Tourists from all over the world come to this wonderful lake. Its amazing nature, mild climate, and abundance of historical sites attract many visitors. This has always been the case. Members of noble European families lived in villas along the shore for extended periods. Even Empress Maria Feodorovna Romanova rented one of the estates for two years on her doctor’s recommendation to strengthen her health with the mountain-lake climate. The attractions of Como leave no one indifferent: everything here is imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages.
Baradello Castle
Castello Baradello is an ancient structure, with no exact construction date provided by historians. The tower has participated in all significant battles in Italy’s history:
- In the 6th century, the local garrison defended against the warlike Lombards in the fortress built on a high hill, holding out for about 20 years.
- In the 12th century, during the war between Milan and Como, Milanese forces defeated the opponents, burning and looting the city. However, Baradello successfully repelled all attacks and stood firm.
- In the late 12th century, the garrison defended against the Lombard League’s troops. In 1178, by the order of Frederick Barbarossa, Baradello was further strengthened and rebuilt, and it is these towers that tourists see today.
- In the 13th century, Baradello’s basements served as a prison for the defeated Della Torre in another war, while the victorious Visconti rebuilt the castle once again.
- In the 16th century, during the war between France and the Holy Roman Empire, it was ordered to be destroyed to prevent the French army from using its excellent fortifications. Fortunately, several towers remained.
Ownership of Baradello also changed hands. Initially, the castle belonged to the city, then to the Roman Catholic Church, and later back to the city. Today, tourists eagerly visit the picturesque spot on the hilltop. However, it’s important to remember that visitors can only enter the fortress in organized groups of at least 10 people.
Villa Olmo
The first owner of the palace was Marquis Odescalchi, who named the estate Olmo after the elm planted by Pliny the Younger. The construction of the mansion took about 20 years, resulting in a modest exterior but richly decorated interior. The architect adhered to Neoclassical traditions in the design, while the interiors were created by the famous Fontana. His frescoes are well-preserved, and the stucco and gilding have been restored.
The villa’s park attracts tourists even more than the building itself. It features a small private chapel and an artificial stream. At the house, guests are greeted by an unusual fountain with children playing lively with a sea monster. The park is very clean and well-maintained, with one of the alleys descending to the picturesque lake. It’s a pleasant place to walk and rest from the day’s heat. Villa Olmo hosted many distinguished guests, including Napoleon Bonaparte, queens of Sardinia and Sicily, and Giuseppe Garibaldi, adding to the villa’s charm.
Duomo Cathedral
This cathedral is famous not only in Como but also in Lombardy. Unsurprisingly, it took nearly four centuries to build. The result is a unique building combining Gothic and Baroque features, though historians believe some details do not harmonize well together. The Baroque dome looks out of place next to the Gothic walls, and the sculptures stand out from the overall picture.
Before construction began, a small church, Santa Maria Maggiore, stood on this site. It had become dilapidated and could no longer accommodate all the parishioners, leading to the decision to build a grand cathedral. The Milan Duomo served as a model. The resulting structure is grandiose: 87x56x75 meters. The portal, surrounded by statues of Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder, natives of Como, is particularly notable and photographed by all tourists. The interior is designed so that visitors find themselves inside a Catholic cross divided by chords.
The interiors are impressive with:
- Tapestries from Antwerp and Florence
- Paintings by 16th-century masters Luini and Ferrari
Despite the eclectic mix of styles, Duomo is the last cathedral built in Gothic traditions in Lombardy.
Volta Temple
Alessandro Volta was born and lived his entire life in Como. He not only invented the electric battery but also did much for the city’s residents:
- Installed the first lightning rod (with an additional function of storm warning)
- Taught at the city’s gymnasium
Napoleon Bonaparte respected Volta so much that he once ordered a laurel wreath found with a dedication to the Great Voltaire to be changed to the Great Volta.
Volta’s life was quite unusual. He was the illegitimate son of an aristocrat and a priest, raised by a wet nurse until he was three years old. Only at age seven did Volta come under the care of his uncle, a priest, who began educating him in the sciences. Alessandro excelled in all subjects but was particularly drawn to music and physics. He studied Halley’s Comet and read Isaac Newton’s works. Despite his inclination towards the exact sciences, Volta briefly headed the philosophy faculty in Padua.
Nonetheless, the invention of chemical electric batteries made the scientist famous. The temple (monument) was erected on the lake’s shore to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Volta’s death. The architect based the design on the Pantheon, adding Neoclassical elements. Today, the building houses a museum dedicated to the scientist, displaying letters, personal items, documents, and models of Volta’s inventions.
Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum
The exhibition is housed in a historic building: the Olginati House, which often hosted Giuseppe Garibaldi. However, the freedom fighter owns only a few artifacts. Tourists interested in the country’s history will find the displays fascinating.
Additionally, the center showcases household items of local peasants, such as furniture, ceramics, textiles, clothing, and accessories used by the residents in the 18th-19th centuries. Unfortunately, some exhibits have information plaques only in Italian.
Basilica of Sant’Abbondio
The basilica was built on the site of the former Church of Saints Peter and Paul to house Christian relics brought from Rome by Bishop Amantius. Soon, the episcopal see was moved to the city by order of Alberic, and the basilica came into the ownership of the Benedictine order.
During this time, the building acquired features characteristic of the Romanesque style. It was consecrated in honor of Alberic’s successor, Abbon, with the service conducted by Urban II. In the 11th century, the basilica consisted of a central nave and four side aisles. In the Middle Ages, a monastery was added to the church. In the 14th century, the building’s interior was adorned with frescoes.
Today, the basilica attracts tourists with:
- Two bell towers (a rare feature for churches)
- Well-preserved frescoes
- A portal and bas-reliefs in the Romanesque style
- Relics of Saint Abbondio
- Remains of the early Christian church discovered during restoration
Lucky visitors may hear a children’s choir singing in the basilica. The monastery buildings are being restored and will house the law faculty of the local university.
Silk Museum
The city has three major silk museums:
- Museum in the town of Abbadia
- Educational Silk Museum in Como
- Museum in Abegg
Tourists most often visit the second one, which still operates the Pietro Pinchetti Textile School. Mulberry silk was introduced to Italy by monks in the 15th century, but production began in the 16th century. Local farmers were forced to plant mulberry trees and raise silkworms, with the cocoons collected for newly built factories.
In the 16th century, there were numerous large and small manufactories. However, the silk industry declined in the 20th century, with some technical buildings converted into residential houses or offices. Only the most profitable enterprises survived. The production had a complete cycle, from raw material creation to fabric dyeing. Local weavers excelled in the last operation, creating wooden templates and printing patterns with natural dyes.
The silk boom lasted until the mid-20th century, but the region still produces exquisite and fashionable fabrics from silkworm threads. Today, visitors can see the machines and tools used to make fine fabrics in the 19th-20th centuries, along with samples of dyes and templates for printing patterns. The museum has a shop where tourists can buy unique fabric items, with a wide selection available.
Villa Balbianello
This villa can be seen in “Star Wars” and James Bond films. The stunning nature and original buildings seem designed for use as film sets.
Balbianello has changed owners several times:
- It was built for Cardinal Durini in 1787 on the site of a former monastery. After his death, the villa was inherited by his nephew, Porro-Lamberteni, who sold it to wealthy merchant Arconati.
- The villa later had a new owner, American officer Ames, who restored the estate and park.
- In 1974, it changed hands again, purchased by traveler and explorer Monzino. Per his will, Balbianello became the property of the Italian Foundation.
The estate’s location is picturesque, built on a promontory jutting into the lake. From the boat, there are wonderful, ever-changing views, with many pleasure yachts nearby. Some tourists prefer to admire Balbianello from the water. The estate features a beautiful pier, stone sculpture terraces, and house facades.
The park is freely accessible, but note that guest entry ends at 5 PM, and the museum is only open in summer (May-October). To view the original interiors, a ticket must be purchased. Additionally, the estate can be rented for special ceremonies (weddings, birthdays), though it is quite expensive.
Villa Erba
Some tourists consider Villa Erba the most picturesque on the lake’s shore. However, it took several owner changes to achieve this, with each having their own vision of beauty:
- Initially, a monastery belonging to the Order of Saint Benedict stood at the confluence of Breccia into the lake. When the area was occupied by Austria, the monks left, and their property (land and buildings) fell into private hands.
- In the early 19th century, Marchioness Calderara used the monastery’s foundation for her purposes, building a luxurious structure and transforming the Benedictine gardens into an English park.
