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Como

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°10196
Como (Italy)
ℹ️

Practical info — Como

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Buy a day pass for the ferries to explore the lake cost-effectively.
  • Take the Brunate funicular at sunset for the most spectacular views over the city and lake.
  • Parking in the center is very limited; use parking houses outside the ZTL (traffic restricted zone).
  • Visit the Duomo early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds.
  • Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the lake breeze can get chilly in the evenings.

🍽 Food

🍽
Risotto con filetti di pesce persico

A local specialty of risotto with perch fillets, best enjoyed at a lakeside restaurant.

🍽
Polenta uncia

A hearty dish of polenta mixed with cheese and butter, found in traditional trattorias in the surrounding hills.

🍽
Artisanal Gelato

Try local flavors at one of the gelaterias near the main squares or along the promenade.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Silk Products

Como is world-famous for its silk. Look for scarves and ties in specialty boutiques in the historic center.

🛍
Mercato Coperto

The indoor market is great for buying local cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh produce directly from farmers.

🧘
Villa Olmo Gardens

The extensive, well-kept public gardens of this neoclassical villa offer a peaceful retreat right by the water.

🧘
Passeggiata Lino Gelpi

A scenic lakeside walk lined with elegant villas, well-suited for a quiet stroll away from the busy center.

Highlights of 2026

10

Como is situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Como and is globally renowned for its striking natural beauty and its historic silk industry. The city's history dates back to Roman times when it was established as Novum Comum by Julius Caesar. Its architectural centerpiece is the Como Cathedral, widely regarded as one of Northern Italy's finest Gothic-Renaissance structures, which took over 300 years to complete. Como is the birthplace of the famous physicist Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery; the Tempio Voltiano on the lakefront serves as a museum dedicated to his work. The historic center is still partially enclosed by well-preserved medieval walls and features a maze of pleasant narrow streets and squares. Visitors frequently take the funicular up to the village of Brunate for sweeping panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. Today, Como remains an upscale destination that perfectly combines cultural history with Alpine elegance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-115914182020151150
Rain mm5159701021391201071299911214773

Live webcam – Como

See what it looks like near Como right now.

Como › North: Basilica di San Fedele - Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta - Duomo di Como · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
84,808
Coordinates
45.80850, 9.08520

Facts

  • Construction of the Como Cathedral began in 1396 and concluded in 1770.
  • Alessandro Volta invented the first electric battery in 1800.
  • The Tempio Voltiano was opened in 1927 to mark the centennial of Volta's death.
  • The Como-Brunate funicular has been in operation since 1894.
  • Como has been a major hub for European silk production since the 16th century.
  • The Broletto, the city's former town hall, was built in 1215.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Como (19)

Museo della Seta🏛 museum

Museum in Como showcasing the history of the local silk industry and weaving techniques.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00

Museo archeologico Paolo Giovio🏛 museum

Archaeological museum in Palazzo Giovio featuring local finds from prehistory to Roman times.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; Mo off; Jan 01,06,Nov 01,Dec 25-26 off

Pinacoteca Civica🏛 museum

Civic art gallery in Palazzo Volpi housing a collection of art from the Middle Ages to modern times.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; Mo off; Jan 01,06,Nov 01,Dec 25-26 off

Villa Olmo🏰 castle

This neoclassical villa on the shores of Lake Como is known for its grand architecture and extensive gardens.

Teatro Sociale🎭 culture

A significant historical opera house in the heart of Como, valued for its excellent acoustics and cultural heritage.

Castello del Baradello🏰 castle

This medieval fortress stands on a hill overlooking Como, offering a wide panoramic view of the city and the lake.

Eremo di San Donato⛪ religious

A former monastery on the Brunate hill, which today serves as a peaceful spot with a beautiful view of the region.

Terme Romane🏺 historical

Remains of an ancient Roman bath complex, providing insight into daily life in ancient Comum.

Binari di carro🏺 historical

Ancient cart tracks that are part of the historical road network from the Roman era in this region.

Trovante🏺 historical

An erratic boulder in the Como area, considered a geological testimony to ice age glacial movements.

Giardino pubblico Alessandro Volta🌳 park

A spacious public garden on the shores of Lake Como, named after the inventor of the battery.

Parco Villa del Grumello🌳 park

A historic park surrounding a villa with panoramic views of Lake Como.

Parco Marenghi🌳 park

A well-maintained green area in the city of Como, convenient for short walks.

Basilica di San Giorgio⛪ religious

An ancient church in Como with significant religious artworks and historic structure.

Torre di Porta Nuova🗼 tower

A medieval gate tower that was part of the former city fortifications of Como.

Parco Villa Franceschini👨‍👩‍👧 family

Parco Villa Franceschini in Como is a well-maintained green area with play facilities for children.

via giussani👨‍👩‍👧 family

The playground in via giussani in Como provides local play facilities for families in the neighborhood.

Prestino👨‍👩‍👧 family

The playground in Prestino, Como, is a popular spot for children to play and socialize.

Frequently asked questions

What is Como's most famous product?
Como is world-famous for its silk production and high-quality textiles.
Is the funicular ride to Brunate worth it?
Yes, the funicular provides a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Como and the Alps.
What can you do at Lake Como?
Boat trips to villas (e.g., Villa Olmo), hiking, and visiting pleasant villages like Bellagio.
Is Como Cathedral worth seeing?
Absolutely, it is considered one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Northern Italy.
When is the best time to visit?
From April to October, when the weather is mild and the villa gardens are in full bloom.
Como: where is it located?
Como is located in Italy.
Como: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo della Seta, Museo archeologico Paolo Giovio, Pinacoteca Civica.
Como: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Como: why is it worth visiting?
Como is situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Como and is globally renowned for its striking natural beauty and its historic silk industry.
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