Como

Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, northern Italy, and the capital of the Province of Como. It lies at the southwestern tip of Lake Como, about 40 to 50 kilometers north of Milan. The town’s history spans from ancient times, with Roman influence followed by medieval development as a regional center for silk manufacturing and trade. In the modern era, Como remained known for its textile industry, particularly silk, a tradition that influenced the local economy, craft, and architecture. The city today has a population of roughly 80,000 to 85,000 residents.

The historic center features a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral, the Duomo di Como, along with the Basilica of San Fedele and the neoclassical Tempio Voltiano, a museum honoring Alessandro Volta, the scientist born in Como. Brunate, a hill offering panoramic views, is accessible by a funicular from the town center. The lakeside promenade and villas such as Villa Olmo are popular with visitors. Como serves as a gateway to the lake region, attracting tourists who also explore nearby communes and scenic towns around the lake.

Transportation links connect Como to Milan and northern Italy by the Milan–Chiasso railway and a network of roads along the lake. The city also provides services to nearby attractions and hosts cultural events, markets, and exhibitions that reflect its historical role as a center of industry and design.

Notable natives include Alessandro Volta, whose work in electricity is commemorated locally. The term Como also appears in other places and contexts, but this article concerns the Italian city.