Como Town

Como Town of Lake Como, Italy is a traveler’s haven. Located just thirty minutes from metropolitan Milan, Como Town is lively yet relaxing. Much of the town’s activity takes place at the waterfront, where ferries and small sea planes offer recreational tours and convenient travel throughout Lombardy and to nearby Switzerland.

Upon arrival, tourists can obtain maps and pamphlets at the bus station across from
Como Lago Nord railway station or from the main tourist information office, which is located in Como Town’s central Piazza Cavour. To better understand the town’s layout and to take in spectacular panoramic views, visitors can ride one of several funiculars (cable cars) up the hillside to towns such as Brunate. From there, Lake Como is seen to be surrounded by gorgeous villas and resort towns. The hillside towns are also an excellent place to hike and to explore Alpine culture, flora, and fauna.

The area now known as Como Town has been inhabited for thousands of years and at least since the Bronze Age. The ancient village is still surrounded by fortification walls commissioned by Julius Caesar. It has retained its historic character, and people pass the hours by shopping, people-watching, and enjoying cafés in lively squares. Piazza Cavour is an especially popular public square; it faces Lake Como and is lined with souvenir shops and sidewalk cafés.

Visitors will quickly appreciate why Como Town is renowned for its architecture. The well-preserved marble Broletto, which dates to the 1200s, once served as Como’s town hall and maintains an impressive presence. Today it features art exhibitions year-round and draws visitors from around the globe. The Duomo, an imposing cathedral, is another must-see. It was constructed between 1396 to 1740 and therefore shows a range of architectural influences, primarily Gothic and Renaissance. Other top architectural sights in Como Town include the Romanesque basilicas of Sant’ Abbondio and San Fedele, and the neoclassicist Villa Olmo, where Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed.

As for shopping, Como Town is especially known for its silk trade. Visitors can find silk in one of the daily markets or visit La Tessitura, a pricier silk shop located in a former textile mill. The top-quality products include housewares and clothing for men and women. Just outside of town, the Ratti Silk Outlet offers special bargains.

In addition to Como Town being a charming destination in its own right, visitors will find that it’s an excellent stopover point when traveling in northern Italy.