All SEE in Como

Buy tickets & tours:VivaTicket The Monumento ai Caduti, known in English as the Monument to the Fallen, is a monumental war memorial located on the western shore of Lake Como, in Como. Dedicated to the local soldiers who died during the First World War, the Monument to the Fallen stands on Viale Giancarlo Puecher, near the city’s public gardens. Inaugurated on November 4, 1933, the Monumento ai Caduti is a 30-meter-high tower associated with Italian Rationalist architecture. Its design originated from a 1914 drawing by Antonio Sant’Elia, the influential Futurist architect who was himself killed during the First World War. The building was developed through the contributions of Enrico Prampolini and the architects Attilio and Giuseppe Terragni. The monument contains a commemorative chamber with the names of 650 fallen soldiers from Como, engraved on a massive stone monolith. Its exterior features geometric volumes, large openings, and stone cladding, while inscriptions on opposite façades commemorate the soldiers and connect the building with the experiences of the First World War. Situated beside the Tempio Voltiano and close to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, the memorial is one of Como’s most recognizable twentieth-century landmarks. Visitors can admire its architecture from the surrounding public spaces, while Read more [...]

Buy tickets & tours:VivaTicket The Tempio Voltiano is a Neoclassical monument and science museum located on the southwestern shore of Lake Como, in the city of Como. Dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery, the building stands in the Giardini a Lago, at the end of Viale Guglielmo Marconi. Designed by architect Federico Frigerio and inaugurated in 1928, the monument commemorates the centenary of Volta’s death in 1827. Its architecture draws inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome, incorporating classical columns, a monumental dome, elaborate marble decorations, and a circular central hall designed to celebrate the achievements of the famous scientist. Inside the building, the Volta Museum preserves scientific instruments, historical documents, and personal memorabilia associated with Alessandro Volta. The permanent exhibition examines his contributions to electricity, electrometry, and the study of gases, including his invention of the voltaic pile, widely recognized as the first electric battery capable of supplying a continuous electric current. The monument occupies a prominent position on Como’s waterfront, close to the Monumento ai Caduti, the city’s war memorial. Its gardens connect the building with the surrounding lakeside public spaces, while the historic center and the main railway station are within walking Read more [...]

Villa Olmo is one of the most magnificent historic residences on Lake Como, located at Via Simone Cantoni 1, on the western shore of the lake, in Como, Lombardy. Built during the late 18th century, the villa represents an outstanding example of Italian Neoclassical architecture, combining monumental proportions, elegant interiors, and beautiful landscaped gardens. Commissioned by Innocenzo Odescalchi and designed primarily by architect Simone Cantoni, Villa Olmo was originally conceived as a luxurious summer retreat for an aristocratic family. Today, the property belongs to the Municipality of Como and is renowned for its architectural heritage, mythological frescoes, monumental sculptures, and extensive public park overlooking Lake Como.   Short History of Villa Olmo The Origins of the Estate The history of the property predates the construction of the present villa by several centuries. During the Middle Ages, the area was occupied by the Monastery of Santa Maria di Vico, originally associated with the Humiliati, a religious order that maintained important communities throughout northern Italy. The monastery subsequently passed to the Order of Minims, whose members occupied the complex during the early modern period. During the plague epidemic of 1630, the religious establishment was used as a lazaretto, providing facilities for the Read more [...]

The Casa del Fascio is one of the most important examples of Italian Rationalist architecture, located at Piazza del Popolo 4, in the historic centre of Como, Lombardy. Designed by architect Giuseppe Terragni and constructed between 1933 and 1936, the Casa del Fascio represents a landmark of European modern architecture and an extraordinary example of geometric precision. Originally built as the local headquarters of the Italian National Fascist Party, the palace is also known as Palazzo Terragni. Its revolutionary design combines reinforced concrete, glass, and marble within a perfectly proportioned structure. Today, the Casa del Fascio houses offices of the Guardia di Finanza and remains an important destination for architecture enthusiasts visiting Como.   Short History of the Casa del Fascio The Origins of the Project The idea of constructing a new Fascist Party headquarters in Como emerged in 1928, when Giuseppe Terragni was commissioned to develop an architectural proposal. The young architect, born in 1904, was already associated with the Italian Rationalist movement, which promoted modern construction techniques, functional planning, and the rejection of unnecessary historical decoration. Terragni initially prepared a relatively traditional design, substantially different from the building eventually constructed. The early proposals reflected the difficulties encountered by Read more [...]

Villa Pisani Dossi is a historic residence located at Via Cardina 36, on the hills above Como, in Lombardy. Also known as Dosso Pisani or Villa Dossi Pisani, the building overlooks Lake Como from a rocky promontory and represents an outstanding example of late 19th-century Eclectic and Art Nouveau architecture. Constructed between 1897 and 1910 for the writer and diplomat Alberto Carlo Pisani Dossi, the villa was designed by Luigi Conconi and completed under the supervision of Luigi Perrone. Its unusual architecture combines monumental colonnades, asymmetrical façades, terraces, and elaborate artistic decorations. The property remains privately owned and is not normally open to visitors.     Short History of Villa Pisani Dossi Carlo Dossi and the Origins of the Residence The history of the villa is closely associated with Alberto Carlo Pisani Dossi, better known by his literary pseudonym Carlo Dossi. Born in Zenevredo, near Pavia, on March 27, 1849, he became an influential writer, diplomat, and intellectual whose activities extended across literature, politics, archaeology, and artistic patronage. Dossi was among the leading representatives of Scapigliatura, a literary and artistic movement that developed in northern Italy during the second half of the 19th century. Its members challenged conventional cultural values Read more [...]

