A visit to Como · 4 hours
Como in 4 hours: the old town and lakefront
Only have half a day in Como? This walk brings together the Cathedral, the old-town squares and the lake, with a stop at Life Electric. Leave your car at Viale Innocenzo XI 14: the route starts and ends at Parcheggio Centro Como.
© Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, GIS User Community
The route
Car park · Piazza Volta · Porta Torre · San Fedele · Cathedral · Piazza Cavour · Life Electric · Volta Temple · Car park
Times show how long has passed since leaving the car park and include walking and stops. They are a planning guide, not measured journey times. Links open each section in Google Maps.
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0:00–0:45 from the start
Piazza Volta, Porta Torre and Piazza San Fedele
From the car park, walk to the Alessandro Volta monument in the centre of Piazza Volta, then continue to Porta Torre. Carry on to Piazza San Fedele, stop in front of the basilica and spend a few minutes exploring the surrounding lanes, small shops and window displays.
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0:45–1:30 from the start
Como Cathedral and the Broletto
Head to Piazza Duomo and take in the Cathedral façade and the Broletto together. You can use part of the stop for a short visit inside, subject to visitor access, tickets and services.
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1:30–2:00 from the start
Piazza Cavour and your first view of the lake
Walk down to Piazza Cavour and take a break by the lake. Snap a few photos, watch the boats and continue towards Lungolago Mafalda di Savoia, where the walk along the breakwater begins.
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2:00–2:50 from the start
Life Electric and Como from the water
Follow the breakwater to Daniel Libeskind’s sculpture dedicated to Alessandro Volta. At the end, turn back towards the city: Como’s skyline from the water is the view to capture. Then return to the start of the breakwater.
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2:50–3:40 from the start
Volta Temple and a break in the gardens
Walk to the Volta Temple to admire its exterior and relax in the lakeside gardens. The short route does not include the museum, leaving time for a coffee, gelato and a few photos before heading back.
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3:40–4:00 from the start
Return to Parcheggio Centro Como
Leave the lakefront and return to the entrance at Viale Innocenzo XI 14. The itinerary includes this final leg, so your visit ends exactly where you left the car.
Before you set off
- The 4 hours include walking, stops and the return to the car park. If you would like a relaxed lunch and a longer lakeside walk, choose the 6-hour route.
- The Volta Temple is viewed from outside on this route. To visit the museum, shorten the other stops or allow more time.
- Start with the directions to Porta Torre via the Alessandro Volta monument in Piazza Volta: this landmark is already included in the route.
One walk, one car park.
The route ends at Viale Innocenzo XI 14. Check the rates before setting out and keep the directions to the car park handy.