Discover Como through its many architectural and cultural histories: a medieval palace with later Gothic additions, a 17th-century palazzo and monumental neoclassical buildings represent different architectural periods. There are also paintings and sculptures ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day, archaeological finds and a botanical garden. These different facets of the city come to life at specific places.
Art and architecture in Como
The Tempio Voltiano stands on the shore of Lake Como, at the end of Viale Guglielmo Marconi. This monumental neoclassical building is associated with a distinguished scientist from Como. It is a 450-metre, or six-minute, walk from the Lungolario Trento bus stops. From Como Lago station, it is 900 metres and a 12-minute walk; from Como San Giovanni station, it is 800 metres and also a 12-minute walk.
In the city centre, the Broletto stands between the cathedral and the bishop’s palace. This medieval palace was later given Gothic additions and is now used as an exhibition venue. The building thus brings together different phases of architectural history, while serving a cultural purpose today.
The Pinacoteca civica is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Volpi. Its paintings and sculptures range from the Middle Ages to the present day. A comparison with the Broletto offers two different starting points for a visit: one is a medieval palace with later additions, while the other is a palazzo displaying works from several centuries. The Pinacoteca is accessible to people with limited mobility and wheelchair users via ramps and a lift.
Villa Olmo is an outstanding example of monumental neoclassical architecture in Como. It was closed for restoration work in August 2026. Check before your visit whether it is now possible to enter, as its status may change. A panoramic footpath links Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota. Parco di Villa del Grumello offers visitors free access to its panoramic paths and is home to a botanical garden dedicated to Pliny the Elder. At these villas, architecture, paths and a botanical garden offer visitors different kinds of discovery.
Paths, history and views
Castel Baradello is a fortification that Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had built on the remains of earlier structures. Inside the tower, a museum route displays archaeological finds from excavations at Baradello. Castel Baradello can be reached on foot from Piazza San Rocco or Piazzale di Camerlata. The climb to the tower includes an external staircase that rises about 15 metres above the ground. As physical access conditions may change, check them before your visit.
The Monumento ai Caduti offers a different perspective: from the top of this 30-metre-high structure, you can look out over the city of Como and the lake. While the museum route at Castel Baradello focuses on archaeological finds, the view here takes in the city and the water. The two places therefore offer different points of interest for visitors interested in history.
Religious sites also have their own visiting arrangements. A visit to the church of San Giacomo and the opportunity to listen to the organ are available on request; availability depends on arrangements with the diocese. At Como’s Basilica Cattedrale, the required visitor route follows the indicated plan and ends at the “della rana” exit (9). Visitor arrangements may be subject to changes made by the diocese; check the information before your visit.
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Discover more destinations: Argegno, Bellagio, Breglia, Brunate, Carate Urio, Cernobbio, Como, Cremia, Domaso, Dongo, Germasino, Grandola Ed Uniti, Gravedona, Lenno, Menaggio, Mezzegra, Muronico, Musso, Nesso, Ossuccio, Peglio, Pianello Del Lario, Pognana Lario, Sala Comacina, Santa Maria Rezzonico, Stazzona, Trezzone, Vercana, Bugiallo, Gera Lario, Sorico, Corrido, Osteno, Piano Porlezza, Porlezza, Valsolda, Montemezzo, Careno, Plesio, Tremezzo, Consiglio Di Rumo, Sant Abbondio, Carlazzo, Albonico, Valbrona, Cerano D'intelvi, Pellio Intelvi, Mozzate, Lucino, Lomazzo, Lezzeno, Laglio, Griante, Dolo, Castiglione Dʼintelvi, Carimate, Cantù, Appiano Gentile, Moltrasio, Albavilla, Merone, Schignano, Civenna, Inverigo, Arosio, Erba, Casasco D'intelvi, Lanzo D’intelvi, Cima Di Porlezza, Albogasio, Naggio, Sormano, Fino Mornasco, Dizzasco, San Fedele Intelvi, Turate, Colonno, Cermenate, Brienno, Magreglio, Blevio, Campione D'italia, Faggeto Lario, Torno, Maslianico, Rovello Porro, Grandate, Luisago, Dascio, Livo, Monguzzo, Cusino, Orsenigo, Valmorea, San Nazzaro Val Cavargna, Val Rezzo, Novedrate, Uggiate-Trevano, Pusiano, Mariano Comense, Anzano Del Parco, Cavargna, Casnate Con Bernate, Zelbio, Veleso, Acquaseria, Caglio, Lurago D'erba, Garzeno, Erbonne, Lurate Caccivio, Montorfano, Cassina Rizzardi, Cavallasca, Villa Guardia, Tavernola, Vassena, Canzo, Cirimido, Asso, Lurago Marinone, Olgiate Comasco, Albese Con Cassano, Lasnigo, Osteno-claino, Dosso del Liro, Tavernerio, Tremezzina, Albiolo, Castelmarte, Carugo, Locate Varesino, Cagno.
For the broader travel overview: Lombardy.
