The funicular Como-Brunate (Funicolare Como - Brunate) connects Como with the settlement Brunate, is also one of the main attractions of these areas. The historic funicular was opened in 1894 and still works today.
On the funicular up from Como to the top of a hill in Brunate, as well as to descend from Brunate to Como.
Brunate itself is an interesting town (municipality), but rather a small ancient village, full of mysteries and legends, but especially attract tourists with the incredible beauty of the panoramic views from many points Brunate to Como, lake Como and the Italian Alps. So if you decide to visit Como, we, with all confidence, recommend a ride on the funicular and walk around Brunate.
The lower cable car station is located on the waterfront in Como, Piazza de Gasperi Alcide.
Opening hours cable car: daily from 06:00 until 22:30 o'clock in the evening in winter, Saturday and summer until 24:00 hours. December 25, the cable car operates until 12:30 PM.
The fare on the cable car there and back per person is € 5,70. Attention! Opening hours of the cable car and the fare are subject to change, please check before you travel. Official site of the funicular Como-Brunate.
With a journey time of 7-10 minutes. The ticket must be maintained until the way back, you will need it when boarding the funicular. The funicular consists of a single trailer, just run two cars, with both stations of the funicular cabins leaves at the same time, about the middle, they are leaving.
The views from the cable car when lifting
The views from the cable car while descending
The upper station of the funicular
Brunate, Como, Italy
Brunate (Brunate) is a small municipality, subject to the administrative centre of Como and is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Como. In addition to the funicular, Como and Brunate are linked steep, narrow winding road.
In Brunate is home to only about 1,800 residents, but in summer during the high tourist season, the village, due to the large quantity of tourists, it becomes much more populated.
Brunate has a rich history, so walking around its streets, you can see beautiful old villas, mansions and small homes. Also Brunate is known for its amazing nature, fresh air and, as already mentioned above, the stunning panoramic views.
In the surroundings of Brunate offers a range of outdoor activities such as Hiking and Cycling.
Once at the top station of the funicular nahoditsya observation deck and café. From the observation deck open to views of lake Como and the surrounding area.
Following from the observation deck left along the road for a few minutes, go to the second observation deck. The views from this point on the Como, the best around Brunate.
Next well take a stroll through the narrow and winding streets of Brunate, following the small Church of the Madonna of Pompeii (Chiesa della Madonna di Pompei)
Chiesa della Madonna di Pompei
Near the Church is a natural Park, a walk which, in summer, can provide a lot of positive emotions. We were in Brunate in the month of January, therefore, to walk around alone at that time of the year the Park went.
The main attraction Brunate Church square (Piazza Chiesa) with a dominant and decoration of Brunate - the Catholic Church of Sant'andrea Apostolo or the Holy Apostle Andrew the first-called (Chiesa Sant' Andrea Apostolo). The exterior of the Church, first of all, it is interesting that it has two facades.
This parish Church dedicated to the patron Saint of Brunate - Saint Andrew the Apostle. The earliest record is the mention of the Church dates back to the 14th century, at the time, according to historians, the Church was combined with the monastery which was later destroyed. Between 1914 and 1927 the Church was reconstructed and expanded (hence the two fronts).
Piazza Chiesa, which also offers views of lake Como and the surrounding area
In Brunate, on almost every corner, you can see these are the signs, which lists attractions and distance to those. So getting lost is unlikely to succeed))
Passing from the Church in Roma street (Via Roma) and after on the street Pizzarotti (Via Pissarottino) follow to the next observation deck (Observation deck Brunate). On the way, also admiring the views and architecture of this lovely village.
An observation deck with views of lake Como, opposite Bank, such communes as: Tavernola (Tavernola) and Cernobbio (Cernobbio), and the surrounding area. Since Como is in close proximity to the Swiss border, then the review appears and a part of Switzerland.
From the lookout point back to the Central square, from where our journey to San Maurizio, the following attractions Brunate.
This section of the road you can see the old tower and part of the wall.
A small but pleasant area, the perimeter of which is located: the old Catholic Church of San Maurizio (Chiesa San Maurizio), a bus stop, a bar (open in summer), restaurant, pizzeria café and species.
Just above the square is the city Park (Parco Pubblico). So-so Park but quiet.
Passing along the Park, go to another interesting area Convenient to Volta Lighthouse "Faro of Voltiano" (Faro Voltiano di Brunate). Because of color beams (white, green and red) and the light in the dark, the lighthouse can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers.
