Current Time in Como, Italy

Como is a historic city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Como — one of the deepest and most scenically spectacular lakes in Europe — just a short distance from the Swiss border. With a population of approximately 85,000, it serves as the capital of the Province of Como and as the principal urban center around what is arguably the most beautiful lake in Italy. Known for its silk industry, its magnificent Gothic cathedral, and the extraordinary natural and architectural beauty of the surrounding lakeside landscape, Como has been a destination for wealthy travelers and artists since the Roman era.

Como was founded by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony around 59 BC under the name Novum Comum, and it developed into a prosperous city within the broader Roman world. The elder and younger Pliny — Pliny the Elder, author of the Natural History, and his nephew Pliny the Younger, famous for his letters describing the eruption of Vesuvius — were both born in Como, and their legacy is celebrated throughout the city. Several Como citizens also played important roles in the development of Renaissance art and architecture, most notably the Maestri Comacini — traveling master builders from the Como region who were instrumental in spreading Romanesque architectural techniques across Europe.

The Cathedral of Como, begun in the late fourteenth century and completed only in the eighteenth century, is one of the finest examples of Gothic-Renaissance architecture in Lombardy. Its elaborate facade features a series of richly carved portals and statues — including, notably, flanking figures of the two Plinys — while the interior contains important tapestries and paintings. The Broletto, a thirteenth-century town hall adjacent to the cathedral, is one of the oldest civic buildings in Lombardy. The Porta Torre, a medieval tower gate, is another prominent landmark of the old city.

Como's silk industry has flourished since the fifteenth century, and the city remains the center of Italian silk production and one of the most important silk-producing areas in the world. Many of the world's leading fashion houses source their fabrics from the Como area, and the city's silk manufacturers supply some of the finest textiles in existence. The Museo della Seta documents the history and techniques of silk production, from the mulberry trees and silkworms through to the weaving and finishing processes that produce Como's distinctive fabrics.

Lake Como itself is the principal attraction for most visitors. The lake, 46 kilometers long and reaching depths of 410 meters, is lined with an extraordinary succession of aristocratic villas and their gardens, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval church towers reflected in the still water. Villa del Balbianello near Lenno, Villa Carlotta near Tremezzo, and Villa d'Este in Cernobbio are among the most celebrated properties on the lake, the last now operating as a legendary luxury hotel. The lakeside promenade in Como itself, the funicular railway to the hilltop village of Brunate, and the network of ferries and hydrofoils connecting the various lakeside communities all contribute to the pleasure of exploring this extraordinary landscape.

Como is home to the University of Insubria and several other educational institutions that maintain the city's intellectual vitality. The city's transport connections are excellent, with regular trains to Milan (about 40 minutes) and direct services to Switzerland. Como Airport, though small, provides some international connections, and Milan's major airports are easily accessible by road and rail.

Como combines historical significance, architectural beauty, industrial heritage, and natural splendor in a setting of incomparable elegance. Whether exploring the cathedral, visiting a silk museum, or taking a ferry across the shimmering lake toward a waterfront villa, visitors invariably find themselves enchanted by a destination that has justified its reputation for centuries.