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.
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.
Soon we found ourselves in Piazza Alessandro Volta where this statue of Volta is located.
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.
Continuing on our way, I snapped this photo of two men, two dogs and a bike.
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.
A closer look.
And, our stroll continues.
I stopped to snap this photo of a bridal salon.
Approaching the cathedral.
And then we were in the Piazza Duomo.
A close up of the facade.
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.
An absolutely stunning tapestry.
I love this photo. Why, because of the way you can look out of the window above the alter and see the clouds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here is a shot of the rose on our table.
When JoAnn looked over my shoulder she was able to see this interesting view and painting.
Two views of Bellagio as we motored away and one of the Alps across the water in the distance.
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.
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.
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.
He made reservations for us. How lucky were we to be escorted to a table for two on the patio, . . .
. . . overlooking the lake.
Good night Stresa.
Como and Bellagio look beautiful. You truly captured the essence of these places and make me feel that I am there too.
Thanks Barbara. It was a beautiful day. Como, the town and lake, are terrific and Bellagio was very nice.