About Como
Como has always been an area of intense activity, as it has acted over the centuries as a crossing point between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Built by the Romans at the end of the Piedmont road, it was an important communication point between Rome and its northern territories. In more recent times Como became famed for its silk production.
Como was the birthplace of the Roman scientists Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, as well as Alessandro Volta, 18th century inventor of the battery and the man who gave his name to the unit of electrical force - the Volt.
The area around Lake Como, or "Lago di Como" in Italian, is pretty characteristic. It has a kind of flair and sense of history that tends to impress its visitors in a sense deeper than only from a touristic point of view. It has been appreciated for its beauty and uniqueness for ages, and even as early as the Roman Times.
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Its atmosphere and natural surroundings have been the inspiration for an important part of the creation of Naboo, in the Star Wars movies. (In the same way as the atmosphere in Tozeur and Matmata have been recreated in Episode IV, "A New Hope").
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Volta Lighthouse: Boasting some of the best views on the lake, this very high building will allow you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below. The easiest way to get to it is by first taking the funicular railway up to Brunate and then walking, 3.45 Euro.
Cathedral (duomo) - (a short walk from the waterfront down Via Caio Plinio II). Como's richly decorated 19th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral.
Tempio Voltiano (Temple Volta) - (the round building on the waterfront). A nice stop on your stroll along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style. It houses an exhibition about Volta (a native of Como who invented the electric battery). The front of the building showcases two statues, representing science and faith.
War Memorial - (on the waterfront next to the Tempio Voltiano). An interesting building to see, it is one of the tallest structures near the water.
City Walls - The ruins of the 12th century city walls, which encircle the narrow, winding streets of the old town. The old town is still called the "walled town" (città murata).
Isola Comacina - (take the ferry to the Isola Comacina stop). A small island with ruins of several byzantine churches. It was once a town that allied with Milan against Como. The town was destroyed by Como's army in 1169.
Como's museums - the Civic Archeological Museum (Civico Museo Archeologico "P. Giovio") and the History Museum (Museo Storico "G. Garibaldi") in the Palazzo Giovio and the neighboring Palazzo Olginati.
The Civic Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Civica) - near to the Palazzo Volpi.
Lakeside villas - The lake como is well-known for the attractive villas which have been built here since Pliny the Younger. Many have admirable gardens which benefit from the mild climate induced by the stabilising presence of 22.5 km³ of lake water and are able to include tropical as well as temperate plants.Among them are, Villa Carlotta, Villa d'Este, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.
Boat Trip - Take a boat trip on Lake Como (Lago di Como) to the picturesque villages that dot the shores of the lake, such as Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. Tickets for a few of the villages near Como are cheap (6 Euros) and can be purchased at the kiosk on the lake front. The boat stops in these villages and you can take a walk there and continue the trip with the next boat until you reach Como again.
Walk along the Waterfront - Como has a pleasant walkway along the water. It passes by the Tempio Voltiano, the war memorial (WWI), and several beautiful villas. The path is also pleasantly dotted with gellaterias.
Funicular Ride - Take the cable car (funicolare) to the tiny village of Brunate perched on the hills overlooking Como. Piazza De Gasperi 4, tel: +39 031 303608, (www.funicolarecomo.it).
Bicycle Ride - Rent a bicycle and ride up the hill into Switzerland before descending to the beautiful Lake Lugano. Follow the lake north to the Swiss city of Lugano. Head east from Lugano and back across the border into Italy. When you reach Lake Como, turn south and return to the city of Como, completing the circle.
Go ice skating - at the Centro Sportivo Casate, via Virgilio 16, tel: +39 031 505118.
Horseriding - Take a walk on horseback in the Parco Pineta di Appiano e Tradate . From Limido Comasco, just 25 minutes drive from Como both english and western style riding in beautiful woodlands with friendly English/French and Italian speaking guides, (www.centeredriding.org).
Where to eat - You will enjoy the best food at Gatto Nero, www.il-gatto-nero.it, in Cernobbio and the "Locanda" on the Comacina island, www.comacina.it.
For more information about Como city and other directories see: