🗺️ Lake Como route: 20 places, tickets and transport

Lake Como hides dozens of villas, castles, and churches behind its waters. You can't see them all in one day: the sights are spread across the lake's three arms, with ferries and buses running between them. Below are 20 places worth seeing, from a hilltop fortress to a gorge with a waterfall. For each one, you'll find what's paid, how to get there, and where you need a reservation.

The villas are open from spring through fall. The town of Como itself and its cathedral can be seen without a ticket. Buy tickets for the main villas online: in summer, ticket offices draw long lines.

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What to see in Como: our picks

The name "Como" refers to both the town and the entire lake with its surroundings. The town itself is home to the cathedral, two villas, and several museums. Further along the western shore, garden villas begin, while gorges and the village of Brunate await in the mountains. Start with the town, then move along the shore by ferry: traveling by land is slow and requires transfers.

💡 In short:

A day is enough for the town and nearby villas; the full list requires a separate multi-day trip.
Villas on the western shore are easier to connect by ferry: buses run infrequently and with transfers.
Prices and hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Villa del Balbianello website.

What to see	Why it's worth it	Ticket
Duomo di Como	A cathedral that took nearly four centuries to build	free
Villa Olmo	Neoclassical villa with a park right on the water	park is open
Museo della Seta	History of the region's silk industry	paid
Villa del Balbianello	Terraces on a promontory, filming location for Star Wars and Bond	15 € for the park (as of 09/2026, FAI rates)
Villa Carlotta	Botanical garden and Canova sculptures	paid
Villa Monastero	House museum and botanical garden in Varenna	paid
Brunate	Viewpoint over the lake, reached by funicular	funicular ticket

1. Castello Baradello

medieval tower of Baradello Castle on a hill

Castello Baradello stands on a hill above Como, on the site of an ancient fortification. Historians don't give an exact construction date, but the tower took part in nearly all the wars of Northern Italy. It was besieged by the Lombards, withstood attacks from Milan, and served as a prison for the defeated. The fortress walls were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

The towers and part of the fortifications survive to this day, and the hill offers views of the town and the lake. You can only get up here on foot along a trail. Entry is by organized groups only, so check the tour time on site. In the morning, the summit is nearly empty and the light on the lake is softer.

How to get there: on foot from central Como up a mountain trail, about half an hour of walking (see map).
Who it's for: those willing to climb for the panorama.
The catch: you can't get inside without a group, and the ticket office isn't open every day.

2. Villa Olmo

Yellow facade of Villa Olmo with a fountain

Villa Olmo was built for the Marquis Odescalchi and named after the elm tree that, according to legend, was planted by Pliny the Younger. From the outside, the building looks modest, but inside it was painted by Fontana: frescoes, stucco, and gilding have survived to this day. The villa now serves as the city's exhibition center.

The villa's park is no less impressive than the house itself. It features a private chapel, a man-made stream, and a fountain where bronze children play with a sea monster. One of the alleys leads straight down to the lake, a pleasant place to wait out the midday heat. At various times, the villa hosted Napoleon, the queens of Sardinia, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

How to get there: the waterfront north of central Como, on foot along the lake (see map).
Who it's for: for a stroll by the water and lovers of neoclassical style.
The catch: exhibitions require separate tickets; park entry is free.

3. Duomo di Como

Como Cathedral with green domes, aerial view

Duomo di Como took nearly four centuries to build, which is why Gothic and Baroque come together in a single building. Historians believe the proportions suffered as a result, but the cathedral remains the town's main church. It was built on the site of the old church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which could no longer accommodate parishioners.

Statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, both natives of Como, stand at the main portal: nearly everyone photographs them. Inside, the space is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross. Stop by the cathedral in the morning, before tour groups gather at the entrance.

How to get there: the easiest way to reach Como is by train from Milan, tickets on Trip.com; the cathedral itself is in the old town near the waterfront (see map).
Entry: free; a ticket is only needed for special exhibitions.
The catch: in season, the square in front of the portal fills with groups.

4. Tempio Voltiano

Tempio Voltiano was built as a neoclassical temple-museum on the Como waterfront. It was erected for the centenary of Alessandro Volta's death, modeled on the Pantheon. Inside are the scientist's letters, personal belongings, documents, and models of his inventions, including the first electric battery.

