Location
Brunate, nicknamed “the balcony of the Alps”, overlooks the city of Como from above.
History
Repeatedly united with and then separated from Como over the course of its history, in 1340 it saw the founding of the monastery of Sant’Andrea. In the 19th century the construction of the “Sentierone” (the mule track from Via Tommaso Grossi, passing the former hermitage of San Donato) launched its tourist phase: many villas were built, and in 1894 the funicular railway was inaugurated, designed to attract tourists more than to serve residents. A local casino closed after the Second World War.
What to see
- Como-Brunate funicular: inaugurated in 1894, it covers 1,074 metres (500 metres of elevation gain) in about 6-7 minutes.
- Voltiano Lighthouse: an octagonal tower from 1927, 29 metres tall, built for the centenary of Alessandro Volta’s death; a spiral staircase of 143 steps and a 360° view over the lake (on clear days, as far as Monte Rosa). At night it emits green, white and red light in rotation.
- Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo: possibly 14th century, enlarged in the 20th century.
- Hermitage of San Donato: deconsecrated, along the Sentierone.
- The village: Liberty-style villas and panoramic viewpoints; the Campari fountain, one of twelve commissioned by the company in the 1930s.
What to do
From Brunate, hikes set off along the Strada Regia, the Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano (Monte Bolettone and Palanzone) or the ridge route towards Torno.
Festivities
30 November — Saint Andrew the Apostle, patron saint of Brunate.
Practical information
Funicular: departures run daily from 6:00 to midnight, with frequency varying by time of day.