The most beautiful Italian resort town of Como is located on the lake of the same name. To visit here, and even more so to relax in these places is considered very prestigious. No wonder we althy Europeans are trying to buy property in the city of Como. Why is he so attractive?
Cozy romance
This place is not just beautiful and cozy, here Italian romance meets aristocratic sophistication, heavenly transparency of the lake and magnificent views of the Alpine snowy peaks.
This picturesque place is an easy break from the big industrial cities. And why? Perhaps because the city has survived in the same form in which it was described in the 19th century by Italian novelist poets. Once in the city of Como, it is as if you are transported centuries ago: the calm, measured rhythm of life is very different from the life of any modern metropolis, and the old aristocratic villas still look at the bewitching blue lake with their facades.
Thoughtful beauty
The history of the city has more than one century, during which time Como managed to "grow"a huge number of attractions. Moreover, most of them are absolutely not similar to similar places in Rome, Milan and even Venice. Beauty in the city of Como (Italy) is not so directional, but mysterious and attractive.
Where to start?
According to the assurances of tourists - from the lighthouse Alessandro Volta on Brunate. This is the perfect start to explore the city - to see it from a bird's eye view. The funicular from Place de Gasperi delivers everyone here. He works from six in the morning until half past twelve at night (until midnight in summer). The trip takes only seven minutes, but you still have to climb up the mountain to get to the lighthouse.
The illegitimate offspring of a priest and a local aristocrat was born in Como and lived on the lakeshore all his life. After 23 years, the first lightning rod installed by Volta appeared in the city. He signaled the approach of a thunderstorm by ringing bells. So the lighthouse is also his invention.
Volta Museum
The temple of Alessandro Volta was opened on the centenary of the great scientist, in 1927. This is the most visited place in the city of Como (Italy). The photo clearly shows that the building is a reduced copy of the Roman Pantheon. That is, the museum of the famous physicist was created in the form of a neoclassical temple. Only it is assembled on a reinforced concrete frame. The exposition of the Volta Museum in the city of Como presents all the tools and devices of the scientist, surviving documents and letters, the results of experiments and scientific publications.
Here you can see the prototype of all currently used power supply devices - the famousVolta battery.
Life Electric
Another attraction of the city of Como in Italy (see photo below), dedicated to the unsurpassed Alessandro Volta. This is the notorious Life Electric - a contemporary sculpture. Extraordinary waves generated by electric current are installed on the shore of the lake. Work on the sculpture ended just two years ago. For tourists, it is open around the clock.
City Center
It still remains almost untouched, although the city was founded at the beginning of 59 BC. e. Piazza Cavour is considered the main place of Como. The city port used to be located here, which at the end of the last century was replaced by a modern pier. Life on it boils day and night. Motor boats and regular boats depart from the pier, carrying tourists and local residents to other coastal cities.
Silk Museum
This city is famous for textile production, and mostly for silk fabrics. The museum, as a landmark of the city of Como, tells about the amazingly modern silk production cycle and the regular improvement of technology throughout the history of the factory. And also about the fact that it was production that made these places so economically developed. In fact, silk production in Como began in the 14th century. Today, there are about 800 companies involved in dyeing, designing, selling and manufacturing silk products. Almost 23,000 people work at these enterprises. Famous designers of our time order fabrics for the manufacture of their collections.in the factories of Como. Most of the products from Chanel, Prada, Armani, Kenzo, Versace or other famous brands were most likely made using Comas silk or in the city of Como.
Teatro Sociale
Amazing place for great cultural activities. The interior of the theater is absolutely not inferior to the famous La Scala. Legends say that the great Nicolo Paganini once played on this stage.
Tickets are available even on the day of the concert.
Central Temple Duomo di Como
It is located on the city square of the same name. To enter, it is proposed to make a voluntary-compulsory donation of one euro. Usually no one complains about it. The interior of the cathedral is stunning in its beauty. In addition, there is a high probability of getting to the service (Italy is a Catholic country) or to an amazing organ music concert.
Work on its construction began in 1396, ended 400 years later. The end result was a grandiose work of art, combining several different styles that appeared in succession. First the gothic with its austerity, then the renaissance with its elegance and finally the magnificent baroque.
The cathedral is open from half past nine to half past six in the morning (except Sunday).
What else to see in Como? Definitely basilicas. About twenty minutes walk from the center is the modest-looking Basilica of St. Abbondio. Not many dare to go, but in vain. Inside lies a colonnade of stunning beauty,solemnly leading to the altar, painted in the classical style. In places like this one enjoys peace and quiet and is imbued with the historical importance of the moment.
Villa Olmo
Of course, it is no good to visit the city of Como and not visit at least one of the many old villas of aristocrats. According to tourists, it is better to start with Olmo. Moreover, it is considered the hallmark of the greatest architect in Italy - Simone Cantoni. This is an amazingly beautiful neoclassical architectural complex with a park of incredible size.
The palazzo has been under construction for over 20 years. The Austrian emperors Ferdinand I and Francis II, Giuseppe Garibaldi, the queens of Sardinia, Sicily and other important persons managed to stay there.
