Como, the Town, the Lake & Bellagio, June 16, 2025

Bellagio, Cathedrals, Como, Italy, Lake Como, Photography, Travel by photosbycappy

Como is a historic town in northern Italy located at the southern tip of Lake Como, surrounded by the scenic foothills of the Alps. It is renowned for its silk industry and as the birthplace of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. The town features the impressive Gothic-Renaissance Como Cathedral and a funicular that ascends to Brunate for panoramic views. Visitors enjoy strolling along the lakeside promenade, exploring historic piazzas, and taking boat trips to charming lakeside villages.

The bus ride from Stresa took about an hour. Buses are not permitted in the older part of town and we stopped near Via Tolomeo Gallio which turns into Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. The stroll into the older part of town was about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace and very pleasant. Here are some photos I took along the way.

Vista de una calle en Como, Italia, con árboles podados a lo largo de la acera y edificios históricos al fondo.
Calle peatonal en Como, Italia, con edificios históricos y montañas al fondo, donde dos personas caminan por la acera.

We didn’t walk to far before we entered what I consider the old town with its winding, narrow streets leading to the main Piazza.

Narrow cobblestone street in the historic town of Como, Italy, featuring stone and stucco buildings and flower pots along the side.

Soon we found ourselves in Piazza Alessandro Volta where this statue of Volta is located.

Estatua de Alessandro Volta en la Piazza Alessandro Volta en Como, Italia, rodeada de edificios y árboles.

On our way to the harbor we were introduced to this mural, installed in 1983 and created by Edoardo Cravat, it is a historical map of Como.

Fresque murale colorée sur un bâtiment historique à Como, Italie, représentant des figures humanas et des motifs géométriques.

Continuing on our way, I snapped this photo of two men, two dogs and a bike.

Narrow, historic street in Como, Italy, featuring cobblestone pavement, colorful buildings, and a couple with a bicycle and dogs.

Notice the painting of the woman in a “window” looking out at us as we pass. He is in the center partially obscured by the open grey shutter.

Vista de una pared de piedra antigua con ventanas y persianas en un callejón de la ciudad histórica de Como.

A closer look.

Detail of a historic mural depicting a woman, partially obscured by an open window shutter, on a stone wall in Como, Italy.

And, our stroll continues.

Vista de un edificio histórico en Como, Italia, con ventanas de persianas verdes y balcones adornados con plantas.
Vista de un antiguo edificio en el centro histórico de Como, Italia, adornado con plantas y luces colgantes, mostrando una entrada acogedora.

I stopped to snap this photo of a bridal salon.

Inside a bridal salon showcasing a white wedding dress on a mannequin, surrounded by elegant formal dresses in various colors including red, orange, and a sparkling gown.

Approaching the cathedral.

Narrow street in Como, Italy, with buildings featuring shuttered windows and a glimpse of the Gothic-Renaissance Como Cathedral in the background.

And then we were in the Piazza Duomo.

Vista de la emblemática Catedral de Como, con su fachada gótica y detalles arquitectónicos, rodeada de calles estrechas y edificios históricos, bajo un cielo parcialmente nublado.

A close up of the facade.

Vista del detalle escultórico de la fachada de la Catedral de Como, con elementos góticos y renacentistas, incluyendo figuras talladas y una gran roseta.

The Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and significant churches in northern Italy. Construction began in 1396 and was completed in 1740, resulting in a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The interior is striking and lovely.

Vista interior de la Catedral de Como, mostrando su impresionante techo decorado con mosaicos azules y dorados, columnas de mármol y paneles de vidrio. Hay personas en el fondo, admirando la arquitectura.

An absolutely stunning tapestry.

Tapestry hanging in a historic church, featuring intricate designs and colorful figures, set against a beautifully decorated ceiling.
Interior view of the Como Cathedral showcasing stained glass windows and decorative arches.

I love this photo. Why, because of the way you can look out of the window above the alter and see the clouds.

Interior view of the Como Cathedral showcasing the altar and stained glass windows.

From the cathedral we made our way to the harbor where we were to board a boat that would ultimately take us to Bellagio. Look at the foothills of the Alps in the background.

Vista del puerto de Como, con varios yates y barcos amarrados, rodeado de colinas y montañas bajo un cielo despejado.

Taking photos from the boat, as it splashed and bounced along, was difficult to say the least but I did manage to capture these as we started our excursion to Bellagio.

The scenery along the way, of the villas and towns, was outstanding. I now understand why Lake Como is so beloved. The water, the villas and the ambiance are gorgeous.

We paused along the way and I was able to take this photo.

Vista panorámica de casas coloridas en la orilla del Lago Como, con montañas verdes al fondo.

Soon we arrived at the lakeside town of Bellagio. We were forewarned that the town would be overflowing with tourists. Boy, was that the truth. Bellagio was wall to wall people; the streets were packed.

Narrow, bustling street in a historic town, lined with buildings on either side and filled with people exploring the area.

We were fortunate to be able to grab a table, overlooking the lake, for lunch at the Swisse Hotel. Lunch was really good but the view alone was worth the price of admission.

View of Lake Como framed by colorful flowers in pots, with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Here is a shot of the rose on our table.

A close-up of a pink rose displayed in a glass vase, with the blurred background of a scenic landscape and greenery.

When JoAnn looked over my shoulder she was able to see this interesting view and painting.

Balcony view adorned with vibrant flowers, overlooking narrow streets in Como, Italy.

Two views of Bellagio as we motored away and one of the Alps across the water in the distance.

Panoramic view of colorful lakeside buildings along Lake Como, with mountains in the background and a cloudy sky.
Vista del lago de Como con edificios pintorescos en la orilla, rodeados de montañas.

Vista panorámica del lago de Como con montañas al fondo y un muelle en primer plano.

As we returned to Como, we passed this lakeside villa perched on the rocks. What looks like white scaffolding in the center of the photo is in reality an elevator.

A scenic view of the hillside along Lake Como, featuring lush greenery and a mixture of elegant villas and buildings nestled among the trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Walking back to the bus.

As we neared the bus for our return to Stresa, I noticed this bronze sculpture in the distance. Entitled “Monumento Le Mani” (“The Hands”), it is a tribute to service personnel disabled in the line of duty.

Escultura de bronce titulada 'Monumento Le Mani' dedicada a personal de servicio discapacitado en el deber, rodeada de árboles en Como, Italia.

We were on our own for dinner tonight. Reinhard, our Smithsonian travel director, suggested we try the Grand Hotel des iles Borromees, which is only a few steps from La Palma.

Vista del Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées con su fachada ornamentada y balcones llenos de flores, en la entrada se aprecian mesas y sillas blancas en el área exterior.

He made reservations for us. How lucky were we to be escorted to a table for two on the patio, . . .

Terraza de un restaurante elegante con mesas blancas y sillas de rayas rojas, decorada con plantas y luces, y personal atendiendo a los clientes.

. . . overlooking the lake.

Jardín con una reja de hierro decorativa, arbustos verdes y flores coloridas, bajo un cielo azul con algunas nubes.

Good night Stresa.

Sunset view over Lake Como with silhouetted mountains and palm trees in the foreground.

2 Comments

  1. Barbara
    Reply

    Como and Bellagio look beautiful. You truly captured the essence of these places and make me feel that I am there too.

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