Brunate is a hamlet of the city of Como, located on a hill
behind the lake and reachable by funicular, from which you can admire a
breathtaking view.
The section of the funicular, as well as for its natural
purpose, in the early 1900s was used for many experiments aimed at the study of
aerodynamics by Mario Calderara, inventor of the first Italian seaplane, and by
the engineer Cosimo Canovetti. They brought down from Brunate to Como special
trolleys with sails of different shapes and sizes to study their behavior and
understand the aerodunamics laws.
In Como we find the "Aero Club Como", the oldest
seaplane piloting school in the world, and these experiments testify to the
commitment and passion of the Como people towards the discipline of flying.
The hill is home to splendid Art Nouveau villas, built
between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century for a
wealthy bourgeoisie in search of affirmation.
In Brunate we also find the Volta Lighthouse (“Faro
Voltiano”), built in 1927 by the engineer Gabriele Giussani to celebrate the
centenary of the Alessandro Volta’s
death. The spiral staircase of 143 steps, located inside, allows you to reach
the pitch on the top, at 29 meters from the ground. From here you have a 360
degree view on the lake and the villages perched on the surrounding hillsides, and
even the Alps and Monte Rosa.
You can return to Como on foot following two paths, the one
that runs along the funicular and the one that passes through the Hermitage of
San Donato, founded in the fifteenth century by the Benedictines.
