What attractions should I visit in the city of Como?
The city of Como became famous for being a summer destination for celebrities such as George Clooney, Leonardo Di Caprio and many others, but Como offers its visitors biodiversity, peace, tranquility, impressive panoramas and a delightful lake! Today we are going to get to know the city of Como better, with tips and information for you to place as a destination on your Travel Guide to Italy! Let’s get to our post of the day! What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams !!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Vídeo about Como
(Source: THEWORLDOFTRAVEL)
Introduction
Como is a charming city; in addition to giving the lake its name, gardens and woods, hills and valleys, colors like the blue of the lake and the green of the vegetation that blend perfectly, prestigious towns and medieval villages… Como is one of the great marvelous in northern Italy. It is not difficult to fall in love with this place, it is not difficult to want to return and it is not difficult to understand how this city has become what it is today in terms of tourism. A nice tip is to take a Walking Tour and Boat Trip to Bellagio, click here to find out more!
1) What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? VISIT THE CATHEDRAL
The first thing that attracts our eyes when we arrive in Como is, without a doubt, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. The Church dominates the skyline and marks the strategic importance of the city which, for centuries, has been a crossroads for traffic between northern Italy, central and northern Europe. When I say traffic, I am not only talking about business, I also include, certainly, culture.
Its Architecture
This cultural heritage is visible, even today, when we notice the miscellany of styles that distinguishes the architecture of this church. The cathedral is a unique fusion of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque that allows reconstructing, historically, the different phases of construction of the building, which began in the late 300’s and was until almost the mid-seventies. Thus, for four centuries, the Cathedral passed through the hands of architects, artists, masters and a multitude of other people who made a point of being part of this history.
Statues of brothers Tommaso, Giacomo and Donato Rodari
The dome was completed, as mentioned above, in 1744 and was designed by the famous architect Filippo Juvarra, who was also an architect of the King of Sardinia. Worthy of mention are the statues of the brothers Tommaso, Giacomo and Donato Rodari, from neighboring Switzerland, in the city of Maroggia, in the Canton of Ticino. Almost all the sculptures that decorate the sides and portals of the church deserve special mention, but be sure to observe the statues of Plinio Il Vecchio and Plinio Il Giovane. Inside, we can highlight the paintings by Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari, both from the art schools of Lombardy and very active in the 16th century. Important: check visiting hours and possibility on the Cathedral’s official website by clicking here!
2) What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? VISIT THE BROLETTO PALACE
We continue to Broletto Palace, next to the Cathedral. Broletto is also known as Ragione Palace and was built in 1215 at the request of Bernardo da Codazo. The Palace was the seat of the civil power of Como for centuries and the city’s assemblies were held here, including those of merchants. The adjacent belfry was used to convene the different meetings and, strategically placed, the Palace next to the Cathedral symbolized the balance between civil and religious power.
Its Restoration
However, as life is not a bed of roses, when the construction of the “new” Cathedral was commissioned, in 1396, Broletto “felt” the thud, since the building also had to undergo a restructuring and got smaller, however, until 1764 exercised its civic function. From an architectural point of view, what is most impressive about the Palace is its tricolor facade (white, gray and red) in Lombard marble: of course, a detail of great charm that captivates tourists who visit the city. The Palace was also used as a theater, but today the Broletto di Como hosts the city’s congresses, exhibitions and ceremonies.
3) What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? VISIT THE BASILICA SANT´ABBONDIO
Another must-see in Como, which was built at the end of the 11th century, in the area of the early Christian church dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, is the basilica of Sant’Abbondio. A magnificent example of Lombard Romanesque architecture and considered a true masterpiece of the Comacine masters and their sculptors, who spread the Lombard style, not only in Italy, but also throughout Europe. The Church was built by the Benedictine monks and dedicated to the fourth bishop of Como.
Its Restoration
Since the 500s, notable changes have altered its original appearance, but, fortunately, it was recovered in a restoration carried out in 1800. The facade in Moltrasio stone is distinguished by powerful pilasters that divide it into five parts and that correspond to its internal corridors. There is also a beautiful portal decorated with bas-relief sculptures and the beautiful double bell tower, which was inspired by Nordic architecture. Inside, we see the five naves divided by tall columns adorned with precious capitals, in addition to the apse with a splendid cycle of frescoes from 1300, made by the master of St Abbondio, which tells the story of Christ in twenty beautiful scenes.
4) What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? VISIT THE VOLTIANO TEMPLE
It is impossible not to visit the Voltiano Temple. The neoclassical temple-shaped building was built on the shore of Lake Como and celebrates the figure and work of the great physicist in Como, Alessandro Volta. The museum was designed and financed by the industrialist and patron Francesco Somaini, and was built to celebrate the occasion of the first centenary of the death of the inventor of the battery (1927); the idea was to house the scientific instruments that belonged to him. Many specimens are original, others are replicas, since several of them went up into flames in 1899 during the International Electricity Exhibition (ironic, isn’t it?).
About the Mausoleum
The mausoleum, topped by a hemispheric dome, is preceded by a large pronau (composed of the space in front of the temple) with the statues of Faith and Science, which is accessed by means of two flights of symmetrical stairs. The interior is divided into two floors: in the central room on the ground floor, the devices, machines and devices used by the illustrious scientist for experiments in physics and electricity are displayed, as well as being used for the study of gases and their properties. The first floor, on the other hand, is dedicated to furniture, letters, publications and portraits of the scientist, who was also a politician and professor; there are also honorable mentions, reports and many other very interesting materials.
5) What attractions should I know in the city of Como? DISCOVER VILLA OLMO
Just over 2 km from the Voltiano Temple, you will find the beautiful Villa Olmo, which is another mandatory stop. Aesthetically, this 18th century mansion is in line with the style of the other mansions present in Como and its neighboring cities like Cernobbio, Bellagio etc., but two basic elements make it very special: the garden, which is taken care of in the smallest details, and the neoclassical taste of its facade and interior.
The name, as it is easy to understand, refers to the presence of two old elm trees, which were overthrown. Over the years, several prominent personalities have stayed here, of the most illustrious we can mention Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Visconti di Modrone family. Currently, Villa Olmo hosts exhibitions, events and conferences. To find out more about visits, visit the official website by clicking right here!
Our Tips of the Day!
- Como is also has a charming funicular that was inaugurated in 1894. The funicular Como – Brunate connects the city to the top of the mountain (precisely, Brunate) that is like a “balcony”, because it offers a magnificent view of the lake seen from the top . The journey begins in a gallery and continues towards the top with two small “carriages”. The steep slope allows us to glimpse a splendid setting! The path is 1084 meters long and the difference in height between cities does not exceed 500 meters, the climb takes about 7 minutes. Brunate is known as the balcony of the Alps for presenting wonderful views!
- To move to nearby cities, use the so-called batelli. To see timetables, routes and buy tickets, you can click right here! Be sure to not to buy the ticket at the last minute, especially in the summer: it gets crowded!
- Do not forget to take a leisurely stroll around Lake Como and enjoy all its beauty and tranquility. Find out more about Lake Como by clicking here!
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Conclusion
What attractions should I visit in the city of Como? Como offers much more than we can imagine. Immersed in nature, the city is perfect for those looking for nature, excellent tourist structure and tranquility. And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip , do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.
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