- In the late 19th century, wealthy industrialist Erba purchased the estate, marking a new chapter in the palace’s history. Erba demolished the buildings and hired Borsani and Salvoni to design a new complex. The architects created a structure in Renaissance traditions, while the interiors were designed by the famous Lorenzoli and Fontana.
- In the late 20th century, the estate became the property of Villa Erba Inc. The consortium created modern exhibition complexes using contemporary building materials, seamlessly integrating them into the existing landscape. Now, the glass structures resemble elegant greenhouses.
Erba hosted many celebrities; the great Visconti lived here in his childhood and adulthood, and a small exhibition is dedicated to these events. Today, exhibitions and presentations are held on the estate, attracting many tourists to the unique complex.
Villa Carlotta
What tourists admire today was created over centuries by the estate’s owners:
- In the late 17th century, banker Clerici decided to build an estate on the picturesque lake shore, resulting in a house and a fashionable Italian park.
- In the early 19th century, industrialist and politician Sommariva purchased the estate. Close to Napoleon Bonaparte, he indulged his passion for collecting art worldwide.
- In the 1850s, Princess Marianne bought the estate and immediately gifted it to her daughter Carlotta for her wedding. The gift was timely, as Carlotta’s husband, George II, was passionate about botany, using the luxurious garden for experiments.
The palace preserves 17th-19th century interiors and features a sculpture exhibition by Canova, with some originals and some plaster copies. Each exhibit has a plaque. The veranda offers a beautiful lake view, with benches for guests to rest and admire the scenery.
The park covers a vast area, with the shortest walk taking 1.5-2 hours. A map with routes is provided with ticket purchase, ensuring no one gets lost. The alleys unexpectedly lead to cliffside viewpoints.
Villa d’Este
The estate was built by Cardinal d’Este in 1550, with the construction concept finalized by 1560. The d’Este family traced their lineage to Hercules, instructing the architects to create a haven for the Hesperides.
The central element of the ensemble was a statue of the hero, and the entire complex embodied myths in a natural setting, typical of the Renaissance. The palace’s interiors were created by the famous Agresti and Zucchero, featuring Flemish tapestries, stucco and frescoes on walls and ceilings, and antique statues in the halls. Unfortunately, some interiors were lost.
Subsequently, the villa changed owners regularly:
- Cardinal Alessandro, d’Este’s heir, commissioned Bernini to design the park.
- In the early 19th century, Franz Habsburg acquired the neglected estate.
- In the early 20th century, Archduke Franz Ferdinand owned d’Este until his assassination in Sarajevo. The estate became state property after World War I.
- A major reconstruction was needed in the 1920s due to bomb damage.
Today, Villa d’Este is a fashionable (and expensive) hotel, with guest entry restricted for convenience. However, the park is accessible by making a reservation at the local Sporting Grill restaurant.
Villa Pizzo
This estate has changed hands many times throughout its history:
- The Raimondi family owned the house and vast grounds from the lake shore to the mountain foothills, purchased by wealthy merchant Mujaska in the 15th century.
- In the 16th century, after a victorious war, the estate passed to the Sforza family representative, Speciano, who built a house on the old foundation and cleared the park area.
- In the 17th century, Pizzo returned to the Mujaska clan, who sheltered there during the plague epidemic. They planted vineyards and olive groves, creating an Italian-style park.
- The last Mujaska had no heirs and entrusted the estate to Saint Anna’s Hospital, which sold it to Archduke of Austria, who enhanced the garden with exotic plants.
- Pizzo belonged to Frenchwoman Muzard in the 19th century, then to the Volpi family, who still own it today.
Tourists can stroll through the beautiful park with exotic plants and visit the house and outbuildings.
Villa Monastero
This estate resulted from the reconstruction of a Cistercian nunnery, with work beginning in 1208. From the mid-16th to mid-19th centuries, Monastero belonged to the Mornico family, then to:
- Genazzati
- Maumari
- Marchi
The buildings were adapted to the owners’ needs, but the medieval house’s spirit remained. The marble staircase with plaster elements is unique, with no equivalent worldwide. The unusual bathroom is called Pompeian. In 1918, the government confiscated Monastero and sold it to Dr. Marchi, who donated it to the Institute of Hydrobiology. Today, tourists can walk through the extensive park and visit the house. A single entry ticket can be purchased, or services can be paid for separately.
