George or San Giorgio (Saint George Parish/Parrocchia San Giorgio)
The left side of the Como embankment is a quieter and less visited place. Here are places to relax and balconies, which offer the most picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding area than from other points on the embankment.
Villa Saporiti, Villa Gallietta. Lake Como is famous for its villas, which once served as the residences of aristocrats and the rich. Currently, these villas mainly house museums, hotels, restaurants and government offices.
The most sophisticated of Como's villas is Villa Olmo. Villa Olmo, built in the neoclassical style since 1797, has beautiful architecture and a large park area. Currently it is a venue for exhibitions. It may be closed to visitors during various works; it is better to check opening hours on the official website.
Historical center of Como. Old town of Como
The historical center of Como, or as it is also called the “Old Town,” is the heart of Como, the place where the most interesting and visited attractions of the city are located. The most visited part of the historical center is located closer to the right side of the embankment.
In the Historical Center: an interweaving of streets along which ancient buildings, small squares and courtyards, churches are located close to each other, as well as an abundance of shops, trading and souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.
Duomo Cathedral
The Duomo di Como/Cathedral of Como is the main and largest cathedral in Como. The cathedral is located on the square of the same name. This majestic Cathedral is without a doubt the hallmark of Como. Made in the Gothic style and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Construction of the basilica began in 1396 on the site of the previous Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Piazza Duomo in Como
Palace Broletto
Directly adjacent to the cathedral is the Broletto Palace or Palazzo Broletto - the ancient residence of the city rulers of Como. The palazzo is built in the Gothic style with Renaissance elements on the façade and dates back to the 15th century. Currently, Broletto is used as a congress hall, as well as a place for art exhibitions and celebrations.
The representative ensemble of both buildings (palace and cathedral) is obvious, but, ultimately, such a duo became almost unique evidence of the close connection between spiritual and temporal authorities in the city of the European Middle Ages.
On the left side of the palace there is a small Catholic Church of San Giacomo(Chiesa di San Giacomo)
Teatro Sociale
Behind the Cathedral is the famous Teatro Sociale(Teatro Sociale di Como). The theater was designed by the architect Giuseppe Cusi following a decision of the local nobility, taken in connection with the need to replace an already outdated building. Construction of a new and more modern building began at the beginning of 1812, and was supposed to be completed that same year, but due to bad weather and minor troubles the construction was delayed. The façade of the theater is made in neoclassical style.
Basilica of San Fedele
Another famous shrine of Como is the Church of San Fidele or Basilica di San Fedele (Chiesa di San Fedele). This church is located in the historical center of Como on the square of the same name (Piazza S. Fedele) and is dedicated to the martyr Saint Fidelis.
The construction of the basilica dates back to 1120. The Neo-Romanesque façade of San Fedele, rebuilt from scratch in 1914, features an ornate rose window.
Monument to Alessandro Volta
In one of the central squares of the historical center of Como (Piazza Alessandro Volta / Piazza Alessandro Volta) there is monument to Alessandro Volta(Monument of Alessandro Volta)
Church of Saint Cecilia
Church of Saint Cecilia or Church of Adoration (Saint Cecilia/Chiesa dell Adorazione). Externally, the church seems inconspicuous, since it is located within the walls of the Alessandro Volta High School. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes. Perhaps this is one of the most striking churches in the historical part of Como.
Defensive walls and towers
Near the Church of Cecilia you can see another historical landmark - Porta Tore(Porta Torre) - one of the defensive towers in Como, erected in 1192 to protect the most important and central entrance to the city. The height of the tower reaches 40 meters.
Porta Torre is one of the most interesting examples of military architecture of the Romanesque tradition in Italy. The tower has a forbidding appearance from the outside, while on the side of the former city one can see four rows of arches, two in each row, corresponding to the four internal floors of the tower.
Behind the Porta Torre Tower you can see Garibaldi monument(Monumento a Garibaldi)
And along Viale Carlo Cattaneo defensive walls and two more towers located in the western and eastern parts of the street from the central tower of Porta Torre: Gattoni Tower or Porta Nuova(torre di Porta Nuova/Gattoni Tower) in the west and Tower of San Vitale or St. Vitus(Saint Vitale Tower) in the east.
It is with these towers and walls that the city of Como can be geographically divided into historical and newer parts.
Along the protective wall there is an outdoor tent market, where they mainly sell clothes, bags, toys and other goods.
ChurchSantuariodelSs.Crocifisso (sanctuary of the crucifixions)
Not far from the western tower, if you go to the lake along Varese Street, there is an interesting Catholic church, Santuario del Ss. Crocifisso in Como, attractive primarily for its bright decoration, which is so unusual for Como churches.
There are many more different churches in the historical center of Como and beyond, for example:
Church of St. Maria di Loreto or Santa Maria di Loreto(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto), located near the train station of San Giovanni
Church of Sant'Eusebio(Chiesa S. Eusebio)
Jesus Church(Chiesa del Gesu) is a small old Romanesque temple located in the historical center of the city. In appearance, the church is very simple; inside, the typical decoration of Catholic churches has been preserved. This church is non-tourist, but it is in such churches that you can feel that special atmosphere of the believing life of society. Definitely worth a visit.
