Walk the Chilometro della Conoscenza from Como… The Chilometro della Conoscenza, or Kilometer of Knowledge — or for those who prefer something more mysterious, simply “kmC” — is a walking route of just over one kilometer that runs along the western shore of Lake Como, connecting the gardens of Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello, and Villa Sucota.
The Chilometro della Conoscenza was conceived in 2016 as a green corridor or open-air art gallery, where nature, architecture, art, and knowledge come together with public initiatives, exhibitions, botany, and research. It’s no surprise that the project is supported by numerous associazioni, fondazioni, and accademie that focus on cultural heritage, art, science, botany, and education. The walking path runs through parks and gardens with a total area of about 17 hectares.
But don’t turn your nose up! No, the Chilometro della Conoscenza is a beautiful walk that you can enjoy as a fun and interesting extra during a visit to Como or Cernobbio. And to convince you, we’re putting our full weight behind this blog article.
The walk officially begins at the entrance to the public park of Villa Olmo in Como. The grand neoclassical Villa Olmo was built at the end of the 18th century by commission of the noble Odescalchi family as a summer residence on Lake Como. The villa is named after a large elm tree that once stood in the park and held symbolic significance for the location. Over the years, Villa Olmo served as a reception venue for prominent guests, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Giuseppe Garibaldi. In the 20th century, the estate came into the hands of the municipality of Como, which restored it and opened it to the public.
Today (and in fact, for quite some time now), Villa Olmo is once again neatly hidden behind construction tarps due to major restoration work. Unfortunate! Playing hide-and-seek with the garden guard is not an option here. Anyone who dares to leave the symmetrical walkways and step onto the grass will be met with a whistle and a wagging finger. That said, the English-style garden is truly impressive — large, symmetrical, and featuring beautiful staircases that descend directly into the water. Obediently, we follow the gravel paths to the right side of Villa Olmo, where a small trail leads uphill and brings us to a pedestrian bridge.
The Ponte del Chilometro is a striking modern pedestrian bridge, 32 meters long, spanning the Via per Cernobbio and connecting the upper sections of Villa Olmo’s park.
We walk through a botanical garden filled with a variety of plant and tree species. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the Serra di Olmo — a classic greenhouse with an elegant iron-and-glass structure that once served as an orangery and conservatory for exotic plants.
By now, we’ve climbed a bit higher and once again have a beautiful view of Lake Como to our right. The stunning architecture and gardens make us reflect on times gone by. What architectural splendor was created here. What wealth these affluent patrons must have had — and what craftsmanship and patience it must have taken to complete such grand projects. The rich history of this region continues to captivate and inspire, even centuries later…
The Ponte del Grumello leads us into the romantic gardens of Villa del Grumello, where we once again come across a greenhouse. This freestanding structure is stunning, built in a monumental style of cast iron with large wrought-iron windows. In front of the greenhouse lies a beautiful pond, surrounded by towering, centuries-old trees. The gardens of Villa del Grumello cover an area of 4 hectares and are crisscrossed by winding paths, each with its own (plant-themed) focus. We pass the scuderie, or former stables, and suddenly there it is. Villa del Grumello, proudly showing off its light pink and beige tones.
Villa del Grumello was built in the second half of the 16th century by Milanese banker Tommaso d’Adda and is considered one of the first lakeside retreats of the Como aristocracy. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of several prominent families.
The villa confidently overlooks Lake Como. A few chairs are set out, and a group of people is busily typing away on laptops. No, it’s not a co-working space, but Villa del Grumello does serve as a hub for culture, science, and education. Naturally, it’s also a popular venue for events, weddings, and photo shoots. One major event, for example, is FuoriConcorso, the satellite event of the Concorso d’Eleganza automobile show, where rare and beautiful cars can be admired in the shade of towering sequoias.
We continue on to the final villa along the Chilometro della Conoscenza, known as Villa Sucota. This elegant neoclassical villa is — temporarily — closed. And just like that, our walk comes to an abrupt end.
With Villa Sucota closed and Villa Olmo under restoration, you might think twice — but we can still wholeheartedly recommend the Chilometro della Conoscenza. The walk is about far more than just the villas. It’s a journey through time that gives you a real sense of Lake Como’s rich history. If you’re a plant lover, the gardens will steal your heart. If you’re an influencer or planning to propose, the romantic scenery is a sure path to success.
The Chilometro della Conoscenza is a must-do if you have a bit of spare time in Como’s city center or want to escape the crowds for a while. Each season adds its own unique touch to the gardens. Just be sure to check the opening hours — they can vary depending on the time of year…
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