Volta was born in Como and lived here for most of his life. He was the son of an aristocrat and a priest, was raised by his uncle, and became fascinated with physics from childhood. Napoleon valued him so highly that he once ordered the dedication on a laurel wreath to be altered. Museum entry is paid; the halls occupy just a few rooms.

How to get there: Como waterfront, next to Villa Olmo (see map).
Who it's for: those interested in the history of science.
The catch: the exhibition is small, and a visit doesn't take long.

5. Museo storico Giuseppe Garibaldi

Pink facade of the Garibaldi Museum with a sign

The museum occupies the historic Olginati house, where Giuseppe Garibaldi was a frequent guest. There are few exhibits related to the fighter for Italian unification himself, but there is a section on the daily life of local peasants: furniture, ceramics, textiles, clothing, and jewelry from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the labels are in Italian only.

The exhibition will be interesting to those who already know a bit about the country's history. For a casual visitor, the displays may seem dry: there are few signs, and the story of the Risorgimento requires context.

How to get there: in the center of Como, not far from the cathedral (see map).
Who it's for: those interested in the history of Lombardy.
The catch: without Italian, some of the labels are hard to understand.

6. Basilica di Sant'Abbondio

Basilica of Sant'Abbondio with two bell towers from above

Basilica di Sant'Abbondio was built to house relics brought from Rome by Bishop Amanzio. Later the church passed to the Benedictines and acquired Romanesque features. It was consecrated in honor of Saint Abbondio, and the service was conducted by Pope Urban II himself.

In the 11th century, the basilica consisted of a central nave and four side aisles, and a monastery was later added to it. In the 14th century, the interiors were decorated with frescoes that survive to this day. Today people come here for the Romanesque architecture and the quiet, away from the tourist center.

How to get there: southwestern outskirts of Como, on foot from the center along Via Sant'Abbondio (see map).
Admission: free.
Who it's for: lovers of Romanesque architecture and old frescoes.

7. Museo della Seta

Antique silk thread twisting machine in a museum

There were three major silk museums in the Como area, but most visitors head to Museo della Seta. The Pietro Pinchetti textile school still operates alongside it. The exhibition tells how the silkworm came to Italy in the 15th century and how a local craft grew into a full-scale industry.

Production here ran through the full cycle, from raw material to fabric dyeing. Local craftsmen made wooden templates and printed patterns with natural dyes. In the 20th century, the industry declined, and some factories were converted into housing and offices. The museum displays looms from the 19th and 20th centuries, dye samples, and finished fabrics, and there is a shop with textile products on site.

How to get there: in the municipality of Como, check the exact address on site (see map).
Cost: ticketed entry.
Who it's for: those interested in textiles and the history of craftsmanship.

8. Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello on a promontory of Lake Como

Villa del Balbianello sits on the Lavedo peninsula, which juts far out into the lake. Its terraces, loggias, and dock appeared in Star Wars and in the James Bond films. The last owner was the explorer Guido Monzino, and today the villa belongs to the FAI foundation.

The park is open daily from mid-March, except Mondays and Wednesdays, with admission from 15 EUR (as of 09/2026, official FAI website). The interiors can only be seen with a guide: the tour lasts 50 minutes and, together with the park, costs 25 EUR (as of 09/2026, official FAI website). Groups are capped at 16 people, so booking is essential.

On foot, you reach the villa from Lenno: it is about 1 km uphill, roughly 25 minutes, while the trail via Dosso di Lavedo takes 2.5 km and 45 minutes (according to FAI). Many people arrive by water on a boat from Lido di Lenno. For lake trips with a stop at the villa, look at tours on GetYourGuide.

Getting there: bus C10 from Como to Lenno, then on foot or by boat (according to the Villa del Balbianello website).
Cost: park 15 EUR, villa with guide 25 EUR (as of 09/2026, official rates).
Who it's for: lovers of gardens, panoramas, and cinema.
The catch: the uphill walk is not for everyone, and without a booking you cannot get in.

9. Villa Erba

Neoclassical villa with a tower, park and pond

Villa Erba stands on the shore at Cernobbio, not far from Como. The property changed hands many times until, in the late 19th century, the estate was bought by the industrialist Erba. He demolished the old buildings and commissioned a new complex from the architects Borsani and Salvoni, who took Renaissance architecture as their model. The interiors were designed by Lorenzoli and Fontana.

