The views from the funicular and the Brunate lighthouse

Stepping aboard the Como–Brunate funicular, which opened in 1894 – initially steam-powered and later electrified – is like taking a journey back in time. Each journey takes seven minutes and, once you reach the terminus, you can enjoy exciting scenic walks, for example to the source of the Pissarottino, from where you can admire the entire northern basin of the lake, Villa d’Este, Villa Erba and Monte Rosa. Some choose to walk to the Hermitage of San Donato, which originated from a 15th-century convent. Another destination is Montepiatto and perhaps the ‘Pietra Pendula’ – a boulder of ghiandone stone from Val Masino, resting on a mushroom-shaped limestone base – and from there, continue on to Torno near the church of San Giovanni before finally returning to Como by boat. And how could one not be surprised to find oneself standing before an authentic lighthouse on the summit of Monte Tre Croci, in the San Maurizio area of Brunate: it was designed in 1927 by the engineer Gabriele Giussani, as a gift from the city of Como to Alessandro Volta on the centenary of his death. This octagonal tower stands 29 metres tall: a spiral staircase of 149 steps leads up to the balconies, from which the view stretches as far as Chiasso, taking in the entire Alpine range, including Monte Rosa. Sometimes you can even see the Madonnina sitting up there on Milan Cathedral.