"City of Como - Namesake of the Silk Lake" Como by tpal

Como Travel Guide: 311 reviews and 814 photos

A Welcoming Starting Point

I have to admit that I didn't do much research on the City of Como before our arrival. In my mind it was the jumping off point for our week on Lake Como. A place to drop off our rental car and catch the train to Venice at week's end.

We had just driven north from Milan with a diversion through Lissome to look for some furniture showrooms. But jet lag and "new country arrival anxiety" contributed to make a fairly straight forward trip a disappointing first encounter with Northern Italy. So, as Carol and I finally arrived in Como, it was with a sense of relief rather than anticipation. To our surprise, it was just what the travel-doctor ordered.

First order of business...FOOD! But first parking. A few accidental turns and we found ourselves in the area of the porta torre or the medieval walled section of the ancient city. Looking like an encampment of modern day invaders the grounds outside the walls were lined with dozens of portable shopping stalls for the regular Saturday market. This seemed to be a good starting place.

Ultimately, we found a parking place on a nearby side street. First Italian food...take away pannini at a snack bar. Two counter stools, good food, a place to unwind and a beautiful young Italian girl who spoke perfect English could direct us to a toilette at the bar down the street. We had arrived!

Please click below if you are interested in seeing all my Lake Como Tips.
Lago di Como

Last visit to Como: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Nov 4, 2004
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Reviews (6)

Silk! What Else Would You Expect? Shopping (1)

To me shopping is often more about the experience than the bargains. This probably helps explains why I don't buy much.... more travel advice

The Basilica of St. Fedele Things to Do (3)

The Basilica of St. Fedele was unfortunately closed when we arrived but the structure is worth a look. It is called the... more travel advice

Piazza del Duomo Favorites (1)

The Piazza del Duomo seems to be the emotional heart of the city. Named obviously for the Cathedral it is a great place... more travel advice

Spectacular Dome Things to Do (3)

I found the interior of the Duomo to be definitely more interesting than the exterior. The dome is especially stunning.... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Como - 10th Cent. Grandeur Meets 21st...

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Comments (11)

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balhannah Feb 20, 2012 at 2:16 PM

What a shame they have graffited those columns. I do hope they clean them one day!
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munki Jul 14, 2005 at 2:24 PM

Carol and Tom, thanks a lot for visiting my Norway page, your comments are much appreciated. You have a great page of Como. I would like to visit Italy one day. Thanks for sharing.
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CALSF Feb 15, 2005 at 8:20 PM

Your page is great. I'd like to visit Como someday.
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sue_stone Jan 25, 2005 at 12:30 AM

Great taste of Como! I really have to explore this part of Italy more one day.
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piccolina Jan 10, 2005 at 12:37 AM

Nice page about Como, i have to finish mine now..........I didn't know about "la tessitura"........looks an interesting shop, to visit soon....
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Aurorae Jan 6, 2005 at 5:22 PM

Oh, I should build my Como page, but I never get around to do it somehow... Yours is lovely on the other hand! And I pretty much agree with what you said here...
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Rhondaj Dec 4, 2004 at 4:45 AM

did you ask the pigeons to help pay the bill? ;-)
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ncfg Nov 28, 2004 at 2:45 PM

Great page about Como, Italy is beautiful and so many nice places to visit. :)
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Nemorino Nov 22, 2004 at 1:14 PM

Lots of new pages on Italian places since I last stopped by! Nice tips here. -- Greetings from Frankfurt.
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Manara Nov 12, 2004 at 10:37 AM

I agree about the graffiti, and about Como in general.