Second tour: Cathedral of Como, Teatro Sociale and the old market square

The second itinerary starts from the central Piazza Cavour too. Leave the lake behind you and go up Via Caio Plinio II. From the square you can already glimpse the imposing silhouette of the Cathedral of Como.
A few meters and you will find yourself in Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral and the adjoining Palazzo Broletto dominate this beautiful square. Palazzo Broletto was the former municipal seat. In fact, the tower you see on the left of the building is not a church belfry, but a bell tower used to call public meetings instead.
The Cathedral of Como can be visited free of charge, accessing it discreetly from the special entrance on the right side reserved for tourists. In addition to its artistic and spiritual magnificence, the Duomo offers a permanent exhibition inside with 20 panels, written also in English, telling the story of the Cathedral and its historical context.

Behind the cathedral is located the Teatro Sociale of Como, built in 1811 on the ashes of an ancient castle. The famous theater hosted famous artist of the time, such as Niccolò Paganini, Franz Liszt and Giuditta Pasta. It is possible to visit the interior spaces if there are no performances going on (on selected days they also give tours in English), but in any case, enter the delightful reception hall and take a look at the interior design.

Now, from Piazza del Duomo walk down Via Cinque Giornate, which is recognizable by the Swarovski storefront. You’ll come then to a small square with a newsstand in the middle. On your right is the bakery Beretta, one of the oldest pastry shops in the city. If you want to taste something really typical (and simply delicious!), buy the Dolce Nuvola: you won’t regret it!
On the opposite side of the square, take Via Luini and reach the charming Piazza San Fedele.

This small and intimate square was the commercial heart of Como; the old grain market was based here.  The square is dominated by the Romanesque Basilica of San Fedele. Access is free and we highly recommend a visit inside; if you have time, also go to the back of the basilica to look at the dragon portal.
From Piazza San Fedele, by turning your back on the church, take the street in front on the left, Via Natta, and cross Via Adamo del Pero. From via Adamo del Pero you have now two options:

• Como: The shopping streets 

Walk down Via Adamo del Pero going right: the street is full of small stores of all kinds. Then turn left onto Via Indipendenza and then right onto Via Armando Diaz, both are ancient alleys full of surprises and they are ideal locations for shopping. Finally, you will arrive in Piazza Volta, where a stop for an aperitif is absolutely a must.
If you are looking for ideas for original gifts, we recommend Emporio Fratelli Carli. Not only excellent Italian oil, but also typical condiments, sweets and a variety of natural cosmetic products made of Carli oil are sold here.
A good alternative for shopping is to return to the Duomo and walk the entire Via Vittorio Emanuele till the end.
  
• Como: the Old Walls   

Walk down Via Adamo del Pero going left, this time: after a few meters turn right on Via Rovelli then turn left onto Via Cantù (again the streets are full of lovely stores of all kinds). You will arrive in front of Porta Torre and see the ancient walls of Como. As you leave Porta Torre, the entire boundary line of the ancient walls of Como will be visible, as well as the three remaining towers of the ancient fortification. 
Did you know that Como heroically resisted the attacks of the very powerful Milanese army for a good ten years? Despite the very impressive and frequent assaults, Como was impregnable. Read HERE the Story.