Funicolare Como Brunate

Welcome to the Foo-nee-koh-lah-reh Como-Bru-nah-teh, a vital engineering link that has connected the lakeside city of Como to the 'mountain village' of Bru-nah-teh since 1894. As we stand here at the lower station, we are about…

We begin our tour at the lower station in Piazza De Gasperi, just a short walk from the Como lakeshore. This station is the gateway to the heights and has retained much of its historic character. …

As the funicular car climbs the track, we are traveling at a speed of about 2 to 3 meters per second. The incline is remarkable, reaching a 55% gradient at its steepest point. …

We have arrived at the upper station of Bru-nah-teh, situated at an altitude of approximately 715 meters. As you step out of the car, the 'Balcony of the Alps' opens up before you. …

From the upper station, we follow the signs toward the hamlet of San Maurizio. The walk takes us past the Monumental Fountain, another tribute to the scientific legacy of Alessandro Volta. …

We reach the summit of our journey at the Faro Voltiano, or the Volta Lighthouse. Built in 1927 to commemorate the centenary of Alessandro Volta's death, this octagonal tower stands 29 meters high. …

As we prepare to take the funicular back down to Como, we have time to reflect on the experience. The descent offers a different sensory perspective; instead of moving toward the sky, we are being lowered back into the history…

Our exploration of the Foo-nee-koh-lah-reh Como-Bru-nah-teh concludes where it began, but our perspective has been irrevocably altered. We have traced the steps of scientists, aristocrats, and pilgrims, moving through a landscape…