Lighthouse name Volt was built in 1927 in memory of Alessandro Volta, the great physicist and native of Como, who for a short time lived in Brunate. The lighthouse is an octagonal tower with a height of 29 meters, in which is located a spiral staircase. In the high tourist season on the upper platform of the lighthouse you can climb.
Cost of tickets: 2 € adults, 1 € children under 18 years of age and groups of 15 or more, free access to disabled persons, tourist guides and guide teachers.
Hours are Volta Lighthouse: from October 30 to March 31. Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10:00 to 17:30 hours. From Monday to Friday in case of bad weather, the lighthouse is closed to the public.
With this lighthouse is one the beautiful legend of "Kanyapella" (Kangucavallo)
According to legend, Kanyawara was born in a time when the lighthouse was built. Once upon a time poor family of four: mother, father and their two children (10 and 3 years) made a very long way to get to the lighthouse. But by the time, until they came to S. Maurizio, they are pretty exhausted and tired, and ahead still had to drive the stairs to the lighthouse, the youngest child couldn't climb the stairs because the steps were too high for him. Looking at the tricolor beams of the lighthouse, the father said, "I Wish the horse could carry my wife, my daughter and me, and kangaroo, my youngest son in my bag. And then a miracle happened, he got his wish, at that moment there was Kanyawara, half-horse, half-kangaroo, picked up the family and returned safely to the lighthouse.
Since then, Kagalwala became sacred for the inhabitants of the San Maurizio and some serendipitous symbol of the lighthouse. Say, Kanyawara really exists, but is hidden from human eyes somewhere in the woods near Brunate. They also say that it is a very gentle animal, which can easily become your friend, but only if you are pure soul. Also, Kanyawara very freedom-loving, so if you meet him, do not try to tame him, because he can't have something to lock or to force to do what he wants.
Near the lighthouse is an observation deck. In our opinion, the best views from Brunate are opened with this viewpoint, and also with the one described earlier, that is a little left from the top station of the funicular to Brunate.
Views of lake Como, the mountains and the area is amazingly beautiful, but like everything in life, for everybody to enjoy, you need to be a fan of the species lookouts.
Returning to the Piazza and Church of San Maurizio, you can go a little higher and go to the old small Church - Sanctuary of Santa Rita (Santuario di Santa Rita). On the way, also admiring the view. There is also a bus stop.
Types of opening on the way to Church
The Church Of Santa Rita
Returning back to the top station of the funicular to the area of Bonamassa (Piazza Bonacossa), where there are cafes and a monument to the Gears of the cable car, we see another viewpoint. Types, but view was worth it.
On seeing the sights Brunate and a leisurely stroll through the city took us just over 6 hours. If you'd like to stay in Brunate, it is not difficult, the city has hotels and apartments, including those, which will open beautiful panoramic views:
- 3-star boutique hotel Bellavista Boutique Hotel in modern style with a restaurant and panoramic mountain views, is located in Central Brunate, 10 metres from the funicular. Room rates include Breakfast. It offers a sauna, a hot tub and rooms with parquet floors and antique furniture.
- Holiday home Villino Milli with a seasonal outdoor pool. Amenities include: free Wi-Fi and private Parking. The kitchen is equipped with oven and microwave.
- Bella Panoramica apartment Como overlooking Como lake or the mountains. The kitchen includes a microwave, a toaster, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. The private bathroom comes with a bath.
- Varesello 20 apartments with views of the surrounding forest, have an area of 70 sq. m. In the apartment: a rooftop terrace with a small pool and garden; free Wi-Fi and a computer with Internet access; fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher; living room with fireplace and 2 bathrooms.
- Villa Irma Brunate Como with barbecue facilities. It offers free Wi-Fi and free private Parking on site. Features include a Seating area, a terrace and/or balcony with mountain or garden views. The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, oven, toaster, fridge, oven and coffee machine.
- Hotel style "bed and Breakfast" Relais Villa Augustais located in a Villa of the early XX century on the hill overlooking lake Como, surrounded by a private garden. Room rates include Breakfast. Rooms with balcony are decorated in an individual style. In each room bathroom and a flat-screen TV.
- 3-star Locanda Milano , located on a hill, which offers panoramic views of lake Como. Breakfast included in some room rates. The rooms offer satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. The restaurant is famous for its local cuisine.
- 3-star Hotel Vista Lago is situated on the slope of the hill. Most rooms have a balcony. Rooms have parquet floors and are simply decorated. Features a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen satellite TV.
All accommodation facilities on Lake Como can be viewed and booked here
