The dome is quite beautiful and has a top lantern with many windows to flood the cathedral with light. Como’s cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta – Duomo di Como) is its most important religious building and the third largest in the whole of Lombardy region. Construction began in 1396 but wasn’t completed until late in the 18th century.

The building itself dates back to the 15th century and retains all its old-world charm through its outdoor patio, luxury guestrooms, and traditional decor. This castle has lived many lives, including serving as a military outpost during World War II, and you can read up on the background through the information boards at the top. In terms of more outdoorsy things to do at Lake Como, it’s hard to beat the hike to the Castello di Vezio.

• This ancient gateway on Piazza Vittoria dates back to the 12th century when the city’s medieval walls were constructed.
• For an upscale experience, make sure to visit Bar Giardino at Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna.
• Printing is an ancient art in Como, where Baldassare di Fossato printed the Opus statutorum (“Book of Laws”) of Alberico da Rosate in 1477 and the Vita di S.

The Unione Sportiva Tavernola, a local amateur sports club, promotes community sports participation in Como’s Tavernola neighborhood. Some of the best restaurants in Lake Como include Trattoria del Glicine in Lenno, Imbarcadero in Bellagio and Salice Blu in Bellagio. All of these restaurants serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

best experiences in Lake Como

This flag, a symbol of Como’s historical identity and aspirations for freedom, is still displayed at the town hall (Palazzo Cernezzi). Como is strategically located at the southern end of the southwestern arm of Lake Como, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of Milan. The city shares borders with Switzerland, specifically the Swiss communes of Chiasso and Vacallo, and the Italian comune of Blevio, Brunate, and several others. Printing is an ancient art in Como, where Baldassare di Fossato printed the Opus statutorum (“Book of Laws”) of Alberico da Rosate in 1477 and the Vita di S. The two Plinys (Roman scholars) were born at Comum, and the physicist Alessandro Volta is commemorated by the Voltiano Temple (1928).

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With cobbled streets and cozy squares lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, the historic city center of Como is really cozy. In this guide, we share recommendations for the VERY BEST things to see and do in Como town and just nearby (all within walking distance). Como’s sporting scene includes clubs such as the ASDG Comense 1872 women’s basketball team, a two-time EuroLeague Women champion, and Como 1907 football club. Lake Como offers numerous recreational activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and the annual Città di Como Challenger tennis tournament, attracting international tennis talent.

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• Alternatively, you can also find a bunch of skippers offering private excursions from each of the main towns, so it’s possible to do this activity at the last minute if it’s not too busy.
• In this guide, we share recommendations for the VERY BEST things to see and do in Como town and just nearby (all within walking distance).
• However, it is recommended to spend at least two to three days in the area to fully experience its beauty and activities.
• Aside from the obvious beauty, one of my favorite things about taking a private boat tour is that you have complete control over your itinerary.

Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is a glacial lake located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y and stretches over an area of 146 square kilometers, making it the third-largest lake in Italy. On a cloudy day (or when you just want a break from walking), the Pinacoteca Civica in Como is a lovely little art museum. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did—it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and really look. It’s teeny tiny, but the ferry ride alone makes it feel like an adventure. Once you’re there, you can wander the ruins, peek inside the church, and grab lunch at the one restaurant on the island.

This is a popular meeting point with locals, packed with terraced cafes and bars. It’s hard to believe that the area was just marshland in medieval times and wasn’t transformed into an urban square until late in the 19th century. With its wide, flat streets, Como is far easier to explore than many of the small, neighboring towns and villages. Plus, it is well-connected in terms of transport, making it pin-up casino india a popular choice as a base from which to explore all the nicest places on Lake Como.

It has a rich history and culture, with a charming old town center, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Located about 1.5 km from the top station of the Brunate funicular, the Volta Lighthouse (Faro Voltiano) is another popular place to see in Como. This hilltop lighthouse and memorial to Alessandro Volta sits yet much higher than the village, offering stunning views of Lake Como and the surroundings.

Villa Monastero is Varenna’s biggest claim to fame, but this small village brings so much more to the table. Towns like Varenna almost look too amazing to be real, so much so that I felt like I was living in a dream the entire time I was there. For a town so small, you can surprisingly still find lots of things to do in Varenna. Both Star Wars and James Bond have used Villa del Balbianello as a filming location, which is a testament to how incredible this centuries-old mansion is.

As the ancient Comum, perhaps of Gallic origin, it was conquered by the Romans in 196 bce and became a Roman colony under Julius Caesar. In the 11th century, after struggles with the Lombards and the Franks, it became a free commune. Como made peace with Milan in 1183 and after 1335 fell under the rule of the Visconti family and the Sforzas of Milan. During that period its silk industry and wool trade played an important role in the Milanese economy.

Just a quick stroll from the center of Bellagio, Villa Melzi is actually one of the newer villas in the area, having been constructed in the early 1800s. As you’ve probably gathered by now, Lake Como has an abundance of high-end villas and immaculate gardens, and Villa Melzi is one that I instantly fell in love with. This tour equips you with all the skills you’ll need to craft your own pasta at home, and you’ll also learn how to whip up a mean tiramisu. The class is usually only made up of around 10 to 12 people and runs from your local chef’s own home. As well as being a wonderful opportunity to learn the craft of Italian cooking, these classes are such a blast and usually include some local wines to enjoy alongside your home-cooked meal. The exquisite Como Cathedral is the centerpiece of the city, so a visit here is a must to see frescoes and stained glass windows that’ll blow you away.