Villa Cipressi
Built in the 15th-16th centuries by Italian noble families, Villa Cipressi was remodeled by new owners until the 19th century. In 1980, Cipressi became municipal property, underwent the last renovation, and opened a 3-star hotel. Tourists staying elsewhere can walk through the cypress park and descend to the pier for a small fee.
Waterfall and Gorge of Nesso
Nesso is a small town at the confluence of the Nose and Tuf rivers. The 200-meter-high waterfall’s energy was once used by local craftsmen. Today, there is no industry in this sleepy place, but the picturesque waterfall remains. The water streams can be observed from the Castello square or the Roman bridge Civero. The gorge, carved by the Tuf and Nose rivers into the rock, inspired Leonardo da Vinci, Loze, and Bazzoni, who all depicted it in their works.
Orrido Gorge
This rift formed 15 million years ago, with the Piovena river winding through rocky ledges, creating a picturesque waterfall. Initially, the water’s energy was used in tanneries, spinning mills, and oil mills. Over time, the number of factories decreased, and philanthropists bought the land.
They cleared and beautified the area, creating a recreational spot in the gorge. A walkway along the sheer cliff features wooden steps and metal railings, with lighting for nighttime walks. Below flows the untamed Piovena, and an observation deck is arranged at the path’s end.
From here, the waterfall is well-viewed, with a crystal-clear lake at the bottom. However, descending to the lake is challenging. Poets and artists come to Orrido seeking inspiration, and ordinary tourists spend much time enjoying the clean air and surrounding nature.
Monza Autodrome
Tourists visit to admire the unique Formula 1 track. Experts state that long straight sections allow even unskilled drivers with powerful cars to win. Staff greet tourists and drive them along the track.
A small untouched section from 1922 is shown. Souvenir shops sell Formula 1 memorabilia, and a café serves national cuisine. If the racing track’s impressions are insufficient, visitors can stroll through the luxurious nearby park.
Visconti Tower
The tower is all that remains of Lecco’s fortress, built by Azzone Visconti in the 14th century. The fortification successfully performed its functions, housing an Iberian garrison. In the 15th century, the tower was extended with an ornate top and passage. In the 18th century, the fortress hindered the city’s development and was demolished by Joseph II’s order. The freed land was sold for building houses, leaving only the tower.
In the early 19th century, the building was restored and converted into a prison. In the early 20th century, the tower became municipal property. Now, the first floor hosts exhibitions and presentations, and the second and third floors house a museum with a permanent exhibit on mountain tourism and mountaineering. Visitors can see the guard’s resting room and the armory, displaying 14th-16th century stone projectiles.
Brunate Village
This high-altitude village is located about 800 meters above sea level, easily accessible by a funicular since 1800. The eight-minute ride takes visitors to the village, where the Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called, Brunate’s patron saint, should be seen. Unfortunately, the church has been frequently reconstructed, with little left of the original facade. However, the interiors have survived, featuring 17th-century frescoes by Recchi. The local organ, built by Prestinari masters in 1827, is also worth hearing. The altar houses the holy relics of Maria Magdalena Albrici. From the final funicular stop, a stunning panorama opens up: the lake, villas, valleys with gardens, and vineyards.
If you want to see more, you should climb higher to the Volta Lighthouse. However, the path involves walking on slippery stones, continuously uphill for 1.5 km. This ascent is not for everyone. Adventurous tourists should consider wearing comfortable shoes. The views from the lighthouse’s platform are breathtaking, with snowy peaks of the majestic Alps visible.
Piona Abbey
The first structures in the abbey were built in the 6th century. Saint Nicholas’ Church stands on the ruins of an early Christian temple, which was the center of the future abbey. Subsequently, additional buildings surrounded the church. The complex is amidst untouched nature, making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours in solitude and peace.
The abbey’s pride includes:
- Marble fountains
- An inner courtyard with columns adorned with carved flowers and animal images
- 15th-16th century frescoes
- An agricultural calendar painted on the porch
- Paintings
Some travelers claim that resting at the abbey is better than in Tibetan monasteries. The attraction also lies in the abbey’s home-produced honey and liqueurs made by monks following ancient recipes.