Porta Torre (Tower Gate), Como

Tower Gate (Porta Torre) is one of the most striking landmarks in Como, and an essential stop for any visitor to the city. Built in 1192 as the principal southern entrance to the walled town, this soaring Romanesque gate stands approximately 40 metres tall and served both defensive and symbolic functions in medieval times. Constructed during the reconstruction of Como’s walls under the reign of Frederick Barbarossa, Porta Torre was commissioned by the podestà Uberto de’ Olevano to reinforce the city against Milan and assert its autonomy.

From the outside, the tower presents a formidable, austere face-tall, solid, and unadorned, meant to deter invaders. Once you pass through the gate, the inner side offers a striking contrast: airy and inviting, with four orders of paired arches aligned with the original floors of the tower’s interior, which are no longer intact. This architectural choice was likely strategic, allowing inhabitants to mount a defense from within if the gate were overtaken.

Surrounding the Tower Gate is Victoria Square (Piazza Vittoria), a lively square filled with cafes, shops, and local markets, making it a perfect focal point for exploring Como’s historic centre. Visitors can admire nearby Roman-era remnants, including the remains of Pretoria Gate (Porta Pretoria), which are visible beneath a nearby school building.

Today, the Tower Gate is free to visit and makes an ideal starting point for discovering nearby sites like Como Cathedral, the Volta Temple (Tempio Voltiano), or the picturesque lakeside promenade that leads to Lake Como and the mountains beyond. Whether you're a history enthusiast, photographer, or simply a curious wanderer, the commanding silhouette and rich past of Porta Torre offer a compelling introduction to Como’s medieval heritage.