How, overlooking a lake renowned all over the world and a stone's throw from Switzerland, it is a small pearl highly appreciated by foreigners, but still little appreciated in Italy. Now I will explain why to spend a weekend there. Embraced by ancient medieval walls, the center is very intimate and crammed with small shops and historic buildings erected in different eras. Having to limit my being infinitely verbose, I decided to list in five points what you just can't miss about Como:
1 Imagining a path that starts from Porta Torre, that is the entrance to the historic center, the beauties of the city manifest themselves timidly and in an unexpected way, in every direction. Immediately on the right there is the singular Liceo Classico Volta which with its columns recalls a Greek temple, then again there via Muralto with the historic dairy and greengrocer in the same locations as a century ago. The cathedral, which has nothing to envy to that of Milan, smaller in size has that typically Gothic prowess that leaves you speechless and with your nose upturned. But if you turn to the building behind us, you discover the Vitrum shop designed by Giuseppe Terragni.
Proceeding towards the lake, on your right you can admire the Casa del Fascio, another work by Terragni from the 30s. Culture and different historical periods merge in the shaded alleys of tall buildings.
2. Continuing along the pedestrian streets you will arrive at the square I prefer: piazza San Fedele. The cobblestones of the pavement also make it difficult to pass by by bicycle, so if you are on two wheels, it will be good to get off the saddle and look up. To the right of the square the Basilica of San Fedele, the result of the Lombard Romanesque and on the left what I prefer: the oldest building in Como (or one of the oldest)! It currently houses my favorite bookstore, Ubik, always well-stocked and with fabulous staff (if you don't care about architecture, pop in here anyway).
The peculiarity of the building is the expansion in the upper floors, let me explain: in Como, as everywhere, taxes were paid on the surface of a house, then, not being able to enlarge the ground floor without incurring higher taxes, the owners only enlarged the upper floors. Shrewd! The trick was often used and not only on this building ... it is appropriate to say that the occasion (or the law) makes the man a thief!
3. In order to enjoy an unrivaled panoramic view, I recommend a trip on the funicular that leads to Brunate.
Small town located on the top of the hill overlooking Como, Brunate is already almost a mountain and the funicular that joins the two centers since the late 1800s, it is also often used by commuters who commute between one country and another. Suggestive during the day, it is even more fascinating at nightfall, when the lights come on and the sky is tinged with the colors of the sunset. The view from the other of the lake offers a breathtaking panorama. Since you are at the top, take the opportunity to take a tour. It should be known that the funicular was originally not built to facilitate the inhabitants of Brunate, but rather to encourage tourism, in fact, nineteenth-century buildings and cooling parks make a fine show of themselves and not only oriented towards the lake, but also towards the mountains, a lot which was renamed the balcony of the Alps for the suggestive view not only towards the lake.
4. Another optimal destination for a trip out of town is the very close one Cernobbio, home to enchanting villas and a very pretty square overlooking the lake. Reachable in 10 minutes by car or about forty minutes on foot, if you choose the second option you will be able to see the beauties that stand between the two locations.
The lakeside promenade allows you to admire Villa Olmo, periodically home to exhibitions, the Villa del Grumello and other private villas and luxury hotels, on the right the lake which, embraced by the mountains, becomes sparkling on sunny days.
Cernobbio is known for being the chic branch of Como, a destination for many for aperitifs and dinners and often considered as the ideal location for the first date if you want to make a good impression with the girl. Villa d'Este and Villa Erba are two wonderful buildings and I recommend everyone to take a look. If you are tired you can take the boat and easily return to Como in a few minutes.
5. Since the most famous part of Como is the noble lake, I could not think of including in my top five, the tour of wonders on its banks.
For an unparalleled panoramic view, I recommend taking the boat from Como to Bellagio, another place known for bathing and the historic center. If, on the other hand, you think that you would like to be more independent on your tour, then take the car and pass by the villages: Blevio, Nesso, Lezzeno and finally Bellagio. All special and very suggestive.
But this is certainly not the only side worthy of note! I know everyone knows the infamous Laglio (I think I'm the only one who hasn't figured out what George's villa was yet), so this part is breathtaking to say the least. Beyond the aforementioned Cernobbio, continue in the direction of Argegno and then Lenno for a swim in a very nice beach, Tremezzo for the beautiful Villa Carlotta and then Menaggio from which, with a detour, you can reach some lesser known villages such as Grandola, Ossuccio and Claino con Osteno or the larger and more suggestive Porlezza. For those wondering: The garlic it is even before Argegno, only a few kilometers from Cernobbio: D
I realized that adjectives such as breathtaking, enchanting and wonderful are wasted, but I assure you that only by visiting this area will you understand how deserved and truthful they are.
