Thanks to its importance as a communications outpost to the Romans, the town of Como has been on the map since prehistorical times. Nowadays, the town's two major industries are textiles and tourism. Como is famed for the quality of its silk products, as well as for its production of furniture, and the area attracts millions of tourists each year, according to the Como Guide website. Many tourists use the town as a base to explore Lake Como and the countryside.
Tourists are sure to admire Como's architecture, which remains impressive throughout the town's center. Sights include Como's Duomo, completed the 19th century and modified over a number of centuries to include features from both the Renaissance and Gothic schools, among others. Elsewhere, tourists can spot the town's gateway, the Porta Vittoria, built in medieval times, or Como's older cathedral, San Fedele.
The town's medieval quarter carries a historic atmosphere of its own, bringing the period to life with its narrow streets and wooden houses.
Como's tourists can explore the history and development of the area. You'll find, for example, museums celebrating the silk trade that has contributed substantially to Como's economy over the years, as well as an archaeological exhibition that documents the Roman origins of the town. Elsewhere, nearby Ghisallo boasts a cycling museum, dedicated to Italian cycling legends such as Coppi and Girardengo.
Of course, tourists staying in Como can enjoy Lake Como itself, which offers sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and paddling. The lake, which at 1,350 feet is one of the deepest in Europe, is in the midst of a mountainous area, surrounded by unspoiled woodland, along with picturesque villages.
Many tourists come to Como to take advantage of the range of sporting activities afforded by the town's position. Travelers can enjoy the lake's selection of water sports, aided by the area's two reliable winds, named Breva and Tivano, which all but guarantee the success of activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The North Lake Como website notes that the Lake is famed for its sailing clubs, too. Meanwhile, adventurous tourists can learn to pilot a seaplane at the nearby Flying School.
