The destination of this itinerary is the Voltiano Lighthouse at Brunate in the province of Como.

The Voltiano lighthouse was built by engineer Gabriele Giussani in the hamlet of San Maurizio di Brunate. After 100 years since his death, it was a gift from the Como genius to his citizen Alessandro Volta. The lighthouse has an octagonal shape and is a 29-meter-high tower that dominates the entire valley below. At night, the lighthouse illuminates Como and the valley with white, red and green beams. From here there is a splendid view of the city of Como of the surrounding mountains and the Po Valley.

To reach Brunate from Milan it would be better to avoid the highway because of traffic and go through the villages, it takes longer but is also more fun. Once you reach the city of Como, continue through the streets of the old town, and you will be attracted by the desire to discover its secrets.

A visit to the best museums in the city of Como is recommended. The Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum and the Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum display the remains found in archaeological excavations in the area and take the visitor on a tale between Risorgimento and modern eras. Or, even more freely, a lovely stroll along Como's lakefront (partially occupied by work to protect the city from the flooding of the lake), which can be pushed up to the top of the breakwater that houses the famous monument by architect Daniel Libeskin, and continue further north along the stunning lakeside promenade (don't miss a look at the landing stage and the seaplane hangar, which very often ply the skies over the Lario). Closing the Como narrative is the Silk Museum, which presents an exhibition tour covering the entire historical chain of Como silk production.

After the visit to the city of Como we follow the signs to Brunate and it is here that the climb begins, the road is steep and the hairpin bends are narrow, caution is recommended, moreover, if you go there on a Sunday you risk queuing even on a motorcycle because cars struggle to pass in some places.

A curious anecdote about the Voltian lighthouse told by the elders of the village is the one that tells of the diplomatic case that arose because of the trespassing produced by the tricolor beam of light across the Swiss border that generated a dispute between the Italian and Swiss lawyers, in fact for a period of time the lighthouse was turned off. Currently the lighthouse is in operation and its tricolor beam of light can be seen tens of kilometers away.

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Ph: lakecomotourism.co.uk