So far in our Moving To series, we have covered beautiful towns in both Spain and France with Toledo and Versailles respectively. This week, we are taking a look at a town in Italy. It is not an exaggeration to say that the country is spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning places. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers an endless array of picturesque towns and cities that capture the country’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Como is a small city in Northern Italy with a total population of around 85,000. The historic centre of Como, with its population of around 5,000, is a charming and peaceful place to live, and the focus of this week’s Moving To. The centre of the old town is quite small, with narrow streets and beautiful architecture dating back to the Roman era.
Despite its small size, the population density and tourism help create a lively and bustling atmosphere, especially during the summer months. Como’s location on the shores of Lake Como adds to its charm, with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Its mild and sunny climate makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring on foot. With its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and relaxed pace of life, Como is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle in Italy.
Como also has a rich cultural heritage, with its historic centre featuring an impressive array of architectural styles. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta; Duomo di Como, a stunning example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14th century. Other notable landmarks include the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the famous scientist Alessandro Volta, and the Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa situated on the shores of Lake Como.
Como is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Museo Civico di Como, which features a collection of art and artefacts related to the city’s history and culture. The city’s cultural heritage is celebrated yearly with festivals like Como Città della Musica festival, which showcase the city’s artistic and cultural diversity.
Leisure
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Como is an excellent destination. As you know, the city is situated on the shores of Lake Como, surrounded by the stunning Alpine mountains, providing visitors with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The lake offers a variety of water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, while the surrounding mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, and rock climbing. The Parco Regionale Spina Verde and the Lago di Como Greenway are popular destinations for hiking and cycling, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
Hang
One of the big advantages of living in Como is the city’s location, which is nestled between the Italian Alps and the stunning Lake Como, and just a short distance from Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, which is easily accessible by train. Como is a city with a fantastic selection of options for those who enjoy drinks, wines, and food.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy drinks and cocktails, Bar Hemingway and Vintage Jazz are great options. Enoteca Castiglioni and Enoteca da Gigi are two wine shops that offer carefully selected wines from Italy and Europe, and at the latter, you can also taste wines by the glass. Captain Drake is a wine shop where you can also taste wines by the glass.
Passalacqua is a historic private villa that offers romantic gourmet dinners, informal al fresco lunches, and breezy, light Italian plates. The Passalacqua Spa offers wellness options for body and mind. Restaurants in Como, such as Mistral, offer traditional dishes inspired by the seasons, including molecular cuisine, while Il Sereno al Lago is the premier dining experience in Lake Como, offering a Michelin-starred menu focusing on raw ingredients. In addition to food and drinks, Como also offers a unique co-working space, WIP Creative, and a fitness boutique called MOV, which provides personalised and flexible training for psychophysical well-being.
Real Estate Resources
Immobiliare.it: This is one of the largest and most well-known real estate websites in Italy. It offers a wide range of properties for sale and rent, including apartments, villas, and commercial properties.
Idealista.it: Idealista is another popular real estate website in Italy that offers a comprehensive range of properties for sale or rent. It also provides useful information and guides on buying or renting properties in Italy.
Casa.it: Casa.it is a popular real estate website that offers a wide range of properties for sale or rent, including residential and commercial properties.
Tecnocasa.it: Tecnocasa is a real estate franchise in Italy that offers a range of properties for sale or rent. It also provides useful information on the real estate market in Italy.
Gabetti.it: Gabetti is another popular real estate franchise in Italy that offers a wide range of properties for sale or rent. It also provides useful information and services related to real estate transactions in the country.
Gate-away.com: Gate-away is a real estate website that specialises in offering properties for sale in Italy to foreign buyers. It offers a wide range of properties across Italy, including villas, apartments, and country houses.