At the end of the 19th century, the new owner of the villa started a grand renovation. As a result, it acquired its modern look: two balconies were opened, the porch and two stables were demolished, and the park was ennobled.
However, since the middle of the last century, the palazzo came under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Como. Various city events are held here.
Entrance is free.
Museums
There are quite a lot of them here, especially those dedicated to the discoveries of the pre-Garibaldi era and archaeological excavations. Therefore, a true history buff will have something to do.
- Historical Museum (Museo Storico). The exhibits of this complex are dedicated to the history of the country in the 19th century. This period is known for its movement for the unification of Italy. And as they say at school, Giuseppe played an important role in these transformations. Garibaldi is a famous military leader. In the museum, among many of his belongings, there is an elegant battle helmet of a military leader.
- Pinacotheca Civica. This is a place for art lovers. It has a huge collection of art attractions. Of course, it cannot be compared with the Brera Pinakothek in Milan, but it will definitely please you with its variety. The walls of the Pinakothek showcase the most ancient real rock paintings, works of the Renaissance period and canvases in the Art Nouveau style.
- Roman baths (Terme Romane). These are really Roman baths, or rather, what is left of them. This archaeological site is considered very valuable. For from it you can understand how the city of Como looked even before the birth of Alessandro Volta and his experiments.
- Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio). Within its walls, experts have collected a huge collection of antiquities. She talks about the city from the very beginning.
Old buildings
The oldest is the Church of San Carpoforo. It was erected on the site of the Temple of Mercury (built by the ancient Romans). Near Piazza Cavour, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore attracts attention. It appeared here in the first half of the 14th century and is a stunning example of eclecticism, plus Renaissance and Gothic are surprisingly mixed in it.
Villa Carlotta is also historically interesting. On its territory there is a famous English park, in which the statues made by the famous architects Canova and Thorvaldsen are pleasing to the eye. As well as the People's House, which for the cityComo (Italy) has a very unusual architectural style.
Tourists are also interested in the Municipal Palace, as it is also called - Broletto Palace. It was erected in 1215. According to the project, it was attached to an ancient temple (in its place is now the Cathedral). This close coexistence was due to the close relationship between the church and the city's civil authorities.
The building is made in two styles: Romanesque and Gothic. At the same time, on the facade you can see elements related to the Renaissance. The palace went through several reconstructions, which led to the division of the building into an east wing and a west wing.
By the end of 1764, the palace became famous in the city as a theater, and years later a shop was opened in it.
In the middle of the last century, in fact, the first restoration work took place in the palace. Today it hosts ceremonial events of various kinds: art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, etc.
Lake Como
Which city appeared on it first is not known for certain. But if you take into account the curious shape of the reservoir and the unique climatic conditions, it is clear why famous people have been striving to settle here since ancient times.
The lake is surrounded by mountains, which is probably why it had to stretch out in three directions. In the photo from a bird's eye view, the reservoir is very similar to a slingshot.
The deepest part of the lake is 410 meters. It is fed by three rivers.
The species diversity of vegetation in these places is very large. Air temperature in the vicinitylakes rarely drop below zero. But the water is cold even in summer. This is due to the many cold bottom springs.
There is a small island in Como - Comacina. Once it was used to protect the coastal territory, today art lovers have chosen this place. Tourists try to get to the island and, if possible, buy paintings with landscapes, both modern reality and medieval ruins (the remains of an ancient fortress and the basilica named after St. Euphemia).
In addition to artists, these sights of the city of Como (Italy) and screenwriters fascinate. Famous films such as Ocean's Twelve, one of the Star Wars films and Casino Royale were filmed in these places.
Well, and suddenly find yourself on the island, be sure to taste the local dishes in the only tavern. Its menu has been unchanged for several decades.
By the way, the lake has another name that came from ancient Roman literature - Lario.
If everything is about everything - one day
Experienced tourists are not advised to spend all the time in museums and temples. In the city of Como (see photo in the article), it is very important to have time to enjoy its main value - amazing landscapes. The day can be planned like this:
- At nine in the morning, on the shore of a waking lake, have a cup of freshly brewed cappuccino with a crispy croissant.
- Having received a charge of unprecedented vivacity (and judging by the reviews, Italian coffee invigorates quite seriously) it's time to "climb" the mountain with the lighthouse. It takes about forty minutes to rise, and a little more toinspection.
- Towards one o'clock in the afternoon is the ideal time for a boat trip on the lake. It is good to choose the nearest city and purchase a ferry ticket. For example, in Cernobbio.
- Here, on one of the most beautiful streets, you should definitely go to the cafe and taste the delicious dishes of both the well-known Italian cuisine and amazing regional cuisine.
- If you don't feel like leaving at all, you can go to Villa Erba. This is a makeshift exhibition complex.
- In the late afternoon, back in the city, there is plenty of time to enjoy visiting the Duomo, wandering the streets and ending the day with a delicious dinner with a glass of real Italian wine.
Aeroclub
He is certainly not a tourist attraction. But flying over such a beautiful lake is possible only here. The club has an official website. On it you can find the phone number or email address where you can book tickets. Amazing experience guaranteed!