For the family, the villa became a private stage: the director Luchino Visconti, who spent his childhood within these walls, was a frequent guest. Today the complex hosts exhibitions, presentations, and receptions. You can only get inside during events, but a walk through the park is almost always possible.

Getting there: Cernobbio is on the western shore, served by buses and ferries from Como (per the map).
Who it's for: those who follow the lake's cultural calendar.
The catch: without an event, you cannot get inside the villa.

10. Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta dates back to the late 17th century, when the banker Clerici built the house and laid out an Italian garden on the shore. In the early 19th century, the estate was bought by the politician Sommariva, an acquaintance of Napoleon, who assembled an art collection here from around the world. Later the villa was purchased by Princess Marianne and given to her daughter Carlotta as a wedding gift. Carlotta's husband Georg II was passionate about botany, so the garden became a field for experiments.

The palace retains interiors from the 17th to 19th centuries, and sculptures by Canova are on display here. The terrace opens onto a wide panorama of the lake. The park covers a large area: even a short walk takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and route maps are available at the ticket office (as of 09/2026, official website). The paths lead to steep shores with viewpoints.

Getting there: Tremezzina on the western shore, ferry to the Tremezzo pier (see map).
Cost: admission by ticket to the museum and garden (as of 09/2026, villacarlotta.it).
Who it's for: lovers of gardens, sculpture, and panoramas.
The catch: the shortest walk through the park takes about two hours.

11. Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este was built in the 16th century by Cardinal d'Este. The family traced its lineage back to Hercules, so the patrons wanted to see a refuge for the Hesperides here. The main element became a mythological ensemble in a natural setting. The interiors were created by Agresti and Zuccaro: the walls were decorated with Flemish tapestries, stucco, and frescoes, and the halls held ancient statues. Part of the decor has not survived to this day.

The park was managed by his heir, Cardinal Alessandro, who brought Bernini in to work on it. In the 19th century the estate was bought by Austrian nobility, and in the early 20th century it was owned by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated in Sarajevo. After World War I the villa became state property. Today it houses an expensive hotel, access for outsiders is restricted, but you can enter the park by booking lunch at the local restaurant.

Getting there: Cernobbio, the western shore promenade (see map).
Who it's for: those who want to see a Renaissance park without a museum ticket.
The catch: the villa is occupied by a hotel, there is no free access inside.

12. Villa Pizzo

Villa Pizzo has changed owners many times. At first there was the Raimondi family house here and a large territory from the shore to the foot of the mountains. In the 15th century all of it was bought by the merchant Muggiasca. A century later, after a victory in war, the estate passed to the Sforza Speciano family, who began building a house on the old foundation and clearing the park. In the 17th century the Muggiasca family returned here to wait out a plague epidemic and laid out an Italian garden.

Later the estate was managed by a religious order, and then by an Austrian archduke with a passion for botany: under him a formal English garden was added to the Italian park. In the 19th century the villa belonged to a Frenchwoman named Muzard, then to the Volpi family, which owns the complex to this day. The park with exotic plants and the service buildings are open to tourists.

Getting there: between Cernobbio and Laglio on the western shore (see map).
Who it's for: a quiet walk in the park.
The catch: part of the villa is closed to guests.

13. Villa Monastero

Colonnade of the loggia of Villa Monastero overlooking Lake Como

Villa Monastero grew out of a Cistercian convent, with work beginning in 1208. From the mid-16th to the mid-19th century the estate was owned by the Mornico family. The overall spirit of the medieval house was preserved, although the buildings were adapted to new needs.

The interiors are known for two details: a marble staircase with plaster elements found nowhere else, and a Pompeian-style bathroom. In 1918 the government confiscated the villa and sold it to Dr. Marchi, who transferred the property to the institute of hydrobiology. Today people come here for the house museum and the botanical garden along the lake in Varenna. Tickets are sold separately for the house and the garden, or as a combined ticket.

Getting there: Varenna on the eastern shore, on foot from the promenade (according to Villa Monastero).
Cost: admission by ticket, see prices and hours on the official website.
The catch: the ticket is valid for one entry, re-entry is not allowed.

