Alessandro Volta Discovery
Self-Guided TourThis engaging narrative tour follows the footsteps of the city's most illustrious son, the physicist who invented the electric battery. It weaves through the streets to visit the places where he lived, studied, and fundamentally changed the world of science. The journey highlights the immense civic pride the city holds for him, evident in the numerous grand monuments dedicated in his honour. Along the way, the tour provides a glimpse into the intellectual atmosphere of the Enlightenment era in Italy. It is a brilliant way to combine sightseeing with an inspiring scientific biography.
SURFACE BREAKDOWN
ELEVATION PROFILE
WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE
It tells a cohesive, inspiring story of human ingenuity, anchoring abstract scientific history to beautiful, tangible locations. It offers a unique thematic lens through which to view the city's public art and architecture.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- • Take a moment to read the inscription on the base of the statue in Piazza Volta; it highlights his specific scientific achievements.
- • The Life Electric sculpture is located at the end of a long pier, which also offers fantastic photo opportunities of the city skyline.
- • The Tempio Voltiano requires a small entrance fee, but the collection of original batteries and equipment is well worth it.
- 1VIEWPOINT
Volta Lighthouse
FARO VOLTIANOLook up at this high-altitude tower that illuminates the night sky with the colours of the Italian flag, built to celebrate his centenary.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1927, making it 99 years old
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architectural Styles
- Rationalism Of Lake Como
- Architects
- Gabriele Giussani
to next stop - 2NIGHTLIFE
Volta Square
PIAZZA VOLTAPay respects to the grand marble statue of the scientist that anchors this lively, elegant focal point of urban social life.
to next stop - 3PHOTO SPOT
Life Electric
Contemplate the sleek, mirrored steel curves of this contemporary sculpture that conceptually represents the electrical tension between two poles.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 2015, making it 11 years old
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architectural Styles
- Deconstructivism
- Architects
- Daniel Libeskind
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 4ATTRACTION
Volta Temple
TEMPIO VOLTIANOExamine the fascinating antique scientific instruments and personal belongings housed within this majestic, purpose-built neoclassical museum.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Annual Visitors
- 22,587 (2022)
- Exhibition Items
- 400
- Wi-Fi
- No
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architectural Styles
- Italian Neoclassical
- Architects
- Federico Frigerio
WEB & AMENITIES
FacilitiesArchive BuildingBookstoreLibraryPhoto ArchiveAccessibilityWheelchair Accessible
Other Self-Guided Tours
Check out other routes in Como
Roman & Medieval Footsteps
This deep dive into the past strips back the modern elegance to reveal the ancient bones of the city. The route highlights the strategic military origins of the Roman settlement before tracing the dramatic expansion and fortification during the turbulent medieval period. Walkers will encounter subtle ruins hidden below street level alongside massive, unavoidable stone towers that once guarded the gates. The tour explains how conflicts, particularly the devastating war with Milan, shaped the resilience and layout of the current streets. It offers a thrilling narrative of survival and architectural evolution.
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Rationalist Architecture Route
This fascinating tour explores the city's unexpectedly profound connection to the 1930s Italian Rationalist movement. Led by the visionary local architect Giuseppe Terragni, this style sought to express pure function and modern ideals through stark geometric forms and innovative use of concrete and glass. The route connects several masterpieces that stand in bold, deliberate contrast to the city's classical and medieval heritage. It provides deep insight into a pivotal era of European design and the political climate that shaped it. Architecture enthusiasts will find this an absolutely essential intellectual journey.
view route
Alternative Ways to Tour the City
Switch your pace. Discover curated routes by bike, foot, or self-guided exploration.
Walled City Stroll
Meandering through the historic heart of the city reveals a captivating labyrinth of cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. The stroll allows you to trace the footprint of the original Roman camp, evident in the straight, intersecting alleys that remain today. Flanked by tall, pastel-coloured buildings with shuttered windows, the route is rich in charming details, hidden courtyards, and small artisan boutiques. The absence of heavy traffic makes it a remarkably peaceful urban experience. It feels like stepping into a living museum where every corner holds a piece of history.
Lakeside Villas Route
A spectacularly scenic journey that hugs the western shoreline, offering uninterrupted views of the deep water and opulent architecture. The path glides past a succession of magnificent historic estates, each boasting elaborate gardens that spill down to the water's edge. The terrain is largely flat as it follows the contours of the shoreline, making it ideal for a leisurely pace. The fresh breeze off the water keeps the ride cool and refreshing, while the continuous visual splendour provides constant motivation. It perfectly encapsulates the aristocratic charm that makes this region world-famous.