Lake Como - Italy

This is a great destination after your university program in Milan. If your program is focused on Fashion & Leasure or Industrial design.

Renowned for its historic villas and natural scenery, Lake Como stands as one of Italy's most scenic locations. The lake's popularity as a summer resort started in Roman times, with wealthy Romans recognizing the beauty of the area and beginning to build villas on the lakeshore. This rich history continues today.

There are breathtaking views everywhere you look. Lake Como is one of the deepest in Italy, reaching over 425 meters (1,400 ft) at its deepest points.

 

Como's historic center is surrounded by Renaissance walls and towers, showcasing arches and houses typical of the period. Expert guides can whisk you away on a captivating tour that includes Piazza San Fedele and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 

Piazza San Fedele, historically known as the grain market square, is a significant historical and architectural site in Como. It is home to the Basilica of San Fedele, a Romanesque church dating back to 1120, which stands on the site of an earlier Christian church dedicated to Saint Euphemia. The basilica features a neo-Romanesque facade, a barrel-vaulted nave, and remarkable frescoes and sculptures, including the "Dragon's Portal" with its medieval carvings.

The tour also includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, commonly known as the Duomo of Como. This cathedral, one of the most important Gothic churches in Northern Italy, boasts a stunning late-Gothic facade adorned with impressive sculptures. Construction of the cathedral began in 1396 and concluded in 1770 with the completion of its Rococo dome by Filippo Juvarra. 

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, featuring a Latin cross floor plan, a Renaissance transept, and a series of exquisite tapestries and paintings by renowned artists such as Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari.

Como is known for its silk production and has become a center of fabric design. The city attracts students worldwide to learn the art of silk-screen printing and design. Take a tour of a historic silk company where you can learn about Como's enduring legacy in the textile industry.

Como is the ideal destination for fashion and design, also a leader in furniture design and manufacturing with a world-famous exhibition center at Villa Erba.

Beyond the town, you can take the funicular railway to Brunate. This town is known as the "balcony of the Alps" due to its strategic location and monumental views. Here, you'll also find excellent local artisan stores to stroll through and shop.

From April to September, active travelers can indulge in trekking adventures, always accompanied by the breathtaking backdrop of the lake. 

The region offers a variety of trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from leisurely lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents. Notable routes include the Greenway del Lago di Como, which winds along the western shore from Colonno to Cadenabbia, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

Another popular trail is the Sentiero del Viandante, a historic path that stretches 45 kilometers along the eastern shore, connecting picturesque villages and lush forests. For those seeking panoramic vistas, the hike up Monte San Primo provides a 360-degree view of Lake Como and the Alps. 

Lake Como experiences mild to warm temperatures in the summer months (June to August) and cool to cold temperatures in the winter months (December to February). 

Include Lake Como in your travel plans and let DP guide your steps through this wonder of Italy!

By Luciana D’Andrea