Lake Como what to see in Como and surroundings: the ten best attractions between charming villages and lush gardens.
Como is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend in Lombardy, starting point to discover the natural and artistic wonders of Lake Como. Not before visiting this cozy lake town and shopping for fine silk garments in its elegant boutiques. Here is a selection of 10 best things to see on Lake Como.
Index of Article
What to see in Como
1. Cathedral of Como
Last of the Gothic cathedrals built in Lombardy, the Cathedral of Como was completed within three and a half centuries. It is therefore a unique mix of different architectural styles, to which many architects and artists have contributed, which will surprise you with the harmony of its forms and the richness of art preserved inside.
The 14th century marble façade of the Cathedral of Como, which dominates one side of Piazza Duomo, is in pure Gothic style, embellished with details carved in stone and statues around the rose window, bordered by delicate pinnacles. Enter the main portal, accompanied by surprise by the statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Young, ancient residents of the Lario, to admire the interior rich in frescoes, paintings and sculptures of the XVI century, which culminate in the magnificent major altar.
2. Basilica of Sant’Abbondio
It is worth a walk from the center to see this extraordinary church of the 11th century, the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is one of the oldest in the area. The work of the Lombard Romanesque is the work of the Comacini masters, at the time renowned throughout Europe for their mastery. The interior, rather dizzy, is balanced by the apse highly adorned by splendid Gothic frescoes dating back to the middle of the fourteenth century.
3. Voltiano Temple
Walking along the lake of Como it is impossible not to notice the elegant neoclassical building of the Voltiano Temple, clearly inspired by the Pantheon. It houses the most visited museum of the city, dedicated to the scientist Alessandro Volta, native to these places, inventor of the electric pile, the first source of electric current continues. Built in 1927 on the occasion of the centenary of Volta's death, he exhibits memorabilia, equipment and tools used in his experiments.
4. Brunette
From the eastern end of the Como lake, the funicular inaugurated in 1894 is the fastest and most striking way to reach the village of Brunate, revealing breathtaking views.
From up there you can admire an extraordinary panorama ranging from the city to the lake with the villages surrounded by the mountains. At the top of Mount Three Crosses the Voltiano lighthouse, a 29-metre-high octagonal tower erected in 1927 to commemorate the centenary of the disappearance of the great comasco.
Lake Como what to see
5. Villa Balbianello
On the western shore of the lake, at the foot of Monte Crocione, stands Lenno, known for the villa and the fabulous gardens that cover Punta di Balbianello, a long peninsula on the lake. The estate is among the most visited properties of FAI, especially since it was the location of successful movie scenes such as Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: The clones attack.
The baroque villa built for a cardinal at the end of the sixteenth century can only be visited with guided tours, but the real wonder is the lush terraced gardens: a tripod of rare flowers and plants, columns and balustrades that create a harmonious combination of art and nature, framed by enchanting views of the lake. The best way to get there is by boat from Lenno or on foot, along a path to the villa.
6. Gardens of Villa Carlotta
The lush gardens of Villa Carlotta, which extend over about 20 acres along the Tremezzo Riviera, in the most mythical point of Lake Como, are among the most famous in Italy and are definitely worth the trip if you are passionate about flowers and botany.
The best time for the visit is May, when the camellias and rhododendrons are in bloom and form spectacular color spots around the 18th century villa that took its name from the Princess of Prussia Charlotte.
7. Abbey of Piona
Reach Colic to discover the authentic oasis of peace and spirituality that is the Abbey of Piona, the Cistercian monastery in Lombard Gothic style of the 13th century which also includes the church of St. Nicholas of the 11th century.
Suffer in the beautiful cloister to admire the delicate columns, each with a different stone capital carved with motifs of plants and animals, and the walls covered with frescoes of the fourteenth and fifteenth century. And before leaving the abbey, stop in the small shop to buy monks’ products, including herbal liqueurs, honey and balsamic candies.
8. Bellagio
By far the most charming place to see on Lake Como, Bellagio stands right on the tip of the peninsula separating the two southern arms of the Lario. Take the time to stroll through its cobbled streets, overlooking sophisticated boutiques and delicious restaurants perfect for a lake-view lunch.
Also here, of course, there are villas and gardens. The most famous are those of Villa Melzi d’Eril, with terraces, statues, cypresses by the lake, around the elegant neoclassical villa.
9. Varynna
The medieval castle of Vezio surrounded by an olive grove is the main attraction of the picturesque Varenna, where with a little luck you can also see a falconist exhibition. Do not miss the terraced gardens on multiple levels of Villa Cipressi. A curiosity: here flows the Fiumelatte, the shortest river in Italy.
10. The Trail of the Viandante
In addition to boating, you can explore the shores of Lake Como on foot, along the easy hiking routes that connect the various coastal resorts.
The most famous is the Trail of the Viandante, a 45-kilometre route (but it can be broken in several sections) immersed in the green of the eastern coast of Lake Como, through natural beauties and artistic attractions that make it particularly varied and evocative.
Where to sleep in Como
Comfortable and welcoming accommodation where bed on Lake Como is the Park Hotel Meublé, set in a modern structure designed by the famous Comacino architect Enrico Mantero. Located in the center, this 3 star hotel in Como is ideal for both short holidays and business stays. It has single and double rooms, tastefully furnished and creative touches, which can become triple and quadruple rooms to accommodate even family groups with maximum comfort.
The reception is guaranteed 24 hours a day and in the morning a generous buffet breakfast served in a large room will give you the right charge to discover the beauty of Lake Como.
