Things to Do and See in Como

Como, the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Italy, thanks above all to its setting on Lake Como and the gentle slopes of the Baradello and San Fermo hills, which merge in the distance with the pre-Alpine peaks of Mount Brunate. Don’t miss Piazza Duomo and the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, considered the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy; not far away is Piazza Verdi, with monuments commemorating various historical eras, such as the medieval walls, the neoclassical theater, and the former Casa del Fascio, designed by Giuseppe Terragni. Also worth visiting is the frescoed Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, an 11th-century Romanesque masterpiece, whose interior features large 14th-century frescoes; among the civic buildings, we highlight Palazzo Olginati, home to the Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum. The rest of the province is also rich in places to visit, starting with the famous town of Bellagio, whose historic center is surrounded by ancient walls with narrow streets that wind their way up from the lakeshore to the promontory. Not to be missed are the Romanesque Cathedral of San Giacomo, dating back to the 12th century, and Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, 18th- and 19th-century noble residences perched atop the promontory. The century-old funicular takes you to the village of Brunate, which offers charming walks along paths connecting Art Nouveau villas and leading to the Church of Sant’Andrea; along one of these paths, you can stop at the Hermitage of San Donato, nestled in the greenery of the hillside. The true stars of these places are the splendid villas built by noble families in these settings of exceptional beauty. To name a few: Villa del Balbianello, Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, Villa Carlotta, Villa Passalacqua, Villa Pasola, Villa Erker Hocevar, and Villa Ghisio, which preserve magnificent parks and the charm of the era when important figures, such as the composer Vincenzo Bellini, stayed there. And then there’s Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, known for its splendid gardens and museum buildings.