Brunate
The history of the Como-Brunate funicular
The Como-Brunate funicular is an important link between the Lombard towns of Como and Brunate, dating back to 1894. Before the 19th century, the village of Brunate could only be reached by a path built in 1817, but thanks to roads built in the second half of the 19th century, this isolation was broken. In 1890, following the initiative of some holidaymakers and Brunate residents, a promotion committee was set up for the realization of the "Tramvia Como-Brunate". On November 3, 1891, the Società Anonima per la Funicolare Como-Brunate was established, providing a gravity-fed water-powered system. The project was approved by the board of directors chaired by lawyer Carlo Sacchi, with construction work beginning on January 4, 1892, led by the engineer brothers Villoresi.
Opening to the public and subsequent modifications
After less than a year of work, on November 11, 1894, the Como-Brunate funicular was opened to the public. A significant variation from the original project was the adoption of a steam-powered winch with a 37 kW engine, necessary due to the water shortage in the area. After the suspension during the Christmas holidays of 1894, the final installation of the system took place on April 6, 1895. The construction of the funicular significantly contributed to the tourist development of the hilly resort, thanks to the views of Como and Lake Como that can be admired during the journey.
In 1906, the Como tram network was activated, whose first line allowed for the connection between the main railway stations and the funicular; the same was dismantled by 1952. In 1911, electric motors were installed to replace the previous steam-powered winch, allowing for a new schedule with sixteen rides lasting 14 minutes each. The First World War caused a collapse in passenger and cargo traffic in the following years.
Having already reached 600,000 annual visitors, it was decided to carry out a complete renovation of the system, the work of which was entrusted to Ceretti and Tanfani and completed in 1933; the renewal also included the replacement of the cars with larger ones and the travel time was reduced to 6.5 minutes. The inauguration took place on June 15, 1935. On this occasion, with the demolition of the Pizzo Station in Brunate, the route was extended by about 10 meters.
The Como-Brunate funicular, now managed by Ferrovie Nord Milano, continues to be an important means of public transport, used by both tourists and residents of the area. Its historic route continues to offer a breathtaking view of the city of Como and Lake Como.
