Brunate lighthouse 

Why build a lighthouse on top of a mountain?

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The Brunate lighthouse is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic monuments of Lake Como and is closely linked to the history of Alessandro Volta. Its construction, which took place in 1927 on the occasion of the centenary of Volta's death, was desired by the Italian telegraphers and financed by a national subscription to pay homage to the famous scientist from Como.

The lighthouse is an octagonal tower 29 meters high, inside which there is a spiral staircase with 143 steps that allows you to reach two circular balconies: from here visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Como and nearby Switzerland, with a view that sweeps from the Alps to the Po Valley.

The characteristic light, which alternates white, green and red and every night illuminates the basin of Lake Como, is now possible thanks to a cutting-edge LED technology that with low power consumption can be seen at a great distance. Despite this, the lighthouse isn't used to facilitate navigation or the flight of aircrafts in the area. The work is purely commemorative with the aim of recognizing electricity as the first root of long-distance communication and to celebrate "the spark that Alessandro Volta wrested from the mysteries of Nature with his genius".