Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral), Como (must see)
The reputably last Gothic cathedral built in Italy is the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It dominates the vast Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo) of Como City. Although considered Gothic, it has Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural style elements.
Construction began in 1396. Architect Lorenzo degli Spazzi was in charge. An earlier Romanesque church was demolished to make way for the cathedral. The impressive facade was built in the latter half of the 15th century. Construction was finished in 1770, with the completion of the dome by architect Filippo Juvarra.
Features of the facade include a rose window over the central portal. Pliny the Elder and his nephew, Pliny the Younger, distinguished natives of Como, sit in glass-enclosed niches on either side of the entrance. The cases protect the statues from the damaging effects of smoke and smog.
The 286-foot-long and 246-foot-wide cathedral has a Latin Cross plan. There are three naves and a Renaissance transept topped by a stunning dome. Sculptures on the facade have both Gothic and Renaissance aspects. Two tondos over the portal depict Adam and Eve. Near the rose window is a statue of God, surrounded by other statues representing the archangel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and the Resurrection.
There are paintings of Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, and the Adoration of the Shepherds by Bernardino Luini and Marriage of the Virgin by Gaudenzio Ferrari. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the cathedral was decorated with tapestries from Florence, Ferrara, and Antwerp.
The north entrance to the cathedral is called the "door of the frog." The entryway has a sculpture dating from 1400 of a frog catching a butterfly. It's good luck to touch the frog. According to the local legend, Lake Como once flooded the town. The water stopped at the level of the frog. The people of Como say the frog saved the city.
Construction began in 1396. Architect Lorenzo degli Spazzi was in charge. An earlier Romanesque church was demolished to make way for the cathedral. The impressive facade was built in the latter half of the 15th century. Construction was finished in 1770, with the completion of the dome by architect Filippo Juvarra.
Features of the facade include a rose window over the central portal. Pliny the Elder and his nephew, Pliny the Younger, distinguished natives of Como, sit in glass-enclosed niches on either side of the entrance. The cases protect the statues from the damaging effects of smoke and smog.
The 286-foot-long and 246-foot-wide cathedral has a Latin Cross plan. There are three naves and a Renaissance transept topped by a stunning dome. Sculptures on the facade have both Gothic and Renaissance aspects. Two tondos over the portal depict Adam and Eve. Near the rose window is a statue of God, surrounded by other statues representing the archangel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and the Resurrection.
There are paintings of Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, and the Adoration of the Shepherds by Bernardino Luini and Marriage of the Virgin by Gaudenzio Ferrari. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the cathedral was decorated with tapestries from Florence, Ferrara, and Antwerp.
The north entrance to the cathedral is called the "door of the frog." The entryway has a sculpture dating from 1400 of a frog catching a butterfly. It's good luck to touch the frog. According to the local legend, Lake Como once flooded the town. The water stopped at the level of the frog. The people of Como say the frog saved the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Como. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral)
Sight Location: Como, Italy (See walking tours in Como)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Como, Italy (See walking tours in Como)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Como, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Como
Creating your own self-guided walk in Como is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Como Introduction Walking Tour
The Roman writer Pliny the Younger wrote to his friend, "What is the news from Como, mine and your delight?" Como is a place of churches, gardens, temples, museums, parks, and palaces. Its nearness to spectacular Lake Como and the Swiss and Italian Alps has made the area a travelers' delight from the time of Pliny the Younger until today.
In the 1st century BC, none other than... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In the 1st century BC, none other than... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Como Lakeshore Walking Tour
English novelist Mary Shelley declared visitors to Italy are in danger of becoming: "enjoyers of the beauties of nature, the elegance of art, the delights of climate, the recollections of the past, and the pleasures of society." All this she found on the shores of Lake Como. From Roman writer Pliny the Younger onward, visitors and natives of Como would have agreed.
The alpine lake is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The alpine lake is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles