Centred around a sparkling lake, the Province of Como lies in the northern Italian region of Lombardy along the border with Switzerland. Its hilly landscapes have been inhabited since at least the Iron Age and were settled as Novum Comum by the Romans in the 1st century AD. More recently, the Province of Como provided a setting for the 2006 James Bond film “Casino Royale”.
Things to do in Como
Whether you want to explore palatial Italian villas, wander through cobblestone towns or cruise between colourful villages, the Province of Como is all about “La Dolce Vita”.
Sightsee in Como. Nestled at the southern tip of Lake Como, this colourful city is clustered with stately villas, churches and museums. Admire the Gothic architecture of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and explore the waterfront gardens of Villa Olmo before delving into the city’s history of silk production at the Museo Didattico della Seta. A historic funicular connects Como to the hilltop town of Brunate.
Explore Bellagio. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio occupies a promontory that juts into Lake Como. Its cobblestone streets are lined with elegant villas, independent stores and restaurants while magnificent views across the water can be enjoyed from Punta Spartivento. Visit the Romanesque-style San Giacomo Church and stroll through the gardens of Villa Melzi with its Moorish-inspired pavilion.
Cruise to Isola Comacina. Cruising Lake Como is one of the most popular ways of exploring the province and offers spectacular views of its waterfront towns. Don’t miss Lake Como’s only island, Isola Comacina, which was once a Roman stronghold and was later gifted to Belgium in honour of King Albert I. Today, it is home to a collection of artists’ residences, the ruins of centuries-old churches and a historic inn.
Getting around Como
The Province of Como is around a one-hour drive from the centre of Milan and 40 minutes from Malpensa Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to major towns and cities throughout the province while buses serve smaller destinations. Boats can be hired for exploring Lake Como.