Como
Como
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Latest page update: 1 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The city of Como is the capital city of the Province of Como with a population of 84,394 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 201 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 37 km² and lies 43 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy. Como is most famous for its Gothic/Renaissance Cathedral which lies at the heart of the Città Murata (Walled City), as well as the wonderful lake which takes its name from the city - Lake Como. |
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What People Ask About Como
Where is Como located?
What is there to see in Como?
Can you take a ferry from Como to Bellagio?
How do you get to Como by train?
Is Como a good base for visiting Lake Como?
Related links
Città Murata
There are various areas of the city to explore with the first and most obvious being the Città Murata; the area within the 12th century defensive walls. This is where you'll find the majority of shops and the main sights such as the Cathedral and the old town hall called the Broletto which both lie on Piazza Duomo. Another beautiful church, the Basilica di San Fedele is just a short walk away on Piazza San Fedele.
Within the walled area there are two museums; the Pinacoteca Civica displaying medieval paintings and the Museo Civico which is devoted to various themes including the Italian Risorgimento and artefacts from prehistoric times. The Pinacoteca Civica is located at the southern end of the Città Murata, close to the Porta Torre (also known as the Porta Vittoria); one of the medieval access gates to the city.
Within the walled area there are two museums; the Pinacoteca Civica displaying medieval paintings and the Museo Civico which is devoted to various themes including the Italian Risorgimento and artefacts from prehistoric times. The Pinacoteca Civica is located at the southern end of the Città Murata, close to the Porta Torre (also known as the Porta Vittoria); one of the medieval access gates to the city.
Piazza Cavour
At the opposite end of the Città Murata, towards the lake, you'll find another important square: Piazza Cavour. This is a great place to relax with a drink and soak up the atmosphere around the beautiful lake. The lively square is flanked by lots of places to eat and drink or to simply watch the world go by. From Piazza Cavour it's just a short distance to Como's ferry stop from where you can explore the other towns around the lake.
From the ferry station you can enjoy a beautiful walk beside the lake's shore, the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, heading up towards the gardens of the 18th century Villa Olmi where you can sometimes take in an exhibition or other events.
Other sights to take in around the edge of the lake are the Tempio Voltiano and the Monumento ai Caduti war memorial, both of which are very close to each other. The Tempio Voltiano is a museum in honour of one of Como's favourite sons: Alessandro Volta (1745 - 1827), the inventor of the electric battery and he whose name inspired the word "volt", now used as an electrical unit of measurement.
From the ferry station you can enjoy a beautiful walk beside the lake's shore, the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, heading up towards the gardens of the 18th century Villa Olmi where you can sometimes take in an exhibition or other events.
Other sights to take in around the edge of the lake are the Tempio Voltiano and the Monumento ai Caduti war memorial, both of which are very close to each other. The Tempio Voltiano is a museum in honour of one of Como's favourite sons: Alessandro Volta (1745 - 1827), the inventor of the electric battery and he whose name inspired the word "volt", now used as an electrical unit of measurement.
Funicular railway
On the opposite side of the bay to the Tempio Voltiano is the station for the funicular railway up to the town of Brunate. This is one of the favourite activities of visitors to Como; using the funicular you climb above the city with the views of the lake gradually becoming more and more spectacular. On arrival in Brunate itself you can find further viewing areas or for walkers, start one of the many hiking routes around the lake that originate from the town.
Back at the bottom of the hill in Como, from the funicular station you can walk the short distance around the bay to Viale Geno, another lakeside walk that culminates in Villa Geno with its landscaped gardens. This is a great spot for a dip in the lake on warm sunny days.
Back at the bottom of the hill in Como, from the funicular station you can walk the short distance around the bay to Viale Geno, another lakeside walk that culminates in Villa Geno with its landscaped gardens. This is a great spot for a dip in the lake on warm sunny days.
Como and the silk trade
An important part of Como's past and present is the silk trade; in medieval times the city was one of the most important producers of the material while in modern times there are hundreds of companies that are still involved in other aspects of the process such as design and dyeing. Just outside the Città Murata there's an educational museum to the production of silk called the Museo didattico della Seta.
Not far from the silk museum and also just outside the Città Murata is an important church: the Basilica di Sant'Abbondio. The 11th century Romanesque structure is notable among other things for its beautiful frescoes.
Not far from the silk museum and also just outside the Città Murata is an important church: the Basilica di Sant'Abbondio. The 11th century Romanesque structure is notable among other things for its beautiful frescoes.
