Como, the elegant gateway to Lake Como between history, panoramas and lifestyle

Como is one of the most fascinating cities in Northern Italy and represents the natural gateway to Lake Como.
Located at the southern tip of the lake, the city combines historic heritage, lakeside landscapes, elegant villas and refined atmospheres, making it an ideal destination for a day trip, a romantic weekend or a longer stay / holiday.

Thanks to its strategic location, Como is also a privileged starting point for exploring some of the most iconic lakeside villages, such as Argegno, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Lenno, as well as the mountain villages (Schignano) of the Intelvi Valley.

Visiting Como means strolling through elegant historic streets, enjoying a coffee overlooking the lake, taking the funicular to admire the panorama from above and discovering, just a few kilometres away, authentic villages immersed in the full nature. It is a city to be experienced slowly, between beauty, culture and Italian lifestyle.

The historic heart of Como: Cathedral, squares and lakefront

The historic centre of Como is an elegant network of narrow streets, squares and historic buildings. Its symbol is the Como Cathedral (Duomo), one of the most important churches in Lombardy, overlooking Piazza Cavour, the vibrant heart of the city.

From here begins the scenic lakefront promenade, a panoramic route among gardens, boats and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Walking along the lake means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, where nature and architecture coexist in perfect harmony.

Brunate and the panoramic funicular

One of the most iconic experiences in Como is the ride on the Como–Brunate funicular, which in just a few minutes takes you above the city.
From Brunate you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the entire Lake Como, with a privileged perspective over the city, the lake and the Alps.

Brunate is also an ideal starting point for scenic walks and nature trails, perfect for light trekking and photography lovers.

Culture and identity: Volta and the silk tradition

Como is deeply connected to science and craftsmanship. The Volta Temple is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery, and represents one of the city’s most significant cultural landmarks.

The Silk Museum tells the story of Como’s silk industry, which made the city famous worldwide for its high-quality textile production and artisanal excellence.

Historic villas and lakeside gardens

Heading north along the lake, you encounter some of Como’s most elegant villas, including Villa Olmo, surrounded by a large park overlooking the water of Lake Como.
Como’s historic villas are among the most iconic elements of the Lake Como landscape, symbols of elegance, history and timeless charm.

How to reach Como and get around

Como is easily accessible from Milan and major cities in Northern Italy (Lombardy):

• By train: frequent connections to Como’s main stations, with direct trains from Milan (average travel time: about 35 – 60 minutes).
• By car: direct access via highways and main roads, with public and multi-storey parking available.
• By lake: ferries and hydrofoils connect Como with the main towns around Lake Como, including Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Argegno.

Why visit Como

Como is not just a city, but an experience: history, nature, culture, panoramic views, shopping and lifestyle merge into a unique setting. Whether you want to explore Lake Como, discover authentic villages or simply enjoy a scenic walk; Como is the perfect starting point to experience the lake at its most elegant and authentic.