8 Captivating Things to do in Como, Italy

Como, a city close to Milan is the biggest city around Lake Como. Etched in history and its effects there to marvel at, Como is a remarkable city to explore. The attractions in the city centre on Lake Como. Although not a great tourist spot like Rome or Milan, Como has been beautiful for several reasons. Considered to be the most beautiful lake in Northern Italy, Como is cradled in a naturally scenic location. With the panoramic villages around, the city thrives on. among things to do in Como, visiting these villages has a prime place.  

The vintage hotels well-knit around the lake provide you pleasant stay and an amazing view. And more importantly, people check in for the old-fashioned ambience at the spot. besides strolling around the city and the lake, things to do in Como are boating, shopping, flying by seaplane and visiting old monuments.

Aurelia Rampin has been gracious enough to give us a virtual tour around the city. And thank you for all the photos and videos. It should be added that the city and Italy as a whole are back to sprightly times after some forgettable months.

Tempio Voltiano

Alessandro Volta, physicist and inventor of the modern battery was born in the northern city of Como in 1745. In his honour, all his original works including papers, letters, and instruments, including the first-ever battery are displayed at Tempio Voltiano. The neoclassical monument is now a museum.  Built 100 years after his death, the monument now is a centre of attraction in the city. Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in Como.

Entry fee: €4

Cathedral Santa Maria

It took 400 years to complete the construction of the magnificent church. Apparently, it is one of the most prominent churches in Northern Italy. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Known as Como Cathedral, its construction began as early as the 14th century. Tourists frequent the Cathedral to marvel at the Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque features, structures and sculptors. Visiting ancient basilicas and churches is one of the things to do in the lake city. Basilica di San Giacomo, Santa Maria Maddalena, Basilica di San Fedele, San Lorenzo, Santi Pietro e Paolo and Santa Eufemia are a few of them.

The Funicolare

It is a small cableway service between Como and Brunate, another city next to Como. People mostly travel by train to admire the view of both these places from the top. It is in operation since the late 1800s. The short journey between Como and Brunate provides a spectacular view. Brunate is located at about 700 meters above sea level. Hence the train service is perched above the city making the trip memorable. Not just the towns and villages, you can marvel at the Alps and the Brianza plain on your trip.

Villa Olmo on lungolago

Villa Olmo is the most majestic villa at Como lake. The classic style architecture is in the northern part of the city. The edifice used to be a centre of cultural events and art exhibitions. The complex houses a park, many buildings. Among them are the central building, which is used as an exhibition centre, casinos, greenhouses, tennis courts, an international guesthouse, and a lido.

The lakes sides are dotted with several beautiful villages. Bellaggio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Brunate and Nesso are some of them. And there is Laglio which shot to popularity after George Clooney bought a villa there.

Città dei Balocchi

The city of Como adorns a festive outfit during the Christmas season. And that is when it is known as the City of toys. With multiple glittery shops and festivities, the city welcomes you to celebrate the big days between December to January. Gift shopping zones, ice-skating rink, Christmas food on display from all over Italy, Santa Claus' Post Office et all adorn the city.

Aero Club Como

It is a flight school basically. One of the most cherished activities in Como is flying by Seaplane in and over Lake Como. The scenery from above is fascinating. You can observe villas, towns and the whole ambience around the lake. Sitting near the pilot you get a view of the flight manoeuvring up close. There is aerial restriction too so you cannot fly just as you like. People also book these flights to spend special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays or Valentine's day. When you are in the city, flying the seaplane is one of the thrilling things to do in Como.

Fee: €140-180 for 2 people for 30 minutes.

Le Mani & Life Electric  

Located in front of the Como San Giovanni railway station “Le Mani” is another monument popular in Como. The bronze monument by the artist Massimo Clerici is dedicated to the fallen for service. To represent the sacrifices done by the working class. The adjacent garden is a spot people come by to stroll and enjoy leisurely hours.

Another monument erected in honour of Alessandro Volta is “The Life Electric”. Standing tall at 16.50 m, it resembles two sine waves symbolizing energetic and scientific elements. It is a spot people visit to take photographs.

Faro Voltiano & Gattoni Tower

It is a 29-meter-high lighthouse built in 1927 on the 100th anniversary of the death of Alessandro Volta. Opened to tourists, the tower provides a magnificent view of the city.

Gattoni tower was built under the rule of Julius Caesar. Later it was bought by Gattoni, a friend of Alessandro Volta. And it was used as a physics laboratory and for scientific experiments. The 40-meter-high structure is one of the oldest medieval towers still standing.

How to reach?

By road – Multiple roads connect Lake city from other parts of the country. Milan is the nearest major city. By train – Como San Giovanni and Como Nord Lago stations help you travel by train to other major cities. By Air – Milan airport is the nearest airport.

Note: from June the country is expected to be open to tourists from all over.