Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral), Como (must see)

The reputably last Gothic cathedral built in Italy is the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It dominates the vast Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo) of Como City. Although considered Gothic, it has Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural style elements.

Construction began in 1396. Architect Lorenzo degli Spazzi was in charge. An earlier Romanesque church was demolished to make way for the cathedral. The impressive facade was built in the latter half of the 15th century. Construction was finished in 1770, with the completion of the dome by architect Filippo Juvarra.

Features of the facade include a rose window over the central portal. Pliny the Elder and his nephew, Pliny the Younger, distinguished natives of Como, sit in glass-enclosed niches on either side of the entrance. The cases protect the statues from the damaging effects of smoke and smog.

The 286-foot-long and 246-foot-wide cathedral has a Latin Cross plan. There are three naves and a Renaissance transept topped by a stunning dome. Sculptures on the facade have both Gothic and Renaissance aspects. Two tondos over the portal depict Adam and Eve. Near the rose window is a statue of God, surrounded by other statues representing the archangel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and the Resurrection.

There are paintings of Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, and the Adoration of the Shepherds by Bernardino Luini and Marriage of the Virgin by Gaudenzio Ferrari. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the cathedral was decorated with tapestries from Florence, Ferrara, and Antwerp.

The north entrance to the cathedral is called the "door of the frog." The entryway has a sculpture dating from 1400 of a frog catching a butterfly. It's good luck to touch the frog. According to the local legend, Lake Como once flooded the town. The water stopped at the level of the frog. The people of Como say the frog saved the city.