Como & Surroundings
Volta Temple
The Volta Temple is one of Como’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city overlooking the waterfront, it is just a short walk from Hotel Engadina. This museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta celebrates the Como-born scientist through documents and exhibits exploring his inventions and scientific work on electricity.
The Volta Temple is an essential stop for anyone visiting Como’s historic centre who wants to discover the history of the city and one of its most distinguished figures. It is the perfect place to visit during a stroll along the shores of the lake.
Museums, Villas and Walks
Another major attraction is the Silk Museum, home to historic machinery and textiles that tell the story of 150 years of silk-making tradition. Another interesting attraction is the Rivarossi Museum, dedicated to the renowned manufacturer of model trains.
Just outside the city centre, visitors can admire magnificent 18th-century villas surrounded by lush parks, preserving the charm for which the Como area has long been renowned. Among them, the most famous and impressive is Villa Olmo, commissioned by Innocenzo Odescalchi and designed by Simone Cantoni, which still retains its original neoclassical character.
Another popular attraction is the Como–Brunate funicular. From Brunate, scenic walking trails lead towards the surrounding peaks, offering sweeping views across the plains and the entire lake region.
Como also offers plenty of opportunities for unique and refined shopping, with products showcasing the finest Made in Italy craftsmanship, from silk and clothing to a wide variety of other items.
Brunate, the Balcony
of the Pre-Alps
Brunate, a small village overlooking the city of Como, lies at an altitude of 716 metres on a wooded plateau.
The distinctive funicular and a convenient road make it easy to reach the village from Como in just a few minutes.
Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful walks and hikes from Brunate towards Mount Boletto (1,236 m) and Mount Bolettone (1,317 m), stopping along the way at the many mountain refuges.
Surrounded by greenery between Como and Brunate stands the Hermitage of San Donato, founded by the Benedictines, transferred to the Franciscans in the 15th century and suppressed in 1772. Inside are a carved wooden altar dating from around 1500, 15th-century frescoes and terracotta statues from the same period.
In the hamlet of San Martino stands the Volta Lighthouse, built in 1927. The tower is 29 metres high and, at night, its light can be seen from up to 50 kilometres away.
Also in San Martino is the Church of Sant’Andrea. Restored in the 19th century, it preserves 18th-century frescoes by G.P. Recchi, memories of Blessed Maddalena Albricci and the legendary Saint Guglielma, as well as paintings attributed to De Passeri.
Comacina Island
Isola Comacina lies in an inlet on the Como branch of Lake Como and is one of Italy’s northernmost areas where olive trees can be cultivated, thanks to the area’s particular microclimate. The olives grown here are used to produce olive oil.
Located in Ossuccio, the island is one of Lake Como’s distinctive and renowned tourist attractions.
One of the island’s most evocative events is the Feast of San Giovanni on 24 June, featuring a traditional boat procession followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.
Isola Comacina offers plenty to discover during a visit, including a rich archaeological heritage, a civil building dating from the Roman Imperial period, a Late Antique tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista and the early Christian, later Romanesque, Basilica of Sant’Eufemia. Visitors can also enjoy excursions on Lake Como.
The walled city
Exploring Como’s walled city takes you along the ancient walls surrounding the historic centre. Dating from the 12th to the 14th centuries, they offer a fascinating example of medieval defensive architecture. Highlights along the route include Porta Torre, the imposing gateway built in the late 12th century; Piazza San Fedele, with its Romanesque basilica; and Piazza Duomo, home to the cathedral and the Broletto, which served as the town hall in medieval times.
Bellagio
Bellagio is perhaps Lake Como’s most internationally renowned village, and its reputation is well deserved. Known as the “Pearl of the Lake”, it stands at the tip of the promontory separating the lake’s two branches, in an enchanting panoramic setting. Yet breathtaking scenery and romantic sunsets over the lake are only part of what makes Bellagio a must-see destination. Its main attractions include historic villas such as Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi with its gardens, the historic village centre, the Basilica of San Giacomo and Pescallo, a charming old fishing hamlet.
Menaggio
Menaggio is one of Lake Como’s most prestigious destinations, set on its western shore. It is ideal for visitors wishing to combine history, nature and magnificent lake views. With its flowers, fish restaurants and views towards Bellagio, Menaggio’s waterfront is one of the most pleasant places for a stroll. From here, you can explore the historic centre, where traces of the village’s past include the remains of its medieval castle, and discover Menaggio’s old harbour. The best way to visit Menaggio is to arrive by ferry or passenger boat from Como, enjoying a scenic journey across Lake Como along the way.
Varenna
Varenna is the most beautiful village on Lake Como’s eastern shore, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or boat excursion during your stay in Como. Its colourful houses, narrow lanes and stairways overlook the water, creating a picture-postcard view for those arriving by boat. The Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or Lovers’ Walk, is a walkway suspended above the water that connects the landing stage to the village centre. It is undoubtedly one of Varenna’s most beautiful—and busiest—attractions. There is plenty more to discover, including the Church of San Giorgio, Vezio Castle overlooking the village, and unmissable historic residences such as Villa Monastero with its botanical garden and Villa Cipressi with its terraced gardens overlooking the lake.