10 good reasons to visit Como

Allow us to suggest 10 good reasons to visit Como. Although this territory needs no introductions, there might still be a few who probably have not visited it yet. Thus, we prepared 10 ideas that will help you plan a good vacation in this land.

The historic center faces the lakeshore, with the Cathedral or Duomo serving as a reference point. You could walk along the medieval walls or admire local landmarks like the Volta Temple, dedicated to the life and work of the inventor of batteries, or Villa Olmo and the prestigious art exhibitions it harbors.

We are sure that the natural landscape and outdoor spaces will be reason enough for you to fall in love with it.

At Piazza De Gasperi, you can hop in a cable car that will take you to Brunate and its panoramic sighting points at a 700 meters altitude.

Trekking enthusiasts will find paths suited for all skill levels. The Green Way is perfect for beginners. The "4 valleys" pathway is 50 km long, recommended for experienced visitors. If you wish to venture for a couple days in the countryside, choose the Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano itinerary.

Go on a brief cruise if you want to relax watching magnificent villas and gardens by the shore. Furthermore, boats are a convenient way of transportation during your stay.

Love is in the air — Starting with the romance between opera composer Vincenzo Bellini and singer Giuditta Pasta, set in Roccabruna and Villa Passalacqua... Or perhaps musician Franz Liszt and Madame d'Agoult, don't forget Ippolito Nievo and Bice Melzi d'Eril, a romance which took place in the beautiful Villa Melzi in Bellagio. Or the tragic love of Ugo Foscolo and the Countess Francesca Giovio in Villa Celesia, also known as Villa del Grumello. Every mansion and villa here in Como has treasures to show and stories to tell.

It's like being on a movie set — Getting the feeling that you've already seen that terrace overlooking the lake? It's not déjà-vu, Lake Como has been featured in countless films and has won the hearts of directors like Alfred Hitchcock and George Lucas, who have set some of their most famous productions here. Just remember Ocean's Twelve, Star Wars Episode II or Casino Royale to name a few.

It offers unique scenery — Take the funicular railway in Como's Piazza De Gasperi and head towards Brunate, also known as the "Balcony over the Alps". From here you can admire Como and gaze upon the entire alpine range. Or take the funicular railway from Argegno to Pigra for some extraordinary views of the Alpine foothills.

It's even more beautiful from above — Not everybody knows that the Aero Club Como is the oldest operative flying club (since 1913) and is the only European school where you can get a hydroplane pilot license. You can take part of introductory flights with the assistance of experienced pilots upon request.

The special temple — A fascinating science museum on the lake, the Tempio Voltiano celebrates Alessandro Volta through his discoveries and activities. Scientific instruments, personal mail and documents, photographs and sculptures narrate the life of the physicist that invented the flashlight.

Complex patterns are woven here — Refined and precious. Como's silk fabrics are famous worldwide due to their refinement and the quality of the material, so it's no surprise that there are numerous museums dedicated to the local textile industry: the Didactical Silk Museum and the Textile Studies Museum – MuST (Antonio Ratti Foundation) in Como, the Silk Museum at Abbadia Lariana and the Abegg Museum in Garlate.

Sailing on the lake — Discover Como and its wonders by sailing on the lake. You can live such an experience thanks to some of the numerous cruise lines that go across its waters, passing by lakeshore villages, antique mansions and botanical gardens. The boats are a convenient, efficient and romantic way of getting around!

It's great for trekking lovers — Nestled among the mountains, Lake Como offers plenty of hiking routes to be enjoyed at any skill level. The Green Way, which is perfect for beginners, is a walking trail that goes across the municipalities of Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo and Griante. Then there are more challenging and exciting itineraries, like the 4 Valleys Trail, 50 km's across Val Sanagra, Val Cavargna, Val Rezzo and Valsolda. The Dorsale of the Larian Triangle is a beautiul 2-day pathway that goes through the territory between the fork in the lake.

The burning of Comacina Island — Every year in June, during the Celebration of Saint John, the burning of the Comacina island takes place. It's a one of a kind pyrotechnic show with music and a narrator to recreate the island's destruction in 1169 by the inhabitants of Como as retaliation to the islanders, who were allied with their Milanese enemies. This show can be seen on board of boats, private yachts or the lake shores.

It boasts the most beautiful gardens — Flowers, rare plants, waterworks and an unexpected scenery. Lake Como features gardens of unparalleled beauty. Try visiting Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo between April and May when the azaleas bloom completely. Check out Villa Melzi in autumn, when the park is in full color, and don't miss the extraordinary gardens at Villa Balbianello.

The festival of Saint Bassianus in Lodi

Head to the centre of Lodi to celebrate the city's patron saint and discover a variety of traditions and handicrafts

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Lodi, invitation to court

Scenes of court life in the majestic Castle of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano that dominates the plain with an unequaled past

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Castles Pavia

Towers, walls, ditches .. a journey between fortresses and sumptuous historic houses

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Online i modelli di Stradivari dell’MdV

On Google Arts & Culture!

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Vaprio d adda

Halfway between Bergamo and Milan it is located on the border between the two provinces marked by the river Adda, on the Milanese side

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STAI 2: Services for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism

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In the footsteps of the Promessi Sposi

An unusual itinerary to relive the places, moods and atmospheres of Manzoni's novel, symbol of national identity

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Como by foot, by boat

A walk in Como between lake, neoclassical houses, a statue of Canova and a Grand Tour by boat

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Lorenzo Lotto Itinerary

In Bergamo on the trail of Lorenzo Lotto, one of the leading exponents of the Italian Renaissance

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Monuments Monza

There are so many beauties to discover in the city that holds treasures not only in its Cathedral.

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Angera and the Open Air Museum

A beautiful lakefront and a very picturesque aura in the province of Varese

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Theaters Pavia

Opera, prose, dance and theatrical review .... the theater in Pavia and the province is staged

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Lomello and its Christian buildings

Village of strategical importance since ancient times, here you can discover the great Romanesque Lombard architecture

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The New Leonardo da Vinci Galleries

At the Leonardo Da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

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Bergamo Upper City

Medieval atmosphere on the top of a hill

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Museum Sondrio

Centuries of local traditions and alpine identity in its museums

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Monument Sondrio

Historical, artistic, traditional Sondrio in its many monuments ... and a railway station from which a special train departs

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Cremona and its music

Cremona's music is closer than what you think

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Lombardy in Paintings by Great Italian Artists

The paintings that most beautifully capture Lombardy's scenery, an immersion in the region's landscapes and cityscapes

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Contemporary Varese

Una guida alle architetture e nuovi spazi dedicati all'arte contemporanea: i percorsi del contemporaneo tra Varese, Laveno, Maccagno.

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