Named after the lake, the town of Como is on the southern tip of the lake. It has a beautiful historic center and although there isn’t much to do except stroll on the church dotted streets, visit the palaces and walk the promenade, this town definitely warrants a visit. There is one more reason to visit this town, and that is silk. Como has a long history of silk manufacture dating back to the days of the Gaul.

Three trains a day travel between Milan and Como’s Stazione San Giovanni. The journey time is anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on the speed of the train.

The Como Tourist office is on Piazza Cavour 17. You can also visit the website on www.lakecomo.org. It is open between 9 am and 5 pm, closed for lunch between 1 and 2 pm. The town has another tourist office, which is on a trailer. It is parked on Via Maestri Comacini. This trailer is open seven days a week – 10 am to 6 pm (lunch between 12:30 and 2:30).

PIAZZA DEL DUOMO is bang in the center of the town. It is styled by both Gothis and Renaissance designs. The architecture duomo is simple fabulous. The dome was completed in the 18th century to the designs of Juvarra. 16th century tapestry and paintings decorate the interiors. Guarding the entrance are the town’s most famous sons - Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. You can visit it seven days a week between 7:30 and 12 noon and again from 3pm to 7pm.

Another church you must visit is SAN FEDELE. This is a 12th century, five-sided church has features dating back to the 6th century. It's open seven days a week between 8am and noon and again from 3:30pm to 7pm.

But the most magnificent church in tow is the BASCILICA OF SANT’ABBONDIO. Construction of the church extended between the 11th and 14th centuries. The frescoes were the last to be completed and are truly spectacular. It is situated just off Viale Roosevelt and is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm.

Head to PIAZZA CAVOUR and GIARDINI PUBLICI to enjoy the lake. Don’t forget to visit Tempio Voltano where the life and works of, the father of electricity, Alessandro Volta are displayed. Take a funicular ride (leaves every 15 mins) to Brunate’s summit for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.