Comune di Como
My recommended accommodation options for Como:
- Palace Hotel Situated on the lakefront near Piazza Cavour, this elegant four-star hotel offers refined rooms, a lakeside restaurant, and easy access to the ferry terminal and old town. Guests appreciate the central location, historic charm, and views across Lake Como. €€€€ (luxury)
- Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World Located in the heart of Como overlooking the lake, this exclusive boutique hotel offers luxurious suites, a rooftop restaurant, and impeccable service. Visitors enjoy the refined interiors, privacy, and proximity to shops and cultural sites. €€€€ (luxury)
- Hotel Metropole Suisse Positioned right on the lake next to the main square, this family-run hotel features comfortable rooms—some with balconies—on-site dining, and private parking. Guests value the convenience for exploring Como on foot and catching boats to other towns. €€€ (high-end)
- Hilton Lake Como Set between the lake and the city centre, this modern hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a spa, and a rooftop bar and restaurant with lake views. Visitors enjoy the contemporary design, wellness facilities, and short walk to the lakeside promenade. €€€€ (luxury)
- Albergo Terminus Hotel Located in a 19th-century villa next to the waterfront and cathedral, this stylish hotel offers classic rooms, a garden, and an elegant dining room. Guests appreciate the blend of traditional and modern comfort and the prime position in central Como. €€€ (high-end)
My recommended restaurants in Como:
- Ristorante Mistral: Situated in the heart of Como, Ristorante Mistral offers a refined menu that blends traditional Italian flavours with contemporary cooking techniques. The restaurant, located in a stylish setting, provides a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria del Gallo: Found near the historic centre of Como, Osteria del Gallo specializes in traditional Lombardian cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and classic dishes like risotto and braised meats. The welcoming atmosphere and rustic décor create a comfortable environment for a relaxed meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante La Colombetta: Located just a short walk from the lake, Ristorante La Colombetta offers a menu that combines seafood and Mediterranean dishes with a local twist. The elegant setting and attentive service make it an ideal choice for a memorable dining experience. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria dei Bracconieri: Situated near the city’s main square, Trattoria dei Bracconieri offers hearty Italian fare, including classic pasta dishes and grilled meats. The traditional interior and casual atmosphere make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Sociale: Located close to the lakeside, Ristorante Sociale serves a variety of Italian dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The charming setting and friendly service provide a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a leisurely meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Como Gallery
Close to Como
- Cernobbio (approx. 5 km north of Como): A charming town located on the western shore of Lake Como, Cernobbio is known for its elegant villas, including Villa d'Este, a luxurious hotel set in a grand 16th-century villa with expansive gardens. Visitors can enjoy lakeside promenades, relax in cafes, and take boat tours to explore the surrounding area, including the picturesque Isola Comacina.
- Brunate (approx. 7 km north of Como): Often referred to as "the balcony of Como", Brunate is a hilltop town offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can reach the town by taking the funicular from Como, and once at the top, they can explore scenic hiking trails or visit the Volta Lighthouse, which provides breathtaking views of the lake and city.
- Tremezzo (approx. 25 km northwest of Como): Situated on the western shore of Lake Como, Tremezzo is home to the magnificent Villa Carlotta, famous for its botanical gardens and art collections. The town also offers beautiful lakeside views, charming streets, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and boat trips.
- Lecco (approx. 30 km east of Como): A picturesque town located on the southeastern shore of Lake Como, Lecco offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The town features several cultural landmarks, including the Piazza XX Settembre and the Palazzo delle Paure, as well as scenic walking paths and hiking trails, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Menaggio (approx. 25 km north of Como): A charming lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio is known for its beautiful promenade, vibrant town centre, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take boat trips to nearby Bellagio or explore the town’s historic sites, including the Chiesa di San Stefano and the Villa Vigoni.
Como Travel
Como is one of the best connected cities in Lombardy in terms of travel; aside from the aforementioned ferries around the lake and the funicular railway up to Brunate, there are local buses in operation as well as numerous train stations. The most important train station is Stazione San Giovanni which lies a kilometre west of Piazza Duomo, just outside the city walls and a walk of around 13 minutes from the centre. From Stazione San Giovanni you can take a train to Milano Centrale in 40 minutes, stopping along the way in Monza (30 minutes).
Stazione San Giovanni is connected by bus (C10 or C70 bus with a 5 minute journey) to the city's second train station - Como Lago. This station is more central and sits close to the lake. This is another station from which you can take a train to Milan (Milano Cadorna), but as it's a stopping service it's somewhat slower with a journey time of an hour. One of those stops is Como's third train station; Como Borghi which is situated between the silk museum to its south and the Porta Torre to its north.
The most convenient airport for Como is Milan Malpensa Airport which is a 40 minute car journey away (50 km). Both of Lombardy's other two airports are also realistic options: Milan Linate Airport is 52 minutes away (67 km) while Milan Bergamo Airport is one hour and 9 minutes by car, a journey of 64 kilometres.
Stazione San Giovanni is connected by bus (C10 or C70 bus with a 5 minute journey) to the city's second train station - Como Lago. This station is more central and sits close to the lake. This is another station from which you can take a train to Milan (Milano Cadorna), but as it's a stopping service it's somewhat slower with a journey time of an hour. One of those stops is Como's third train station; Como Borghi which is situated between the silk museum to its south and the Porta Torre to its north.
The most convenient airport for Como is Milan Malpensa Airport which is a 40 minute car journey away (50 km). Both of Lombardy's other two airports are also realistic options: Milan Linate Airport is 52 minutes away (67 km) while Milan Bergamo Airport is one hour and 9 minutes by car, a journey of 64 kilometres.
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Fly to: Milan Malpensa Airport - 40 minutes by car (50 km)
By train: Monza - 30 minutes, Milan - 40 minutes |