Small Catholic church Parrocchia Sant'Agostino E Antonino built by the Cistercians in the early 14th century, restored in the 20th century. In the interior and the adjacent monastery you can see frescoes from the 15th to 17th centuries, but most of the decorations are still made in the Baroque style. This church is located near the bus station and the Nord Lago railway station.
Parish Church of Saint Orsola(Parrocchia S. Orsola) located near the eastern defensive tower.
And Basilica of Saint Abbondio(Basilica di Sant'Abbondio) and Church of St. Bartolomeo(Chiesa Cattolica Parrocchiale S. Bartolomeo), located outside the old center.
Silk Museum
The Silk Museum in Como (Educational Silk Museum - Como) tells about the process of making natural silk - from raising caterpillars to weaving looms. The museum is located at Via Castelnuovo, 9.
In 1985, the associations Classe "27 and Ex Allievi del Setificio began collecting materials belonging to silk factories based in Como. In the 1960s, due to a fundamental reorganization, the textile industry began to change, and in the 1980s the silk factories finally abandoned their premises, which made it possible to collect machines and other valuable items in order to create a museum and pass on the history of the silk industry to future generations.
In 1988, the Arts Committee was established. And in 1990, the Silk Educational Museum was opened, clearly demonstrating the history of silk production.
Silk receives special attention in Como and the surrounding area, as silk and silk products have been produced in this area for over 500 years. Silk products on the coast of Lake Como are considered some of the best in Italy and have already become the hallmark of Lake Como. Silk products (shawls, scarves, ties, capes, etc.) can be bought in many stores, both in the city of Como and in other settlements of the lake.
Food Central Market Como
The indoor food market (Mercato Coperto) is located at Via Sirtori Giuseppe, 1, near the defensive towers and walls of Como.
In the market you can find an abundance of food: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, etc. Market opening days: Tuesday, Thursday until 13:00; Friday - Saturday until 19:00; Monday, Wednesday, Sunday - closed.
Supermarkets in the historical center of Como
There are plenty of small grocery stores on the streets of the historic center of Como, but the selection of food and household essentials is very limited.
For an abundance of groceries and other small goods, it is better to go to large supermarkets:
Carrefour Express - Supermercato, located a block from the Duomo Cathedral, in the basement of a department store, at Via Pietro Boldoni, 3. Although this supermarket has more express stores, the selection of fruits, vegetables and ready-made food is still poor.
Carrefour Market - Supermarket - perhaps the best in the historical center for the selection of food products. There is a good selection of fruits, vegetables and cheeses. There is a supermarket near the embankment, or rather the park of the Voltina Temple, at the intersection of Via Recchi/Via Rosselli.
Esselunga di Via Ambrosoli is a large supermarket with underground parking, located away from the historical center, above the central food market, at Via Carloni, 24.
When is the best time to go to Como?
It’s hard to say, Como is good at any time of the year, the attractions and most restaurants are open all year round. We were in Como in January, the weather was mostly good, +4 - +10 degrees, sunny, and what surprised us was that the city did not suffer from a lack of greenery. Although some establishments were still closed, as stated on the information signs, they are closed from late October to mid-March.
How far to go to Como, what to see in the vicinity of Como
We think the minimum is three days, although many come for just a day from Milan. It seems that in one day you can see little in Como, or you will have to run, which you don’t want to do on vacation.
Offhand, then:
One day to the historical center and embankment (preferably two);
One for the funicular and a walk along Brunate, if you want to stay in Brunate, then the hotel is available;
You can also take a pleasure boat ride around the lake from Como. Although boats make trips at any time of the year, it is still more interesting and enjoyable to ride in the warmer months.
You can walk from Como on foot or take a boat to nearby towns. For example, Tavernola and Cernobbio.
How to get to Como
There is no airport in Como. Therefore, most often tourists come to Como from the airports and the center of Milan. Getting there is convenient and fast. More information on how to get from Milan city center and Milan airports to Como, as well as from Como to Milan, can be found in our previous reports:
You can also visit Lake Como on a one-day excursion from Milan. Which is very convenient if you only have one free day and want to see something interesting and truly beautiful, besides Milan itself:
Where to stay in Como
The choice of housing in Como is very large and varied, here you can find accommodation for every taste and budget, from budget to 5-star hotels, apartments and guest houses, both on the first line, where the windows will offer views of the lake and the embankment, and downtown.
The most convenient place to stay, of course, is in the historical center. So, all the main attractions, shops and supermarkets, an abundance of cafes and restaurants, as well as bus and railway stations will be within walking distance.
All accommodation facilities in Como, from budget to luxury, are available.
We stayed in the center of the old city, in a small private hotel Storiko with breakfast included.
Currency and visas
Italy is part of the Schengen zone, therefore, to visit the country and Como you need a Schengen visa and.
Italy is part of the euro zone, so the country's currency is the Euro (€). Both cash and bank cards are accepted for payment in many shops, cafes and restaurants.
Street photos of Como, Italy
