Holiday apartment in Como: discover the lake, culture and trails

Holiday apartment in Como between lake and history

Como combines the lakeshore, historic buildings, museums and routes with specific themes related to Alessandro Volta, sacred architecture, early history and silk production. On the lakeshore stands the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical building dedicated to Alessandro Volta and the promotion of his studies. The lakeside promenade offers views of Lake Como and the Lario.

Lakeside routes and views from above

With the scheduled service operated by Navigazione Lago di Como, you can take a boat trip through Como’s first lake basin; stops are available in Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno and Blevio. When planning your day, you can treat the four stops, the short uphill ride to Brunate and the walk back as separate sections. The Como–Brunate funicular station is located at Piazza De Gasperi; it was inaugurated in 1894 and reaches Brunate in just a few minutes. From Brunate, two walking routes lead back to Como, including one passing the Eremo di San Donato. The Chilometro della Conoscenza is a panoramic footpath connecting Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota.

Volta, villas and the cathedral

At the Tempio Voltiano, you can see original and reconstructed scientific instruments belonging to Alessandro Volta, as well as documents and materials about his life. Villa Olmo was begun at the end of the 18th century and completed in 1812 by the Marchesi Odescalchi. Today, it serves as a venue for cultural events and art exhibitions. Villa Olmo therefore combines a long history of development with contemporary cultural use.

Construction of Como Cathedral began in 1396 and lasted almost 400 years. Its façade includes sculptures of Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder from the workshop of Giovanni Rodari. The Basilica di San Fedele may date to around 1120; its current floor plan follows that of an existing building.

Museums with their own focus

The Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio traces Como’s early history from prehistory to the Roman period and displays finds from the Lario area. Its exhibition rooms are currently closed to the public for maintenance work. The Museo della Seta di Como presents the entire silk-production process – from the silkworm through dyed yarns and hand printing to fashion collections.

This range therefore extends from scientific heritage and early history through sacred architecture to silk production. You can combine different focuses: collections and exhibitions, a tour of the buildings, or time by the water and on the trails.

More places for planning your trip

Nesso, Civenna, Bellagio, Germasino, Luisago, Magreglio, Pognana Lario and Dascio.

To the main travel overview: Como.