One day in Como: unmissing spots
You’re probably planning your trip to Italy, including the top destination as Rome, Florence or Milan, and you decided to take a day trip from Milan to Como but you don’t know how to fit all the things to do and see in one day.
Here you are a special post with the most iconic things to do in the city of the magic lake.
I’m Chiara, a tour leader in love with her place. Specialized in Lake Como, food tour and pet cuddling. In the following lines you will find the 5 things not to miss when you are in Como.
Walk in Como: 5 spots to visit
The hisorical centre of Como is inside the medieval walls and known as Città murata.
The city was founded by the romans in 59 b.C., from above it appears like a chess board: it’s perfect for a walk, you cannot get lost.
This city has influences from all over Europe, it’s on one of the most importat roads connecting Milan and Central Europe. This thing influenced the developement and the architecture of the city.
I selected for you 5 spots that you cannot miss during your day in Como.
1. Duomo, the cathedral of Como
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known as Duomo, is located a few meters from the lake shore: it is an imposing Gothic-style building with a highly decorated façade.
The entrance to the cathedral asks to wear appropriate clothing (avoid skimpy clothing, cover your shoulders). From February 2025, there will be a fee to enter the Duomo; tickets can be purchased at the Broletto Infopoint.
The façade of the Cathedral is in Gothic style, built in the 1400s, and is full of statues: the most important are those dedicated to Plinius the Elder and Plinius the Younger. There is also a huge rose window.
Inside the naves are in Gothic style, with tall columns, cross vaults and Flemish tapestries.
The construction of the cathedral was spread over three centuries, spanning different architectural styles: the result is nevertheless harmonious and unified.
Let me know if you want a specific post about the Duomo.
2. San Fedele church
Piazza San Fedele was the Roman forum, or market square, a space dedicated to trade. In the Renaissance period it was the trading square.
Antiques, craft and Christmas markets are still held in this square.
Admission to the basilica is free, and there are often small exhibitions of sacred art inside.
You can freely explore the interior.
The basilica is in medieval style: inside, the stone is exposed and the decorations are minimal, except in the first chapel on the right, where the stucco dominates everything; to the right of the altar is an area where pieces of frescoes can be seen.
During a walking tour, a client of mine was struck by Stendhal syndrome while looking at these frescoes, stating, “I’ve wanted to see this since I planned my trip to Italy.”
If you don’t know what the Stendhal syndorme is here you can find a reel about it.
3. Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is one of my favourite places in Como. It has a huge park perfect for a pic nic or just to relax. It’s a neoclassical style and huge villa, it’s one of the most important and beautiful villas of Como lake. Villa Olmo is used for exhibitions, public events and weddings.
The villa is free entrance, except when there are events or exhibitions.
At the moment the villa is in restoration, and the park is accessible.
Behind the villa there’s a path through the park, crossing a bridge you can enter Kilometro della conoscenza: a small path that connect Villa Olmo, Villa Grumello e Villa Sucota. It’s a panoramic trail in the park.
Spring is the best moment to walk this trail: bloomings and the smell of herbs.
From the historical centre it’s easy to reach Villa Olmo: the walk is completely on the lake side, passing by the war monument and the stadium.
4. Focaccia from Beretta bakery
After you walked through the city probably you’re starting feeling hungry: for a snack you cannot miss Beretta Il Fornaio, the best bekery in town. They have everything from bread to pastries.
For a fast snack you can get a slice of Focaccia genovese style, if they offer you to heat it up accept, you won’t regret it. It will be super crunchy. Even the pizza is great!
If you wanna try something unique you need to try Nuvola (cloud): similar to a Panettone, very soft filled with apricot jam. Its softness is the same as a cloud.
This could be a great souvenir to bring home.
5. Cablecar Como-Brunate
Brunate was a touristic destination, especially during the Grand tour era, for rich people who were looking for fresh air during summer or to ski in winter time. You can still find neoclassical style villas, most of them are now hotel with beautiful panoramic terraces above the lake and the alps.
Since 1894 Como and Brunate are connected by a cable car,, it’s still in use today and it’s perfect if you wanna have an amazing view on the city, lake and Alps.
Once you arrive in Brunate it’s easy to get a path on the mountain or an aperitivo with a view.
If you’d like to plan a perfect trip on the lake and to receive more information do not hesitate to contact me through email or social media, here you can find all my contact details.
For daily life you can check my social media:
