Alan B.
Yelp
Faro Voltiano, also known as the Volta Lighthouse, was built in 1927. It is located in Brunate, high above the lake. The lighthouse is really a monument, as opposed to a warning for ships, and is dedicated to scientist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery. The tower is 95 feet high (29 meters) and is viewable from many spots around the lake. At night the lighthouse flashes a white, red and green light, which we could easily see from the Sheraton Lake Como Hotel.
The lighthouse is easy to reach by car, or visitors can take the really cool funicular from Como to Brunate and then walk the arduous 30 plus minute incline to the lighthouse summit. The views are well worth the hike (though I was beginning to doubt that after about 20 minutes of vertical hiking), providing a panoramic perspective of Lake Como, including a great view of the Villa d'Este and its' floating pool. You can also take the funicular and then grab a ride from Brunate, bypassing the hike.
The views in the attached photos are from the base of the lighthouse, we didn't bother climbing the steps to the top. Regardless, we thought the views were awesome from our vantage point and were happy to grab a bench and sit a while on this unseasonably warm October day. If we include the fun hike, great views, and picturesque town of Bruante, we'd give the overall experience five-stars.
