What to do in Province of Como

Villa del Balbianello is set in a commanding location on the edge of a wooded promontory that juts out from the coastline. Stroll around the handsome building befitting this striking setting and find well-landscaped gardens and an interesting museum.

Villa Olmo is a magnificent late 18th-century neoclassical mansion overlooking the southwestern arm of Lake Como. Today, the former home of aristocrats and the wealthy elite is now a venue for important art exhibitions and other cultural activities. See works by great European artists and then enjoy a stroll through its beautiful baroque garden.

The Funicular Como-Brunate is an historic funicular railway that connects the lakeside town of Como with the pretty alpine village of Brunate. Admire sweeping views of Lake Como and rugged hills as you climb, and then traverse the countryside surrounding Brunate.

Elegant and animated Piazza Cavour is Como’s main square and a focal point of the city’s historic center. It is a place to enjoy views of Lake Como and its surrounding hills, to admire striking architecture and to be part of festivals and cultural events.

The waterfront Villa Carlotta holds a collection of fine art featuring works by Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez, as well as a glorious garden that blooms with sweetly scented flowers and shrubs. Browse the bounty of art inside, wander around one of Europe’s best displays of colorful flora and steal a moment’s peace in the traditional Japanese bamboo garden.