The two essential stops in Como city — the magnificent Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral (construction spanning 1396–1770) and the Museo della Seta (Silk Museum), documenting Como's 500-year history as Europe's silk capital.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Most visitors pass through Como without stopping — missing the finest Gothic-Renaissance cathedral in Lombardy and one of the most fascinating industrial museums in Italy. The Duomo (construction 1396–1770) contains Renaissance tapestries, a carved wooden choir, and Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger statues flanking the central portal — both born in Como. The Museo della Seta two streets away tells the complete story of Como's 500-year dominance of European silk weaving, with preserved Jacquard looms and the full production process on display. Two hours covers both.
What Stands Out
- Duomo: Gothic-Renaissance construction 1396–1770
- Pliny statues
- Renaissance tapestries
- Museo della Seta: Como's 500-year silk history — preserved looms and production process
- Both within 5 minutes walk of Como train station and ferry dock
- Most visitors skip Como entirely — both sites reward a 2-hour stop
- Como is 1 hour by train from Milan Centrale — easy day trip