Como Things to Do Tips by MalenaN Top 5 Page for this destination

Villa Olmo Villa Olmo Review

Villa Olmo is one of the grand villas by Lake Como. It was constructed between 1782 - 1797 and is built in a neoclassical style. It has had many famous guests through the years, like Napoleon Bonaparte and Ugo Foscolo
Since 1924 it belongs to the city of Como and now days it hosts art exhibitions. There is also a garden open to the public.
Villa Olmo got its name from an old elm tree, which doesn’t exist anymore.

Address: Via Cantoni 1

Phone: 031-252443

Walking by the lake Lakeside promenade Review

When I visited Como in February it was Sunday and one of the first spring days. A lot of people were out strolling along the lake. Also I took a walk in the nice weather and by the beautiful lake. You can take a walk pass Tempio Voltiano to Villa Olmo, out on the piers or on the pedestrian road along Viale Geno.

Hydroplanes Lake Como - Boating/Water Sports Review

While in Como I noticed that there where hydroplanes flying frequently over the lake. In Como there is an Aero Club where pilots can get seaplane training. And there are also possibilities to take a tour over the lake with a plane (and that is not too expensive). When I heard this I thought of checking it out, but in the end I was too short of time. The view would have been great, but as I never have been in a plane that lands on the water that would have been a new experience. Another time maybe!

Address: Via Masia 44

Phone: 031-574495

Volta Lighthouse

The Volta Lighthouse is standing on a hill in San Maurizio, 150 metres above Brunate. From Brunate you can follow a walking path up to the lighthouse and it takes less than 30 minutes to walk there.

When I visited the lighthouse was closed. Otherwise you can pay an admission and climb to the top of the lighthouse for wonderful views over the Alps and the surrounding lowland. Even if the lighthouse is closed you will get some great views down on Cernobbio and the valley towards Switzerland and the Alps.

The lighthouse was built in memory of Alessandro Volta (who developed the first electrical cell) and was designed by the engineer Gabriele Giussani. It opened up in 1927 on the 100-year anniversary of Voltas death.

Brunate Funicular Como/Brunate Review

Brunate is a village with about 1730 inhabitants. It is situated above Como, at one end of the funicular and at an elevation of 715 metres. If it is clear weather you will have a great view over Lake Como and the Alps from Brunate. For this Brunate is known as “Balcony of the Alps foothill”. I came up here to take a walk to the lighthouse. That is a short walk, but from Brunate you will also find the start of some longer trekking paths (for example to Bellagio). I noticed that are several hotels and guesthouses in Brunate and heard there are a lot of visitors coming for the summer. Brunate was actually a famous holiday resort already in the 19th century.

The Cathedral (Duomo) Duomo - Cathedral Review

The construction of the cathedral begun in 1396 and it ended in 1740. As it was built during many centuries there are many different architectural styles, you can see traces of baroque, Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance styles in the church. There is a 75 metre high octagonal dome on the top. On the façade, which was built in 1457 you can see a big rose window high over the entrance and many statues. The cathedral is built of marble.

I visited the cathedral on a Sunday. When I arrived before 9.30 there was a mass going on, and when I later came back another mass was soon going to start.

Address: Piazza del Duomo

Directions: In the historical centre

Monumento ai Caduti Monuments & Museums Review

Next to Tempio Voltiana, also by the lake, is Monumento ai Caduti, a 33 metre tall grey concrete structure. This monument , which is a monument over men fallen in the first world war, were built between 1931-33, and it is made by the Italian architect Giuseppe Terragni.

Ancient wall Como Historic Center Review

On three sides of Como historical centre there is an old Medieval wall. The wall was constructed between 1159 and 1175 and is still standing. Along the wall there are a few towers. One of them is the deafens tower Torre de Porta Vittoria (Porta Torre), which is 40 metres high. To one side it has got double arched windows (photo 2).

Tempio Voltiana Monuments & Museums Review

Tempio Voltiana is built in a neoclassical style and has a beautiful location by Lake Como. It was built in honour of Alessandro Volta, who in 1800 developed the first electrical cell. Volta came from Como and worked here. In Tempio Voltiana there is a museum over his work and here you can see some of his original instruments and documents.
Admission to the museum is 3 Euro.
It is open between 10 - 12 and 14 - 16 on Tuesdays - Sundays in November - March. In April - October it is open between 10 - 12 and 15 - 18. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Address: Viale Maroni

Phone: 031-574705