Lying at the southern reach of the eponymous lake, the town of Como lies some 45km north of Milan and is a popular resting point on the journey up to Switzerland (the border is just a few miles from here). Once a centre for the silk trade, Como is now a bustling tourist town, the launching point for tours onto this enormous lake, and the administrative centre for some of Lombardy's most chi-chi real estate - George Clooney, Gianni Versace and Madonna all have homes nearby. Here it was that Franz Lizst was inspired to compose some of his best-known piano sonatas. Other noted sons are as diverse as Pliny (the Elder and Younger) and Italian soccer star Gianluca Zambrotta.
What to see? The lake of course, but Como town has some superb historic sights, including the superb Duomo (cathedral) built between 1396 and 1457, and with some important 16th century tapestries. See too the Romanesque church of San Fedele, the Cistercian church of Sant'Agostino, Romanesque Basilica di Sant'Abbondio and 11th century San Carpoforo.
There are medieval walls and the little castle of Castello Baradello, the Teatro Sociale and a number of important villas, including the Villa Carlotta, in English-style gardens, and the Villa Melzi, with lovely views onto the lake. Como has fine museums including the Musei Civici, Musei Archeologico, Museo Storico, the Pinacoteca (art gallery) and the Museo Volta, dedicated to local boy Alessandro Volta, Como's pioneer in electricity.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Como hotels.
