Construction of the Cathedral of Como started in 1396. However, it took quite some time before the work was finished. The biggest attraction of the church is the lavishly decorated facade, with sculptural works by Gianni Rodari and his helpers.
Como Cathedral
Useful information
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 22100 Como. Phone: +39 031 3312275. Opening times: Monday to Friday from 09:30 till 17:30, Saturday from 10:45 till 16:30 and Sunday from 13:00 till 16:30. Ticket price: Free. (Note that prices and times may be subject to change.)
History and description
The Duomo of Como was constructed to replace an earlier building. The first Cathedral had been built in 1015. its architectural style was Romanesque.
Its construction was finished in 1740, when Filippo Juvarra’s dome was completed. Javarra was the court architect of the King of Sardinia.
The Gothic facade is characterized by its spires and pinnacles. The sculptures adorning the facade were generally made by the workshop of Gianni Rodari.
The two aediculae flanking the main portal are dedicated to Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger.
The right hand portal is known as the “Portal of the Frog”. It owes this name to the frog sculpted on the pilaster.
The interior is also Gothic. The three naves are separated by ten pillars.
What to see
Lions
The two lions were taken from the first Cathedral of the city.
Paintings
Bernardo Luini painted the “Adoration of the Magi”.
Gaudenzio Ferrari was responsible for the “Flight to Egypt” and the “Wedding of the Virgin”.
Tapestries
There are several Renaissance tapestries. Some of these were based on designs by Giuseppe Arcimboldi.
Como Cathedral
Map