Palazzo Giovio

Touring the city of Como? Well, Palazzo Giovio is one of those spots that even locals get a little giddy over. It’s not just another Italian palace with pretty stones – this place houses an entire chunk of the area’s soul. Built during the 17th century for the illustrious Giovio family, it’s now home to Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio, meaning if you’re the kind of person who slows traffic at museum exhibits (I’m definitely guilty there), clear your afternoon. The building itself is legit, with those kind of grand courtyards and stone staircases that’ll make your camera hand itch.

The palace presides grandly over Piazza Medaglie d’Oro and it isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s steeped in centuries of Como history, Roman artifacts, and oddities you genuinely won’t find anywhere else in Italy. You’ll spot everything from ancient lake region relics to unmissable frescoes and archaeological finds up close. Kids seem to love mucking about pretending they’re time travelers, and adults (me included) love discovering what past generations left scattered through the region. And if you’re big on accessibility, the entrance here is wheelchair-friendly—which, honestly, you can’t say for every Italian palace.

There’s nothing quite like wandering from hall to hall and realizing the very walls around you saw intrigue, passion, and the rise and tumble of noble life — not just dusty old objects on a shelf. Whether it’s your first trip to Italy or you’re on a Lake Como history binge, Palazzo Giovio brings “living museum” to a whole different level.

If you’re a lover of cool air and fewer crowds, Como in the shoulder months (late April to June, or September to mid-October) is absolute bliss. The palace is much quieter during weekdays outside peak summer—meaning you can stare at Roman busts all you want, no elbows. July and August can be full-on (I learned this the hard sweaty way), and that’s true citywide. Hot days bring bigger crowds and sometimes school groups, so if you crave a serene experience or want to let your thoughts wander in peace through the museum’s halls, skip high summer weekends.

Bonus tip: Check the calendar for local events. Como likes to throw festivals that spill over into the museum calendar—sometimes granting you access to concerts or family workshops inside the palace itself. Pick a rainy afternoon, too; the gorgeous halls and echoing chambers are way more interesting than fretting about damp shoes.

Right, navigating Como’s old city isn’t wild rocket science, but there are a couple ways to make your approach easier—especially if it’s your first visit. From Como San Giovanni train station: Take a gentle 15-minute stroll heading east. Walk via the tree-lined Viale Lecco, which is honestly a mood setter for the kind of historical experience you’re about to have. If you’re arriving by bus, hop off at any stop near Piazza Medaglie d’Oro or Piazza San Fedele; you’ll see plenty of passersby heading in the right direction.

Prefer to drive? Well, parking in the old city can be a challenge, so I’d suggest using one of the garages on the outskirts (like Autosilo Valduce), then doing the five- to ten-minute walk in. If you’re determined to reach the palace entrance with minimum footwork or have mobility concerns, check local taxi services—they know the drop-off zone right outside.

For the wandering types, most major attractions in Como’s centro storico are within walking distance. The lakeside and cathedral are less than ten minutes away on foot. GPS isn’t absolutely necessary, but I find it fun to take a wrong turn and discover tiny alleys, family-run gelaterias, or someone’s nonna yelling from a window.

• Allow Plenty of Time: Don’t rush. Even if you’re not a hardcore museum buff, Palazzo Giovio’s collection rewards slow exploration. Two hours is a minimum, but honestly, last time I visited I lost track of time and spent almost an entire afternoon here — and still left wanting more.
• Photography: Snap pics of the palace architecture and fresco-draped ceilings. But, as with most Italian museums, flash is a no-go. Double-check at the entrance for any special restrictions on photographing certain exhibitions.
• Bring Curiosity: This isn’t a stuffy, old-school museum full of “do not touch” signs (well, except where it matters!). The narratives are lively, with English translations for major displays, and some hands-on exhibits for kids—plus, ask at the desk if you want a guide or brochure to dig deeper.
• Check for Temporary Events: The museum sometimes hosts talks, live demonstrations, or workshops. I once wandered in during Roman Festival Week and saw kids in full legionnaire gear—unexpected highlights make the visit feel exclusive and memorable.
• Combine Attractions: After the palace, slip over to nearby Pinacoteca Civica for more local art, or walk down to the lake. If you’re really ambitious, try to time your visit with market days in the piazzas nearby—best way to blend history and contemporary Como culture in one go.
• Accessibility & Kids: Wheelchair users have step-free access at the main entrance, and most major galleries are laid out for smooth movement—a feature not to be underestimated in a historic building! Children are welcome; there’s enough variety (and space) for them to roam without getting bored.
• Stay Hydrated: The museum itself doesn’t have a full café, but there are fountains in the piazza outside and dozens of cool coffee bars just a few footsteps away—my favorite is to grab a cappuccino after a visit and watch the world pace by.
• Language: Staff speak decent English, but if you manage even a scrappy “buongiorno,” expect a warmer welcome. The info boards are generally bilingual, so non-Italian speakers won’t be left in the dark.
• Take it Easy: Old town Como is made for wandering with no schedule. Don’t rush off to the next “must-see”—sit in the palace courtyard and soak up the echo of centuries before heading back out.

In my experience, Palazzo Giovio stands out as a place where Como’s rich history feels personal. Each visit reveals some new quirk in the museum’s trove. It’s ideal for that “not just another day on Lake Como” story you’ll tell when you get back home. Whether you’re a history nerd, family with kids, or simply someone keen on experiencing the living pulse of Italy’s north, this palace-museum needs to be on your itinerary.