Sightseeing in Como - what to see. Complete travel guide

First settlers appeared on the territory of the modern city in 196 BC. During several centuries in medieval the unique lands of Como were the reason of fighting between Spain, France and Austria. In 1859 Como was officially added to the territory of Italian Kingdom.

While making a drive on a central street of Como, you will see old mansions and villas. Some of them are built simply near the water, while the others are surrounded by shadowy parks. Villa Olmo built in 1797 is considered the most beautiful one. The walls of the villa are decorated with magnificent frescos, and the park that surrounds it helps to feel true relaxation.

The main motor way of the city is called Borgovico. All main sights of the city are located near it. Here are built a modern football stadium Sinigaglia, in which take place the games of the local football club, Roselli Brothers Avenue, and a tomb of Alessandro Volta. In Como lives a great Italian inventor that gave the world a battery. Volta taught physics in one of the local gymnasiums. In order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous inventor, a mausoleum was built not far away from his tomb. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Once you finish the observation of the mentioned sights, it’s time to make a walk on the port district of the city as on its territory is located one more famous historical monument – Duomo Cathedral. The building will be interesting to tourists because it has been remade a number of times during its history. The modern look of the cathedral features traits of gothic and baroque architecture.

You shouldn’t think sightseeing id the only thing you can find in Como as here there are many restaurants, shops and cinemas. Local sellers attract buyers by relatively low prices on apparel made by famous brands.

Among the variety of architectural attractions of Como, it is worth highlighting the beautiful Broletto Palace. This building is one of the oldest in the city; it was built in 1215 by order of the mayor. The beautiful palace is now considered a bright example of the early Gothic. On its façade, elements of decoration with multicolored marble were partially preserved. The history of this palace is very interesting. For several hundred years, it was used for its intended purpose; as the town hall. Later, the building housed the city’s archive and even the theater. Now the beautiful palace is used for various cultural events and art exhibitions.

In the historical part of the city is the Porta Torre Tower. It is the surviving part of the fortifications, which were erected in the city in the 12th century. Porta Torre was originally the largest tower built in 1192. It miraculously survived many hundreds of years later. The height of this tower is 40 meters. It is built in the best traditions of the Romanesque style. The tower looks very impressive. One of its main secrets is massive walls and gates.

One of the most significant religious attractions of Como can be said to be Piazza San Fedele. There, is a beautiful church with the same name. The very first early Christian church in this place was built in the 7th century. Significant changes took place in the church in the second half of the 10th century. In 964, the remains of the famous Roman officer San Fedele, who converted to Christianity, were transferred here. This contributed to the beginning of the reconstruction of the basilica. To date, it retained some of the unique elements of interior design, which were created in the 16th century.

Among the attractions of Como there are also quite unusual ones. The Camerlata Fountain built in 1936 is an excellent example. It is a joint project of the famous artist Mario Radice and the architect Cesare Cattaneo. This fountain is an amazing combination of spheres and rings of concrete that are surprisingly in balance.

An interesting architectural structure is the Terranya Palace. Looking at it, it is difficult to assume that it was built almost a hundred years ago. This building with panoramic windows, looks very modern and completely unlike a palace in the classic sense of the word.