Top Attractions in Brunate

Brunate Essentials

Perched 700 meters above Lake Como, Brunate features a concentration of Art Nouveau architecture and historic landmarks. This collection includes the 1894 funicular connecting the village to Como, the octagonal Faro Voltiano lighthouse built to honor Alessandro Volta, and several Liberty-style structures like the Grand Hotel Milano and Villa Pirotta Bonacossa. Religious sites include the 15th-century Eremo di San Donato and the parish church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, which houses the relics of Maddalena Albrici.

Brunate Essentials — Map

Aleksei Medvedev / CC-BY-SA

A

Faro Voltiano

An octagonal tower built in 1927 to commemorate the centenary of Alessandro Volta's death. Standing 29 meters tall, it offers panoramic views across the Alps to Monte Rosa.

B

Brunate - Funicolare

The upper station of the historic cable railway opened in 1894, linking the city of Como to the mountain village. It remains a primary transport link and a notable piece of engineering history.

Swiss79 / Public domain

C

Chiesa di Sant'Andrea Apostolo

A 14th-century parish church rebuilt in the late 19th century. It features a Baroque interior and preserves the remains of the Blessed Maddalena Albrici, a former abbess of the local monastery.

D

Piz Belvedere

A scenic observation point located near the village center, providing panoramic views of the western branch of Lake Como, the city below, and the surrounding Alpine peaks.

Aspich / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Grand Hotel Milano

A prominent example of Liberty-style architecture designed by architect Achille Manfredini between 1910 and 1911. It served as a luxury retreat for the Lombardy elite during the early 20th century.

F

Villa Pirotta Bonacossa

An Art Nouveau villa designed by Como architect Federico Frigerio in 1902. It is characterized by its ornate facade and decorative ironwork typical of the Liberty style.

G

Eremo di San Donato

A former Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15th century. The complex includes a church with Renaissance frescoes and was later converted into a private residence.

H

Chiesa di San Maurizio

A small church located in the San Maurizio hamlet near the lighthouse, serving as a focal point for local religious traditions and a landmark for mountain hikers.