14. Villa Cipressi

Yellow villa with cypress trees on the shore of Lake Como

Villa Cipressi was built in the 15th-16th centuries and was expanded and rebuilt up to the 19th century. New owners preserved the atmosphere of the medieval house. In 1980 the villa became municipal property, underwent renovation, and a hotel opened here.

Guests staying elsewhere can also enter the cypress park and go down to the pier on the shore for a small fee. The park is small, but the views of the lake from the water here are among the best in Varenna.

Getting there: Varenna, next door to Villa Monastero (see map).
Cost: park entry is paid.
Who it's for: a short walk between the ferry and Villa Monastero.
The catch: the grounds are small, the visit takes little time.

15. Orrido di Nesso

Gorge with a waterfall and turquoise water among mossy rocks

Orrido di Nesso is located in a small town at the confluence of the Nosee and Tuf rivers. Water falls from a high cliff, and its energy was once used by local artisans. Today there is no industry here, but the gorge remains. The best places to view the stream are from Castello square or from the Roman Civero bridge.

The beauty of the rocks was noted by Leonardo da Vinci and artists of the past. People come here for half a day: to see the waterfall, walk through the village, and have lunch by the water.

Getting there: Nesso on the eastern shore, bus from Como (see map).
Who it's for: those who want nature without a long climb.
The catch: in the rain the rocks near the water are slippery, be careful.

16. Orrido di Bellano

Narrow rocky gorge with a stream and a gallery

Orrido di Bellano was formed millions of years ago when the Pioverna River cut through the rock. The water still creates a cascade and a small waterfall here. Its energy was once used to power tanneries, spinning mills, and oil presses; later the factories closed and the gorge was turned into a recreation area.

A walkway with climbs and descents runs along the sheer cliff face: the steps are wooden, the railings are metal. Part of the route is lit, so you can walk it even in the evening. The Pioverna rushes below, and at the end of the path there is a viewing platform. Getting down to the water at the waterfall is difficult.

How to get there: Bellano is on the eastern shore, a short walk from the station (see map).
Cost: access to the route is ticketed.
The catch: the stairs are steep, so don't go with a stroller or suitcase.

17. Autodromo di Monza

Grandstands and the main straight of the Monza circuit

The Italian Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo di Monza. The long straights let even an inexperienced driver get up to speed. Staff greet visitors and take them around the circuit, including the section built in 1922 and preserved unchanged.

Souvenir shops sell Formula 1 merchandise, and a cafe serving local cuisine awaits those who get hungry. A large park surrounds the track, a pleasant place for a walk after the tour.

How to get there: Monza is north of Milan, by train or car (see map).
Cost: track visits and tours depend on the event, check in advance.
The catch: on race days access roads are closed and tickets get more expensive.

18. Torre Viscontea

Torre Viscontea is what remains of the Lecco fortress. The tower was built by Azzone Visconti in the 14th century and housed a garrison. A century later it was extended: an upper section with ornamentation and a passageway was added. In the 18th century the fortress stood in the way of the city's development, and by order of Joseph II it was demolished and the land sold off for housing. Only the tower survived from the fortification.

In the early 19th century the tower was restored and converted into a prison; in the 20th century it became city property. Today the ground floor hosts exhibitions, and the upper floors are given over to the museum of mountain tourism and mountaineering. The armory room displays stone projectiles from the 14th to 16th centuries, and nearby the guard's rest quarters have been preserved.

How to get there: Lecco, a few steps from the waterfront (see map).
Who it's for: those who have already seen the villas and want some urban history.
The catch: admission is paid, and the exhibition takes up just a couple of rooms.

19. Brunate

Panorama of Brunate on the hill with a church

Brunate sits at about 715 m above sea level, making it one of the best viewpoints over Como. Getting there is easy: a funicular departs regularly from the station on the Como waterfront (per ATM). The ride takes just over eight minutes. Buy your ticket at the station; the schedule changes by season.

In the village, be sure to see the church of Sant'Andrea. It has been reconstructed many times, and little remains of the old facade, but inside there are surviving 17th-century frescoes and an organ from 1827. From the terminal station you get a panorama of the lake, the villas, and the valley with its gardens and vineyards.

If you want more, climb higher to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse. The trail leads uphill over slippery rocks for about 1.5 km, and the climb is not for everyone. The brave need sturdy footwear, but from the lighthouse platform you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

How to get there: funicular from the station on the Como waterfront (per the funicular schedule).
Who it's for: for panoramic views without a long trek.
The catch: the trail to the lighthouse is slippery, and part of the way is uphill.

