Discover Brunate: Faro Voltiano and Art Nouveau Villas

Brunate can be explored through two distinct themes: cultural history and hiking. The Faro Voltiano, the Art Nouveau villas and religious sites reveal different sides of the town; the named trails vary in route and distance. If you are looking for a hotel in Brunate, these highlights can help you plan your stay.

Faro Voltiano and the history of the town

The Faro Voltiano was built in 1927 in San Maurizio, Brunate. The city of Como donated it in memory of its citizen Alessandro Volta, one hundred years after his death. The octagonal tower is 29 metres high and offers a view over the valley below. Its shape, height and dedication make it a distinctive structure with a clear commemorative purpose.

The traditional Festa di San Maurizio is also associated with a specific place. Its traditional date is the Sunday closest to 22 September; it includes a mass and a procession to Monte Tre Croci. The festival thus connects religious tradition with a named destination in the surrounding area.

Villas, the church and other details about the town

Art Nouveau villas built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries stand on the hill of Brunate. Floral and eclectic motifs define their design. These buildings add an architectural dimension to the townscape that differs from its religious sites: the Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo has served Brunate as its parish church since 1654.

Above San Maurizio lies the Sanctuary of S. Rita da Cascia. Dedicated to Saint Rita, it commemorates Alpine soldiers who fell in the war. Another historical detail is the Campari Fountain: in 1935, artist Giuseppe Gronchi created it as a unique advertising installation for the Italian company Campari. Via del Pissarottino was a historic promenade for holidaymakers in Brunate.

Local food culture is also brought to life by a specific event. At the second edition of the Sagra della cipolla di Brunate, on 14 and 15 October 2023, visitors could sample dishes featuring Brunate onions at five local restaurants. This describes that edition of the festival and its timeframe.

Hiking trails with different routes

The hiking trails can be distinguished by their specific descriptions. One route starts in Brunate, initially follows the road towards the Faro Voltiano and then continues along forest paths. The Passeggiata delle baite, by contrast, climbs uphill from San Maurizio along a wooded mule track. Check the route and trail conditions before setting out.

From Brunate, section SI D10S of the Sentiero Italia CAI leads to the hamlet of San Maurizio, where the Sentiero delle Colme begins. The entire Sentiero Italia CAI section from Como to Piano del Tivano is 19.9 kilometres long. This figure refers to the section between the two places, not just the part near Brunate.

Another route is the Lake Como Poetry Way. It runs from Passo di Roggiana in Maslianico through Cernobbio and Como to Brunate, ending at the Faro Voltiano. The route follows the Como–Brunate mule track and is associated with Alda Merini. Those interested in hiking will find here a different route description from those for the trails around San Maurizio.

Getting to Como and finding a hotel

The Como–Brunate funicular connects the two places; the ride takes seven minutes. Check the timetable before travelling. You can then decide whether to focus your stay more on the architecture and memorial sites or on the hiking trails described here.

Discover more destinations: Corrido, Casasco D'intelvi, Lurago D'erba, Gera Lario, Laglio, Tremezzo, Albese Con Cassano, Erbonne.

For the main travel overview: Como.