Como
The most important center is Como, the city that gives its name to the lake, with its valuable monuments, the pretty old town and the suggestive views. If boats and hydrofoils are an excellent opportunity to admire the city and fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Cathedral of Como (Duomo)
Considered one of the most beautiful monuments in northern Italy, the Como Cathedral is a complex and articulated building, started in 1396 and completed in 1740 with the elevation of the dome by Filippo Juvara, architect of the King of Sardinia. The Gothic-style interior is divided into three naves divided by 10 pillars and retains numerous works of considerable importance. Among these: paintings by Bernardino Luini (Adoration of the Magi) and Gaudenzio Ferrari (Marriage of the Virgin and Flight into Egypt), Renaissance tapestries (some based on designs by Giuseppe Arcimboldi), the sixteenth-century altarpiece of Sant'Abbondio, protector of the city, the temple baptismal font from 1590 and the two Romanesque stylofori lions from the ancient church of Santa Maria.
Admission Not Included
Broletto
Built in 1215, the Palazzo del Broletto is a splendid example of 15th century marble Gothic art. Initially it was the seat of the Palazzo Comunale, later it was used as a theater in the eighteenth century, as a state archive and is currently home to art exhibitions. The palace, located in the center of the city, represents the symbol of the municipal institutions that wanted to be placed in a strategic position of predominance between the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. ( exterior only )
Admission Not Included
Basilica of Saint Abundius
Built at the end of the 11th century on the area of the early Christian church dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the basilica of Sant'Abbondio is a magnificent example of Lombard Romanesque architecture as well as a masterpiece of the Comacini masters, or of those masons - architects - sculptors who spread the Lombard style, not only in Italy but also throughout Europe. Built by Benedictine monks, the church dedicated to the fourth bishop of Como underwent significant alterations since the 16th century which altered its original appearance, fortunately recovered thanks to the restoration carried out in the 19th century.
Lugano
Lugano - the largest city in the Ticino holiday region, as well as being the third largest financial center and an important congress, banking and business center in Switzerland, is also the city of parks and flower gardens, villas and of religious buildings. With its typically Mediterranean atmosphere, Lugano offers all the advantages of a cosmopolitan city while maintaining its spirit of a citizen on a human scale.