20. Abbazia di Piona

Piona Abbey: church with a bell tower and garden

Abbazia di Piona stands on a promontory on the eastern shore of the lake. The first buildings appeared here as early as the 6th century, and the church of San Nicola was built on the ruins of an early Christian temple. A whole monastic complex grew up around it, surrounded by nature untouched by construction.

The abbey is valued for its silence and for the monastery's products. They sell honey from their own apiary and liqueurs that the monks make according to old recipes. People come here for a few hours to enjoy solitude and peace.

How to get there: eastern shore near Colico, by ferry from the other side (see map).
Who it's for: for a quiet visit away from the tourist routes.
The catch: getting there is inconvenient, and public transport runs infrequently.

If you want to see the lake and the villas from the water, plan your route in advance: a boat to the distant villas is faster than a bus.

Tours and tickets in Como

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Como attractions on the map

All the places on the list are marked on the map below. The villas on the western shore are easy to connect by ferry, while Brunate and Lecco sit away from the main loop and are visited separately.

Sights of Como

Places on the map

1Baradello Castle Hilltop fortress above Como that took part in nearly every war in Northern Italy
2Villa Olmo Neoclassical villa with a lakeside park, now the city's exhibition centre
3Como Cathedral (Duomo) The city's main church, built over almost four centuries
4Volta Temple Neoclassical museum on the waterfront with Alessandro Volta's belongings and inventions
5Giuseppe Garibaldi Historical Museum Villa Olginati, exhibits on Garibaldi and the life of local peasants
6Basilica of Sant'Abbondio Romanesque basilica with 14th-century frescoes
7Silk Museum History of the region's silk industry, looms and fabric samples
8Villa del Balbianello Terrace on a cape, filming location for "Star Wars" and Bond
9Villa Erba Renaissance-style estate, today a venue for exhibitions and receptions
10Villa Carlotta Botanical garden and sculptures by Canova
11Villa d'Este 16th-century Renaissance park, today a hotel
12Villa Pizzo Park with exotic plants between Cernobbio and Laglio
13Villa Monastero House-museum and botanical garden in Varenna
14Villa Cipressi Cypress park and pier in Varenna, today a hotel
15Nesso waterfall and gorge Gorge at the confluence of rivers, view from Piazza Castello or the Civero bridge
16Orrido di Bellano Bellano cliffs with a cascade and an illuminated walkway
17Monza racetrack Italian Grand Prix track, lap tours
18Torre Viscontea 14th-century tower of Lecco fortress, mountaineering museum on top
19Brunate village Viewpoint over the lake at 800 m, funicular from Como

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Lake Como?

For the town of Como and two nearby villas, one day is enough. To see the western shore with Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa d'Este, allow two to three days. For the full list of twenty places, plan a separate trip: the sights are spread across the lake's three branches, and getting between them takes a lot of time.

Do you need tickets in advance?

At Villa del Balbianello, booking is mandatory: without it you can't enter the park, and groups are capped at sixteen people (per the booking rules). For Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero, also buy tickets online, especially in July and August. The Como Cathedral and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio have free entry, so no booking is needed there.

When is the best time to go?

The villas are open from spring to autumn, and the gardens look their best in May and June. In summer there are lines for ferries and ticket offices, but all lake navigation is running.

What can you see for free?

The Como Cathedral, Basilica di Sant'Abbondio, and the city's waterfronts require no ticket. The Villa Olmo park is also open for walks; you only pay for exhibitions. You can climb to Castello Baradello freely, but entry to the fortress itself is only with a group.

How do you get to the villas without a car?

Buses and ferries run between Como and the western shore; tickets are sold at the pier. Varenna is easier to reach by train, train schedules on Trip.com. Bus C10 goes to Lenno, and from there you can walk up to Villa del Balbianello or take a boat.

In short: what's worth booking

If you only have one day, go with Duomo di Como, Villa Olmo, and a walk along the waterfront. If you have two or three days, add Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, and book their tickets online in advance. For panoramic views, head up to Brunate; for nature, make your way to Orrido di Bellano. Look for accommodation on the lake early: hotels on Lake Como on Trip.com.

20 Places on Lake Como: villas, cathedrals and gorges