"The Charming City of Como!!" Como by starship

Como Travel Guide: 311 reviews and 814 photos

View of the waterfront on Lago di Como - Como

I arrived in Como on the heel of a 5-day conference in Bellagio and was feeling extremely lucky to be in Italy!! Fortunately, some of my co-workers expressed a desire to see Como before we left Italy!! What a lucky break for me. We had briefly passed by Como on our way up the winding road to Bellagio. Como looks charming nestled as it was on Lago di Como. Lago di Como or Lake Como is shaped like an upside down letter "Y". Como sits at the very bottom of the left fork of the lake. As with most of my trip, the day in Como began with overcast skies and drizzle, but we didn't let that dampen our enthusiasm for walking the narrow lanes and passages in town. For the sake of photos I really wished it had been a sunny day! C'est la vie! Even so, we were able to do some sightseeing, shopping and have a nice lunch there in the bargain!

A Little Background on Como

Como has a long history -- it is said that Como was called "Orobi" by Pliny the Elder, an important figure in Italy's early history who was born in Como. [ Pliny the Elder was an author, philospher and naval commander who was the Prefect of Naples when Vesuvius erupted in August, 79 A.D. Pliny the Elder was one of the most famous people to have died that day. However, some speculate that he did not actually die from poisonous gases caused by the eruption but more likely died of a coronary attack. The facts are not clear. ] A statue on the facade of the Duomo here honors Pliny the Elder as a native son of Como.

Como was conquered by the Romans followed by a fierce battle with the Rheti people of the Northern Alps which destroyed the early settlement. However, the town of Como was of such importance to the Romans that they rebuilt the town on Lake Como's shore and gave it the characteristic square and buildings of the Roman style: 2 perpendicular streets and public buildings: the forum, the port and the theatre.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Charming, historical, lakefront views, shopping for silk!
Cons:Some stores close at noon! Difficult to find postcards!?!
In a nutshell:Loved the friendly people in this charming city!

Last visit to Como: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Mar 28, 2011
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Reviews (5)

Picture by Marlaine-Washington Chorus - Como

The Ferries of Italian Lakes Transportation (2)

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Piazzas and Passageways Things to Do (3)

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Basilica di San Fedele and Saturday Market - Como

Basilica di San Fedele Things to Do (3)

One of the two most recognizable buildings in Como, the Basilica di San Fedele, is located in the center of the old,... more travel advice

Take the Bus from Bellagio Transportation (2)

Because of conference arrangements, a mini-van had taken us up to Bellagio. To experience a different form of travel, on... more travel advice

Comments (24)

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Maurizioago Feb 20, 2012 at 1:41 AM

I'm going to visit Como if I will be able to attend the meeting in Bergamo next may.

Ciao!
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MalenaN Jan 13, 2012 at 4:05 AM

Good that you at least got a short stop in Como. The old town is lovely!
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Yaqui Jan 6, 2012 at 6:59 AM

Como looks like a postcard. I enjoyed the tour!
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zschachwitz Aug 13, 2011 at 6:52 AM

Ah, the Volta Museum - I was there on the 8th April 1959, during a school journey to Lugano; neat little place, and stopped there during a day on the Lake; particularly enjoyed Villa Carlotta
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Gillybob Mar 28, 2011 at 6:49 AM

Looks lovely - I hope to get to this part of Italy in May! Gillybob greetings
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LoriPori Mar 28, 2011 at 3:35 AM

Enjoyable page on Como, a typical little Italian town.
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HORSCHECK Jul 27, 2009 at 11:41 AM

Another fabulous little page of yours. Lake Como seems to be well worth a visit. Greetings from rainy Germany.
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olja1234 Oct 21, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Looks like a wonderful place, worth to visit one day. Thanks for sharing.
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Bwana_Brown Apr 7, 2008 at 5:54 PM

Como looks like a beautiful little place to explore! I agree with you - it is so interesting experiencing the different histories and cultures packed closely together in Europe. I just need to do more of it myself!
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yumyum Apr 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Maybe one day I should go to Como since it's not too far from Switzerland.