It is an pin-up casino india excellent example of Romanesque military architecture – huge in scale, impossible to breach, and with four rows of arches on the inner wall. 40 meters high, Porta Torre was originally part of the city wall itself but is now free-standing. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cathedral is laid out in a typical ‘cross’ style, with a nave and side aisles leading to a transept beneath the dome.

• It’s undoubtedly one of the best ways to take in all the beauty and charm of this stunning lake.
• Another stunning garden to explore on Lake Como is at Villa Cipressi in Varenna.
• It’s also the best way to admire the stunning scenery along the shores of Lake Como.
• The two Plinys (Roman scholars) were born at Comum, and the physicist Alessandro Volta is commemorated by the Voltiano Temple (1928).
• The only spot that I think can rival Villa del Balbianello is the regal Villa Carlotta, a huge three-story property with its very own botanical gardens in Tremezzo.

With cobbled streets and cozy squares lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, the historic city center of Como is really cozy. In this guide, we share recommendations for the VERY BEST things to see and do in Como town and just nearby (all within walking distance). Como’s sporting scene includes clubs such as the ASDG Comense 1872 women’s basketball team, a two-time EuroLeague Women champion, and Como 1907 football club. Lake Como offers numerous recreational activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and the annual Città di Como Challenger tennis tournament, attracting international tennis talent.

It now houses a museum dedicated to Volta’s life and work, containing personal memorabilia, an excellent collection of scientific instruments, and an early version of the electric battery. Porta Torre is one of the oldest landmarks in Como, and well worth a short walk to see it. This ancient gateway on Piazza Vittoria dates back to the 12th century when the city’s medieval walls were constructed.

Extending to almost 6 kilometers in length, its crescent-shaped path is almost completely paved and perfect for a leisurely stroll. You couldn’t ask for better views, with homes built into the hillside on one side of you and boats going back and forth on the other. The nicest part of the old town is located between the lake and the remains of the old city wall, Porta Torre. It’s in this area that you will find most shops, restaurants, quite a few churches, and several museums. If you’re renting a car, don’t skip the drive along the western shore of the lake.

What to Wear in Lake Como

However, those trips are meant to get you from point A to point B, and not so much to show you the nicest places. This is a lovely place to sit for a while and admire the museum’s neoclassical architecture. In the 20th century, Como witnessed a significant historical event at the end of World War II.

The lake has been a popular destination for tourists since the Roman era, when wealthy Romans built villas along its shores. If you’re up for a scenic walk (nothing too crazy, I promise), the Greenway trail is one of the best ways to see the lake slowly. It winds through postcard-perfect towns like Lenno and Tremezzo, and there are plenty of cafés to stop at along the way. I like doing a section of it in the morning and rewarding myself with gelato by the water after. Ristorante La Punta is another favorite of mine, and it’s located right on the tip of Bellagio’s peninsula, making it the perfect place for a sunset dinner.

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

The assessori are nominated and presided over by the directly elected Mayor (Sindaco). Since June 27, 2022, Alessandro Rapinese, an independent candidate leading the “Rapinese Sindaco” alliance, has served as the Mayor of Como. The Bellagio ferry runs from dawn to dusk and operates every 30 minutes throughout the day. I’ve spent so many summers here with my family, and every time I come back, I fall in love all over again. You won’t have to go far to enjoy dinner with a view in the Lake Como area, as there are more waterfront eateries than I’d even attempt to count.

Sitting right on the shore of Lake Como, the building truly looks like an old Roman temple. The interior of the building is architecturally beautiful, with stunning tiling and elaborate carvings. This imposing building was donated to the city by Francesco Somaini, the owner of a cotton mill in Como.

Como also has a direct train connection to Milan, so it’s an easy day trip from the fashion capital of Italy if you’re based there. However, the botanical gardens are open to the public and are just as sensational, packed with hundreds of plant species in the prettiest of surroundings. It’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the busy towns.

By 1848, Como’s population reached 16,000.26 In 1859, with Giuseppe Garibaldi’s arrival, Como became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.

• You can find more info about these museums on the official website of the city.
• As you can see, the town center is quite compact and you can easily walk everywhere.
• Como’s historical flag features the Cross of Saint John – a white cross on a red field – reflecting its ancient civic symbolism.
• The nicest part of the old town is located between the lake and the remains of the old city wall, Porta Torre.

So if you are short on time, concentrate on the main sights and attractions in Como mentioned in the top 10 of this list. Como’s historical flag features the Cross of Saint John – a white cross on a red field – reflecting its ancient civic symbolism. A later iteration of the flag incorporated the motto “LIBERTAS” in the lower right corner, mirroring the heraldic achievement.