Como
Welcome to Como: a city between nature and industry
Welcome to Como, a city located in the far North of the Italian region of Lombardy. With a population of about 85,000 inhabitants, Como is the capital of the Province of Como. The city is famous for its beautiful lake and for being the heart of the silk industry.
Physical geography
Territory
Como is located at the southern end of the western branch of Lake Como (Lario), in a small basin surrounded by green hills. During the Würm Glaciation, the city was gradually buried by sediments carried by the Cosia stream. This watercourse, which originates from the hills south of the Larian Triangle, encircles the city to the south and west, flowing underground for most of its route, and flows into Pra' Pasquée, an area that was once marshy and used for grazing.
Climate
The climate of Como is characterized by cold and snowy winters, but without the fog that characterizes the surrounding areas. Summer is relatively warm, but the period of maximum temperature is rather short.
What to see in Como
The historic center of Como is located on the lakefront, around the Cathedral Square of Como, one of the most appreciated monuments of northern Italy. The city still reflects the appearance of the original Roman "castrum", with well-preserved medieval walls and large watchtowers.
The Como Cathedral
The Cathedral of Como is one of the major tourist attractions of Como. It was founded in the fourteenth century but completed only in the seventeenth century and represents a work of architectural art in Gothic style. The facade of the Cathedral, in black and white, recalls the churches of Northern Europe, but the interior is presented in a more sophisticated style. Don't miss the visit to the crypt of the Cathedral, where you can admire some of the most significant works of art in the city.
The Volta Temple
The Volta Temple is a museum dedicated to the famous scientist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery and founder of electrochemistry. The museum is located in a neoclassical building built in 1928, and contains a vast collection of objects and documents that tell the life and discoveries of Volta.
The Social Theater
The Social Theater of Como is one of the oldest and most prestigious theaters in Italy. It was built in 1813 and has hosted performances by many famous artists, including Giuseppe Verdi. The theater has an attractive neoclassical architecture and has recently been restored to make it more welcoming and functional.
The Broletto
The Broletto of Como is an ancient palace dating back to the thirteenth century that houses the headquarters of the Como Municipality. The building has a suggestive Gothic-style facade, with a portico open onto an internal courtyard.
What to eat in Como
Como is famous for the "lake cuisine," which is based mainly on lake fish, but there are also many meat and risotto dishes. One of the typical dishes of the city is the risotto alla comasca, based on porcini mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Restaurants
Among the most famous restaurants in Como are Il Gatto Nero, Al Gatto Nero da Ruggero, and the Imbarcadero Restaurant. All of these restaurants offer lake specialties and other delicacies of Italian cuisine.
Desserts
The pastry of Como offers many sweet specialties, including Meliga biscuits, Como batuffoli, Nocciolini di Canzo, and brutti ma buoni.
Shopping in Como
Como is the ideal place for high-quality shopping. The city is famous for the production of silk fabrics, and in many shops, you can find the best handmade artisan products.
The Setificio di Como
The Setificio di Como is a large warehouse that collects the major textile brands like Ermenegildo Zegna and Loro Piana. You can find high-quality silk fabrics, fashion accessories, clothing, and much more.
FoxTown Outlet
For shopping lovers, a trip outside the city to the large FoxTown Outlet in Mendrisio is definitely worth it. Here you can find great discounts on famous fashion brands such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, etc.
Conclusion
In summary, Como is an Italian city that has a lot to offer: magnificent natural landscapes, a unique historical and cultural heritage, good cuisine based on fish and high-quality local products, and spectacular shopping opportunities. The city is easily accessible from Milan, which is only 40 kilometers away. Come and discover all its attractions, and you will be enchanted!
