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Cathedral · Como, Lombardia
Duomo di Como
Marble cathedral built between the 14th and 18th centuries, combining Gothic and Renaissance elements, with a dome by Filippo Juvarra and statues of the two Plinys on the façade.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Duomo di Como
The cathedral of Como, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, began to be built in 1396 on the site of a Romanesque church and was only completed in 1770 when the dome designed by Filippo Juvarra was erected. For that reason it mixes the Gothic of the façade and nave with the Renaissance of the transept and the Baroque of the dome.
The marble façade, worked by the Rodari brothers, has a rare detail: beside the main door are the statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, two Roman writers born in Como, placed in a Christian church as a tribute to the city.
Inside, the tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries hung between the columns and the paintings by Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari on the side altars stand out. Beside the cathedral are the Broletto, the former medieval town hall with bands of white, gray and pink stone, and the civic tower.
Outside service times the cathedral is open for tourist visits, which may require a ticket: check before you go. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
40 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning or mid-afternoon, outside mass times. The façade looks beautiful in the late-afternoon light.
How to get there
Piazza del Duomo, in the historic center. A 10-minute walk from Como San Giovanni station and 5 minutes from Como Nord Lago and the boat pier.
Tip
Look for the statues of the two Plinys beside the main door. After the visit, Piazza Cavour and the lungolago are two blocks away.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Duomo di Como
How long did it take to build the Duomo di Como?
Almost four centuries: work began in 1396 and finished in 1770, with the dome by Filippo Juvarra.
Who are the statues beside the door?
Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, Roman writers born in Como. They were placed on the façade as the city's homage.
Do you have to pay to enter?
Tourist visits outside worship times may require a ticket. Check before you go.