Discovering the Timeless Charm of Como
I finally got to see Como, a city older than Rome and rich in history, where ancient Romans drove away the Celtic tribes that once inhabited its shores. It was here that Julius Caesar ordered 5,000 of his men to drain the swamp at the southern end of Lake Como and establish the first Roman city in the region.
Como is therefore delightfully enclosed within ancient walls — a showcase of great elegance and beauty — beyond which lie charming alleys and winding, cozy streets filled with timeless charm.
The Magnificent Como Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, fondly known as the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), is the city’s main place of worship and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Northern Italy. This architectural masterpiece is truly unique, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
Built on the site of a demolished Romanesque church, construction began in 1396 — ten years after the Duomo of Milan. It took over three centuries to complete, finally reaching its dazzling finish in 1770 with the addition of Filippo Juvarra’s elegant dome.
Como’s Silk-Making Heritage
To learn more about Como’s fascinating evolution, I hired a local guide who explained how, in the 16th century, wealthy Lombard merchants from nearby Milan transformed the city into a thriving center of silk production. Imported Chinese silkworms flourished on the native mulberry trees growing around the lake, laying the foundation for a booming textile industry.
Vast fortunes were made, and the silk industry in Como still thrives today. Luxury fashion houses such as Versace, Hermès, and Ralph Lauren continue to source their fine silks from this region. As we walked through narrow, picturesque streets lined with boutiques, I saw many silk shops showcasing the city’s rich textile heritage.
A Taste of Como: Il Tramezzino
Como also offers plenty of culinary delights. As lunchtime approached, I found myself choosing among countless cozy restaurants and cafés. I finally stopped at Il Tramezzino, a local favorite known for its namesake specialty sandwich, the tramezzino.
This traditional Venetian-style sandwich was soft, generously stuffed, and full of flavor — quite different from the typical ones I’ve tried elsewhere. I enjoyed three varieties, each freshly prepared, with even the vegetarian options being delicious and creative.
Discovering Alessandro Volta’s Legacy
My afternoon stroll led me to a lively square dominated by a striking statue of Alessandro Volta, the celebrated engineer and physicist who invented the electric battery. Volta also discovered methane gas, a breakthrough in the development of cleaner energy sources.
His groundbreaking work in the late 1700s laid the foundation for modern electrical science, and in his honor, the unit of electrical potential — the volt — bears his name.
A Relaxing Lakefront Walk and Ferry Ride
From Volta’s square, I continued toward the Lake Como waterfront, surrounded by wooded hills, elegant villas, and scenic views that perfectly capture the allure of the region. Strolling along the lakeside promenade was peaceful and rejuvenating — the combination of blue water and lush greenery is captivating.
To end my day, I boarded a Lake Como ferry, which offers panoramic windows and stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. Cruising across the lake was the perfect way to admire its beauty and fully experience the charm of Como.
I can write a full journal with all my trip to Como and how beautiful every corner of this city (and of course the Lake itself), however, nothing beats experiencing a destination firsthand. If you wish to create your own memories of Como, discover its charm and have a relaxed day which your tour is planned from start to finish check out one of best seller tours here.
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