Roman & Medieval Footsteps
Self-Guided TourThis 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.
SURFACE BREAKDOWN
ELEVATION PROFILE
WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE
It transforms a casual walk through the old town into an exciting historical detective story, revealing the layers of civilisation that built the city. Seeing the Roman foundations near the medieval towers clearly illustrates the dramatic passage of time.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- • Take note of the street layout inside the walls; the rigid grid system is a direct holdover from the Roman military camp.
- • The Roman Bath ruins are viewed from street level looking down, making them accessible at any time without a ticket.
- • The interior of San Fedele is relatively dark, so allow your eyes a moment to adjust to fully appreciate the ancient stonework.
- 1HIDDEN GEM
Roman Baths
TERME DI COMO ROMANALook down into the excavated remains of an expansive thermal bath complex that once served the elite of the ancient settlement.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Architectural Styles
- Ancient Roman
to next stop - 2ARCHITECTURE
Basilica of San Fedele
BASILICA DI SAN FEDELEEnter this beautifully preserved Romanesque church, renowned for its distinctive, intricately carved stone doorways and ancient layout.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architectural Styles
- RomanesqueBaroque
to next stop - 3WAYPOINT
Pretorian Gate
PORTA PRETORIADiscover the heavy stone foundations of the original eastern entrance to the Roman camp, a rare and tangible link to antiquity.
to next stop - 4MARKET
Tower Gate
PORTA TORREStand beneath the awe-inspiring height of this medieval defensive structure, built to protect the town from future invasions.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1192, making it 834 years old
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architectural Styles
- Romanesque
Other Self-Guided Tours
Check out other routes in Como
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.
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Alessandro Volta Discovery
This 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.
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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.