Teatro Sociale is one of the most important historic theatres in northern Italy, located in Piazza Verdi, in the heart of Como, Lombardy. Inaugurated in 1813, the building is a remarkable example of Neoclassical architecture, renowned for its monumental façade, elegant auditorium, richly decorated interiors, and long tradition of operatic and theatrical performances. Designed by Giuseppe Cusi, with important contributions from Luigi Canonica, the theatre was constructed on the remains of a medieval castle. Over two centuries, it has welcomed internationally celebrated musicians, singers, and performers. Today, it remains an important cultural institution, hosting opera, classical music, theatre, dance, and other artistic events.     Short History of the Teatro Sociale The Origins of Como’s Historic Theatre The origins of Teatro Sociale date to 1807, when negotiations began to acquire the site of the medieval Castello della Torre Rotonda. Constructed during the 13th century, the fortress occupied a strategically important position near Como’s cathedral. Its remains eventually provided the foundations for an ambitious new cultural building. The initiative was promoted by Count Gian Pietro Porro, the mayor of Como and president of the commission responsible for establishing the new theatre. Porro also founded the Società dei Palchettisti, an association whose Read more [...]

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Como Cathedral, is the principal Catholic church of Como, located in Piazza del Duomo, near the southern shores of Lake Como. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it is one of northern Italy’s most important religious monuments, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Construction began in 1396 and continued for approximately three and a half centuries, culminating in the completion of its monumental dome in 1744. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is renowned for its elaborate marble façade, remarkable sculptures, Renaissance paintings, historic tapestries, and magnificent interior. Today, it remains the seat of the Diocese of Como.   Short History of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Como Cathedral) The Origins of the Cathedral The history of the cathedral is closely connected with the establishment of Christianity in Como, which developed during the late Roman period. The first Christian communities constructed religious buildings outside the ancient city walls, while subsequent urban transformations gradually established important ecclesiastical institutions within the historic centre. The cathedral’s immediate predecessor was the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which served as the episcopal church by the early 11th century. Its location near the former Read more [...]

The Church of San Donnino is a historic Catholic church located at Via Armando Diaz 125, in the walled historic centre of Como, Lombardy. Dedicated to Saint Domninus of Fidenza, the building has medieval origins but owes much of its present appearance to extensive renovations carried out between the 17th and 19th centuries. Distinguished by its Neoclassical entrance portico and richly decorated Baroque interior, the Church of San Donnino preserves important frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and architectural details. It is particularly associated with Alessandro Volta, the celebrated Italian physicist and inventor of the electric battery, who was baptized here in 1745 and whose funeral was celebrated here in 1827.     Short History of the Church of San Donnino Medieval Origins and Early Reconstructions The earliest surviving written references to the church date from the late 13th century, when it belonged to the ecclesiastical district known as the Pieve di Zezio. Its original construction date remains uncertain, although architectural evidence confirms the existence of an earlier building characterized by Romanesque elements and a semicircular apse. During the 14th century, the original church underwent substantial reconstruction, producing a building with two naves and several devotional spaces. Historical documents describe five altars dedicated Read more [...]

Piazza Cavour is the principal lakeside square in Como, Lombardy, located along the southern shores of Lake Como, immediately outside the city’s historic centre. Surrounded by elegant buildings, hotels, restaurants, and cafés, it is one of Como’s most important public spaces, offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Named after Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, a leading figure in the Italian unification movement, the square occupies the site of a former medieval harbour. Today, it is a pedestrianized meeting place, an important gateway to Lake Como’s ferry network, and a natural starting point for exploring the city’s historical attractions.   Short History of Piazza Cavour From Marshland to Medieval Harbour During the Middle Ages, the area now occupied by Piazza Cavour was substantially different from its present appearance. The shoreline extended farther inland, creating a low-lying environment characterized by wetlands and shallow water. Its position near the commercial districts of medieval Como gradually encouraged the development of facilities associated with lake transportation. An important transformation began in 1335, when Azzone Visconti, ruler of Milan and Como, ordered the excavation of a large semicircular harbour. The project was intended to provide additional facilities for merchant vessels, which required Read more [...]

The Basilica of San Fedele is one of the oldest and most important religious monuments in Como, situated in Piazza San Fedele, within the city’s historic centre. Dedicated to Saint Fidelis of Como, the Basilica of San Fedele is an outstanding example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, preserving remarkable medieval structures, religious sculptures, and artistic decorations from different historical periods. The present church developed mainly between the 10th and 12th centuries, replacing an earlier Christian basilica dedicated to Saint Euphemia. Particularly notable for its unusual architectural plan, polygonal apse, and richly sculpted medieval portal, the building also contains magnificent Baroque frescoes, historic paintings, and important religious relics associated with Como’s Christian heritage.     Short History of the Basilica of San Fedele Early Christian Origins and the First Episcopal Complex The origins of the Basilica of San Fedele are closely connected with the development of Christianity in Como during Late Antiquity. Archaeological discoveries indicate the presence of religious buildings in this area from approximately the 5th-6th centuries, when the city was gradually developing an ecclesiastical infrastructure within its existing Roman urban environment. The original church was dedicated to Saint Euphemia, a Christian martyr particularly venerated in the eastern Mediterranean. Historical traditions Read more [...]