Como old town: cathedral, churches and monuments
Como offers more than lake views. Its squares reveal a journey from medieval streets to 20th-century architecture. Choose from these eight stops according to your interests; each includes historical context, practical advice and an official source. A few carefully chosen visits can be more rewarding than rushing through them all.
Como Cathedral
Work on the cathedral began in 1396; the dome was completed in 1744. Gothic naves, Renaissance apses and a dome designed by Filippo Juvarra bring several artistic periods together. Look for the connections between these different parts rather than treating the building as a single-style monument.
Planning your visit. Start with the façade from the square, then visit inside during tourist visiting hours, respecting services. Pair it with the neighbouring Broletto. It is a useful first stop for understanding the city’s artistic history.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Como CathedralGoogle Maps: from Duomo di Como, Piazza del Duomo, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Broletto and Piazza Duomo
The Broletto housed Como’s municipal institutions from the 13th century. Standing beside the cathedral, it recalls the close relationship between civic and religious authority. The medieval building, with later Gothic additions, is also used for exhibitions and cultural events.
Planning your visit. Pause beneath the arcades and look at the tower, palace and cathedral together. The outside is worth seeing in its own right. Access to the halls depends on the events programme; this is not a permanently open museum.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Broletto and Piazza DuomoGoogle Maps: from Broletto di Como, Piazza Duomo 2, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
San Fedele Basilica and square
San Fedele occupies an area once home to Como’s early episcopal centre, including the earlier church of Sant’Eufemia. The square preserves layers of the medieval town and later periods. It offers a different perspective from the lakefront.
Planning your visit. Choose this stop for churches and old streets. Walk around the building as well as looking from the square. Check parish visiting arrangements and respect worship before continuing through the pedestrian streets.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from San Fedele Basilica and squareGoogle Maps: from Basilica di San Fedele, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Porta Torre and the walled town
Built in 1192, Porta Torre marked the southern entrance for travellers arriving from Milan. The 40-metre tower has a solid-looking outer face and tiers of arches facing the town. It is a prominent surviving feature of the medieval defences.
Planning your visit. Compare both sides before walking into Via Cesare Cantù towards San Fedele and the cathedral. Viewing the tower outside does not mean that its interior can be climbed. Use it as the start of a city walk.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Porta Torre and the walled townGoogle Maps: from Porta Torre, Via Cesare Cantu, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Teatro Sociale
Como’s Teatro Sociale opened in 1813 and remains a focus of musical and cultural life. Its position on Piazza Verdi beside the cathedral makes it a natural addition to a walk through the historic centre.
Planning your visit. To experience the interior, check the theatre’s official performance and guided-tour programme. Do not assume unrestricted daytime entry. See the exterior during your walk and consider an evening performance as a separate experience.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Teatro SocialeGoogle Maps: from Teatro Sociale, Piazza Verdi, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Casa del Fascio, Palazzo Terragni
Designed by Giuseppe Terragni in 1932 and built in the following years, the Casa del Fascio is a landmark of Italian Rationalism. Its name records its original function under the Fascist regime. It now houses the Guardia di Finanza.
Planning your visit. Study the proportions and contrast of solid surfaces and openings from outside. Interior visits require permission: this is not an unrestricted museum. Comparing it with the nearby cathedral makes an interesting architecture-focused stop.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Casa del Fascio, Palazzo TerragniGoogle Maps: from Casa del Fascio, Piazza del Popolo 4, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Sant’Abbondio Basilica
The 11th-century Romanesque basilica was built on an earlier Christian church. Its five aisles and 14th-century apse frescoes reward a visit. It lies outside the most central part of the walled town.
Planning your visit. Make this a dedicated stop if medieval art interests you. Check opening arrangements and respect religious services. Use an up-to-date walking route to return to the centre rather than judging travel time from map distance alone.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Sant’Abbondio BasilicaGoogle Maps: from Basilica di Sant Abbondio, Via Regina Teodolinda, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Piazza Volta and the scientist’s landmarks
Pompeo Marchesi’s statue of Alessandro Volta was unveiled in the square in 1838. Volta’s birthplace is at Via Volta 62, while Torre Gattoni is associated with his physics experiments. Together they suggest a small science-themed walk.
Planning your visit. Continue to the Tempio Voltiano if you want to explore the story further. The house and tower are historical landmarks; do not assume interior access. Look for façade details and use the square as a break between visits.
Official source and visitor information
Walk to La Griglia from Piazza Volta and the scientist’s landmarksGoogle Maps: from Piazza Alessandro Volta, Como → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
A break at La Griglia di Como
Find us at Via Rezzonico 2, Como: a family-run Italian restaurant and pizzeria with home-style cooking and seafood dishes. Open 11:30–14:30 and 18:30–23:00; closed on Wednesdays. Check table availability before planning your return.
Menu and pricesBook with TableoFind usBack to the Como and lake guide
By La Griglia di Como · sources checked on 4 October 2026. An independent restaurant guide. Opening, prices, events and transport can change; check the official websites before visiting. Maps calculates routes at the time and does not guarantee step-free access.