"COMO - Central jewel in the crown of Lago di Como" Top 5 Page for this destination Como by icunme

Como Travel Guide: 311 reviews and 814 photos

Duomo

The cathedral ws completed in the 18th century with the dome of Filippo Juvarra and is rich in paintings and scultures. The facade is dated 1455.
Style - transitional Gothic
Interior - late Gothic
Presbitery and dome date back to Baroque era

The numbers:
The church is 87 meters long - aisles are 36 wide - 58 meters wide if you include the chapels.
Dome - 75 meters high
Central Spire of facade - 45 meters

Note the arches to the left of the Duomo. It appears that the level of the square was lower prior to construction of the cathedral. The ancient Pretorio is made of tri-color Lombard marble. It first served as a theatre and later as the notary archives - after restoration it became a conference and art exhibition center. Local ceremonies are held here as well.
One can reach the bell tower through the Broletto.

And it IS cold - on the ice and off......

Ice skating in Piazza Cavour

COMO welcomed Christmas with an enchanting display by the Lake at Piazza Cavour - come one - come all!!

Here in Como, nature is in harmony with man's intervention. The city is a healthy mix of the old and the new. The variety of landscapes with surrounding mountains, the lake, old villages in the hills, traditional cultures, modern shops, regional cusine - all blend to give an unparralled experience - create their very unique magic and unforgettable vistas.
Como was built by the Romans and was central to communications northward through the Alps and southward toward Rome.
Como preserves monuments from every era of its history. Pre-Roman Como exhibits are in the Civic Museum; ruins of the City Gate and walls remain. The churches of Sant'Abbondio, San Fedele, San Carpoforo and San Giacomo are Romanesque. The Duomo (cathedral) is Gothic-Renaissance. Baroque decorations can be seen on some churches and palazzos of the Center. Most of the villas facing the lake date from the Neo-classical era. Then, buildings indicative of 20th century architecture include masterpieces of Giuseppe Terragni - Novocomum, Asilo Sant'Elia.
Today Como is the most notable center of silk manufacturing and supplies the great Italian designers - Prada, Gucci, Versace (Gianni is entombed facing the Lake), Armani, and the other great Italian names in fashion.
Check our General Tips for historical information about Como.

Cannoli heaven!

Yum...........

And this was just at the outdoor market!

Last visit to Como: Nov 2007
Intro Updated Sep 21, 2009
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Reviews (41)

Villa Olmo Things to Do (18)

Stop and tour Villa Olmo - a must-see along the Como waterfront promenade. Most often there is an art exhibit being... more travel advice

Villa Olmo Restaurant Restaurants (1)

Just a good place for a light lunch while your partner is playing tennis. more travel advice

Villa Olmo Sports Center Sports & Outdoors (2)

Swimming and Tennis are offered here at Villa Olmo - many people miss these as the signs are all the way around the... more travel advice

Explore Villa Olmo Gardens Things to Do (18)

You will have access to the rear gardens of Villa Olmo - it is great to take advantage of this area - the narrow... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Village at lakeside - Moltrasio
Local Customs (7)
See All Carnival in Como

Shopping (4)
See All Goods from the region
Favorites (2)
See All Historical

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 20, 2007

8 photos

NATIVITY play COMO 2007

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Comments (25)

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breughel May 11, 2011 at 1:18 PM

I like Como … by sunny weather!
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travelgourmet Apr 25, 2011 at 1:58 AM

Ciao Carol, Trust your Easter Sunday in Roma was magical. Do I have to have a partner playing tennis to enjoy lunch at the Villa Como? Nice tips and photos. :-)
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royalempress Nov 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM

Hi, I'm back ..enjoying your travel pages and getting hints for my next vacation. Mike
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Tijavi Oct 13, 2009 at 12:26 PM

"Rispetta il verde" sounds very civilized - I like that. Planned to visit the area, but never made it this far north. Next time, perhaps. Thanks for sharing.
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jumpingnorman Oct 11, 2009 at 4:47 PM

Wonderful Como pages and I wish we did go there when we met Crisitian_Uluru in Milan - but alas, we lost time! So, next time we'll see that nice lakeside promenade....Cheers, Norman :)
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high_d Oct 10, 2009 at 10:06 PM

Como sounds wonderful! Also a great piece of trivia on that 'pokeberry'...used as ink by the forefathers!!! Very interesting page here amica...
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Manara Oct 10, 2009 at 2:08 PM

A great page! It makes me realize it's a long time since I properly visited Como.
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Pawtuxet Oct 7, 2009 at 6:23 AM

Thanks for the more in-depth report on Como. We passed thru briefly yrs. ago...wished for more. Loved your descriptive "muted buttery tones". I know exactly what you mean.
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travelfrosch Sep 27, 2009 at 6:56 AM

A fun look at a beautiful region of Italy. Thank you for the inside look! Cheers, Mark
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goutammitra Sep 23, 2009 at 10:46 PM

This is surely one of your better page Carol. I am yet to see the complete page but it one of your better pages.