Como
Como town itself warrants a few hours' exploration, not least for its beautiful cathedral. In the heart of Como lies the elegant Piazza Cavour. Como's Duomo (Piazza del Duomo - open: daily 8 – 12am & 3 -7pm, Tel: +39 031-265-244) is of special interest to students of architecture, because it is considered Italy's best example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles. Built in the 15th century, its façade is a riot of marble adornment and stone sculpture, soaring to Gothic pinnacles above. Notice that on either side of the doorway are not standing the expected saints, but the Roman notables Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Inside you can see the Gothic rose window and splendid carvings, some of which are from the earlier Romanesque church originally built on this site. Next to the Duomo stand the 13th-century Broletto (town hall), charmingly striped in white, pink and gray, and the tall Torre del Comune.  

Although Como is not a big city, it has been an important point on the routes between the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and Northern Europe since early times. It eventually lost its duel with Milan as a center of power, but it won on the architectural front with its outstanding school of stonemasons, the maestri comacini. Their work survives here in the outstanding Romanesque Church of Sant'Abbondino (Via Regina Teodolinda, 35 - open: daily 8am – 6pm, Tel: +39 031-269-563). Cycles of bright 13th-century Gothic frescoes highlight the apse and its high walls are decorated with intricate carvings in stone.

Como Tourist Office
Viale Varese, 65 - 22100 Como , Tel. 031 243093

Brunate Funicular
Rising at grades of more than 50 percent, the century-old funicular rises from the lakefront to more than 1000 meters altitude providing stunning views of the lake and mountains. Once there, you can laze in a café or follow one of the hiking trails for more views down onto the lake. The trip by funicular takes less than ten minutes; allow about 90 minutes if you choose to walk back down to Como. Piazza de Gasperi. Open: daily 6am – 10pm. Admission: EURO5.00.

Lake Como
Set in an idyllic landscape of mountains and rugged hillsides, Lake Como has for centuries attracted visitors who come here to go boating, for walks in the hills, or for relaxation and inspiration. The long and narrow lake, crafted into a wishbone shape by glacial erosion, offers fine views up to the Alps and down to the towns of Como and Lecco. 

Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is an elegant 18th-century summerhouse, known for its gardens. In spring, rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas burst into color in this pretty setting. Inside the Villa is a collection of sculptures. You can reach Vila Carlotta from Como by ferry.

Bellagio
This delightful resort on the cusp of the lake's two arms has elegant lakeside promenades and cafes. You can reach Bellagio from Como by ferry.

Cernobbio
Cernobbio was a favorite resort of the exiled Queen Caroline of England in the early 19th century. You can reach Cernobbio from Como by ferry.