The town of Como resides at the southern end of the western part of Lake Como. Elegant and bustling, the town is the primary commercial center for lake Como not short on historical importance. Being only half an hour train ride from Milan and just a few miles from Italy's border with Switzerland, the town boasts the best transport connections. Buses and ferries run up and down Como’s shores. Better yet, tiny seaplanes land on and take off from the waters close to town. Though not as atmospheric and rustic as some of the smaller towns an resorts on the lake, Como’s lively streets and waterfront and always busy with visitors and locals alike. Let’s have look into the history and some fun things to do in Como!
History
Como was founded by Julius Caesar himself with original intention of creating an Alpine garrison. Though it quickly became a holiday resort. In fact, as early as the 1st century BC! On the other hand, it was Frederick Barbarossa who built the town’s medieval watchtowers and its three imposing Romanesque basilicas rise from what remained of once-rich and powerful convents. Eventually, the eighteenth-century Austrian rule overpowered the town’s medieval ruggedness. Austrians brought about orderly elegant architecture, central European flair, a vibrant theatre and café culture. Meanwhile, the wealth of the local silk production industry paid for numerous palazzi and Italian art nouveau villas. Today, Como aspires to become the coolest place on the lake. Indeed, it's full of chic hotels, great restaurants, and charismatic bar-lined piazzas.
Vibrant Social Life
At first sight, Como might come across a bit disappointingly urban compared to other tiny charming towns on the lakefront. But the town’s setting embraced by green hills, with the vast lake washing the shore just steps from its Centro Storico are bound to change your mind. Once you set foot within the old town walls, Como's charming elegance becomes more apparent. Plus, no other place on the like boasts such a rich social and cultural agenda. An agenda that is significantly more real than tourist-tailored entertainment in any other resort on Lake Como. Naturally, if you prefer to take a swim in the lake, take part watersports, or take a hike in the surrounding hills, they're all right there!
Sightseeing Blues
You can also do some hardcore sightseeing. For instance, you can visit the Silk Museum that highlights the silk-making tradition of Como; peek inside the Pinacoteca Civica (Civic Art Gallery) that resides in the imposing Volpi palace boasting a plethora of sculptures, paintings, a lapidary collection, and even modern art; explore the history of Italy’s unification under the Savoy dynasty (Risorgimento) in History Museum Giuseppe Garibaldi; examine ancient artifacts in the Archeological Museum or visit Como’s pride, the beautiful Duomo from the 14th century.
As you can see, things to do in Como are many whether you prefer sightseeing, sports, entertainment or just leisurely relax. Explore the page to find more ideas on what to do in Como!
