Discover Como: Cathedral, villas and lakeside paths

For a trip to Como, cultural sites, lake views and walking routes offer different options to focus on. The Tempio Voltiano highlights Alessandro Volta and scientific exhibits; the Duomo di Como and the Basilica di San Fedele offer historical perspectives. By the water, there is also a walking path and a boat trip. The funicular to Brunate and the walking routes back to Como are further options to consider when planning.

Culture and history in Como

The Tempio Voltiano is a neoclassical building on the lakeshore, created to honour Alessandro Volta and promote his studies. It displays original and reconstructed scientific instruments belonging to Volta, as well as documents and materials about his life. The presentation therefore includes both instruments and biographical materials, complementing its scientific focus.

At the Duomo di Como, attention turns to a long construction history: building began in 1396 and continued for almost 400 years. Its façade features sculptures of Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder from the workshop of Giovanni Rodari. The long construction period and the figures identified by name offer different historical points of interest.

The Basilica di San Fedele may date to around 1120; its present-day layout follows that of an earlier building. The date of around 1120 remains a possibility.

Villa Olmo adds a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions to these sites. Construction began in the late 18th century and was completed in 1812 by the Marchesi Odescalchi. If an event is part of your travel plans, check the relevant dates.

The Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio traces Como’s early history from prehistoric times to the Roman period and displays finds from the Lario area. Its exhibition rooms are currently closed to the public for maintenance. As this status may change, check the latest information before planning a visit.

Lake views, boat trips and walking routes

The lakeside walking path in Como offers views of Lake Como and the Lario. The panoramic Chilometro della Conoscenza is a walking route connecting Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota. The two routes therefore differ in focus: the walking path highlights views of the lake and the Lario, while the Chilometro connects the three villas.

With the Navigazione Lago di Como scheduled service, you can travel from Como across the first lake basin; stops along the way are in Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno and Blevio. If you plan to take a boat trip, check the timetable in advance.

Taking the funicular to Brunate

The Como-Brunate funicular station is located in Piazza De Gasperi. The funicular was inaugurated in 1894 and reaches Brunate in just a few minutes. From Brunate, visitors can walk back to Como by two routes; one passes the Eremo di San Donato. For planning purposes, the options are distinct: the funicular connects Como with Brunate, while the two walking routes lead from Brunate back to Como.

Discover more destinations: Porlezza, Merone, Cima Di Porlezza, Trezzone, Valmorea, Dizzasco, Osteno, Moltrasio.

Back to the main travel overview: Como.