Como in the rain: the Duomo, silk and indoor museums
In the rain the lake loses some of its charm, but Como has plenty to offer indoors: a cathedral between Gothic and Renaissance, the museums of silk and of Alessandro Volta, and a small walled town where you get around on foot from a church to a shop. Here is how to spend the day.
The Duomo and the walled town
The Duomo di Como is a cathedral between Gothic and Renaissance, with a large dome. It is the natural first stop on a rainy day, in the heart of the walled town.
From the Duomo, the historic centre is explored on foot: distances are short and you easily move from a church to a shop or a café. Opening times and visiting rules should be checked before you go out.
The Museo della Seta
Como has been a capital of silk for centuries. The Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) tells its story through looms and machinery: an indoor visit that explains the city well. It is outside the walled town; to get there, see Getting around Como.
After the museum, you will find silk again in the shops in the centre selling ties, scarves and accessories in Como silk, listed in our guide A weekend in Como.
The Tempio Voltiano
On the lakeshore, the Tempio Voltiano is the museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Como native who invented the battery. You reach it with a walk along the lakefront, umbrella in hand: the visit is indoors.
The Basilica di Sant’Abbondio
A masterpiece of Lombard Romanesque, the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio is recognisable by its two bell towers. It is just outside the walled town: a quiet stop for lovers of medieval architecture.
Breaks and plan Bs
- A warm lunch: our guide «Dove andare a Como» (Where to go in Como) includes traditional osterias in the historic centre, a trattoria with lake fish behind the Duomo and a fish restaurant in a former deconsecrated church. Opening times and bookings should be checked with the restaurants.
- Funicular to Brunate: it climbs the mountain in 7 minutes. With low clouds, though, the view of the lake can disappear: better to save it for a clear day.
- Boats: autumn timetables change and in bad weather services may be altered. Check the official notices before setting off.
- Events: every year in early October there is Orticolario at Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, and the Festival della Luce returns with dates that change from one edition to the next. Check dates and venues: not all events are indoors.
Looking for a place to stay in Como? You'll find our homes below.
More guides on Como: Como with children, Lake Como food in Como and Como in the evening. Some of our homes in Como: Sailboat House, on two levels; Attic apartment in Como’s historic centre; Nest with Views of Como Cathedral. Or see all properties.