PH Maurizio Moro
Nicknamed the “Balcony of the Alps,” and certainly not by chance, Brunate is a charming village overlooking Lake Como. Connected to the city by a convenient (and very popular!) funicular, it represents the ideal destination for spring trips and more. Moreover, Brunate’s beauty remains unchanged in every season of the year, offering its fortunate visitors an unforgettable stay full of beauty. Let’s then discover together something more about its history.
History of Brunate
The history of Brunate dates back to the distant 6th century B.C., when the territory was colonized by the Celts and the Etruscans. But for the actual foundation of the city, it was necessary to wait for the arrival of the Romans, who built the first walls and towers. In the second half of the 12th century, the city managed to become a Free Commune, but already in 1240, it was annexed again to Como.
The foundation of the Monastery of Sant’Andrea, which took place in 1340, transformed Brunate into a place of refuge and prayer. It was only in the second half of the 19th century that the village began to become a real holiday resort: during this period, numerous villas began to be built, while the favorable climate and beautiful views did the rest.
However, the village continued to remain rather isolated, at least until 1817. In that year, a severe famine broke out, leading to the construction of a mule track (the famous “via delle Scalette”) connecting Brunate with Como. Almost half a century later, a drivable road was also built, but the real turning point came with the construction of the aforementioned funicular, which definitively established the village as a tourist destination.
What to See
With the advent of the funicular, officially inaugurated on November 11, 1894, visiting Brunate became much easier. Although it is currently possible to reach it by car, traveling along the Como – Brunate municipal road, or the provincial road starting from the city of Tavernerio, the panoramic funicular remains at the top of people’s preferences. Among the many beauties that can be admired in the village are:
- the charming historic center;
- the Voltiano Lighthouse;
- the eclectic and liberty style villas;
- the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo;
- the sanctuary of Santa Rita da Cascia.
But Brunate is not only known for its artistic beauties. Thanks to its breathtaking panorama, especially on beautiful days, it is possible to gaze from the skyscrapers of Milan to the western Alpine arc, simultaneously embracing the landscape of the Po Valley and the Apennines.
Visiting Brunate therefore means immersing oneself in a place of history and culture, admiring at the same time the suggestive panoramas of Lake Como and treating oneself (at least) to a day away from the chaos of the city and the hectic everyday life.
How to Get to Brunate
If you want to visit the village of Brunate, the funicular starting from Como is certainly the most suggestive and panoramic way. Alternatively, you can drive along one of the two roads we mentioned. Another solution is to arrive in Como by train and then take the funicular, which is only a 5-minute walk from Como Laghi station.