Asilo Sant'Elia - Image 1
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Asilo Sant'Elia

3.8
·13 reviews·Como, Italy

A rationalist architectural gem by Giuseppe Terragni, Asilo Sant'Elia showcases innovative design despite its current state of disrepair.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During Lake Como Design Festival

Special openings and events

CrowdMedium
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Asilo Sant'Elia - Image 1

Asilo Sant'Elia

Best Time

During Lake Como Design Festival

Special openings and events

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rationalist architectural gem by Giuseppe Terragni, Asilo Sant'Elia showcases innovative design despite its current state of disrepair.

3.8
(13 reviews)

"An absolute masterpiece, well-preserved. A truly moving visit. Absolutely not to be missed."

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Book in Advance

Visits are often limited to special events or require advance booking. Check event schedules!

🏛️ Check for Openings

The building's accessibility varies. Look for events like the Lake Como Design Festival for guaranteed access.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

3.8 · 13 reviews

Type

School

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Terragni's Rationalist Design

Terragni's Rationalist Design

Entire building

Experience the harmonious proportions and precise geometries of this iconic rationalist masterpiece.

Innovative Pedagogical Approach

Innovative Pedagogical Approach

Interior spaces

Discover a modern conception of a nursery school, with large windows and exceptional window systems for its time.

The 'Tree of Punishment'

The 'Tree of Punishment'

Courtyard

A nostalgic spot for some, this tree holds personal memories and adds a unique touch to the architectural visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Asilo Sant'Elia

Asilo Sant'Elia, a rationalist masterpiece by Giuseppe Terragni, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Check for special opening events, as it's often accessible only during festivals or organized tours. Booking in advance is usually required.Instagram+1

Preservation and Access

While celebrated for its architectural significance, Asilo Sant'Elia is unfortunately in a state of disrepair.Reddit Visitors often express a desire for its renovation and reactivation for community use.Reddit Keep an eye on local initiatives like FAI's 'Luoghi del Cuore' for preservation efforts.Instagram

Best Times

When
During Lake Como Design Festival
Why
Special openings and events
Crowd
Medium
When
Organized guided tours
Why
Guaranteed access and insights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lake Como Design 2025 Asilo Sant’Elia _ Giuseppe Terragni. Un equilibrio di proporzioni gentili e geometrie precise, un lessico di gesti quotidiani dove la forma lavora, accompagna, protegge. #lakecomodesignfestival #AsiloSantElia #GiuseppeTerragni #Como #Razionalismo #ArchitetturaModerna #ItalianModernism
miki_salmi
20 likes • 214 views

📅 Book in Advance

Visits are often limited to special events or require advance booking. Check event schedules! Instagram+1

🏛️ Check for Openings

The building's accessibility varies. Look for events like the Lake Como Design Festival for guaranteed access. Instagram+1

Fotografia @eugeniarallo 31.05 25 Apertura straordinaria Asilo Sant'Elia - Como Made in Maarc e Comune di Como asilosanteliacomo #giuseppeterragni #architetturamoderna #baucetti
maarccomo
39 likes • 765 views
Para quem acha que arquitetura é só ver coisa bonitinha 😅 Asilo Sant'Elia de Giuseppe Terragni | 1937, Como Etapa 1: levantamento, documentação do estado de degradação e análise do terreno #restauro #polimistudent #estudantedearquitetura #asilosantelia #giuseppeterragni
olivia.delgobbo
0 likes • 2.5K views

🙏 Support Preservation

Learn about local efforts to preserve this architectural gem. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring the grounds and interior spaces, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Asilo Sant’Elia 14 — 21 September Book your visit online! #lakecomodesignfestival #lakecomo #wonderlakecomo #asilosantelia
wonderlakecomo
401 likes • 10.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Book in Advance

Visits are often limited to special events or require advance booking. Check event schedules! Instagram+1

🏛️ Check for Openings

The building's accessibility varies. Look for events like the Lake Como Design Festival for guaranteed access. Instagram+1

🙏 Support Preservation

Learn about local efforts to preserve this architectural gem. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring the grounds and interior spaces, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors laud Asilo Sant'Elia as an architectural masterpiece by Giuseppe Terragni, praising its innovative design and historical significance. However, many express deep disappointment and concern over the building's current state of disrepair and semi-abandoned condition, calling for urgent preservation and renovation.

"Shameful that authorities let this building in this terrible state. Shameful!"

Pilar Álvarez

"I was able to visit the Sant'Elia nursery school thanks to the Wonderlake Como association during the Lake Como Design Festival. An absolute masterpiece, well-preserved. A truly moving visit. Absolutely not to be missed."

Alessandro Dante

"Sant'Elia nursery school by architect Giuseppe Terragni. A construction that impresses with its modern conception and pedagogical construction approach, aspects not even slightly affected by time. It's a shame that the building is semi-abandoned; it would be nice to reactivate it or in any case renovate it for socio-cultural, neighborhood or museum use."

andrea riberti

What People Like

Architectural masterpiece
Terragni's rationalist design
Innovative conception

What People Dislike

Terrible state of disrepair
Semi-abandoned condition
Lack of renovation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Asilo Sant'Elia is located in Como, Italy. While public transport can get you to Como, specific access to the Asilo itself is often tied to organized events or tours. It's best to check the latest information regarding access points and transportation during your planned visit. Instagram+1

Como is well-connected by public transport. However, direct public transport to the Asilo Sant'Elia might be limited due to its current status. It's advisable to use local buses or taxis once in Como, especially if attending a special event. 🚌 🚕

Parking availability can be challenging in Como. If you are driving, look for public parking garages in the city center and be prepared for a walk or short taxi ride to the Asilo, especially if there isn't a dedicated event parking. 🚗

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Visits to Asilo Sant'Elia are typically limited to special occasions, such as the Lake Como Design Festival or organized guided tours. It's crucial to check for upcoming events and book your visit in advance online. Instagram+1

Yes, when available, tickets or reservations are usually required for entry, especially during organized events. Keep an eye on the official websites of event organizers like Wonderlake Como or Maarc for booking information. 🎟️

Asilo Sant'Elia does not have regular public opening hours. Access is granted during specific events or pre-arranged tours. Check event schedules for precise timings. Instagram+1

Entrance fees, if any, are typically associated with the events or tours that grant access. Information on pricing will be available on the booking platforms for these specific occasions. :moneywithwings:

Independent visits are generally not possible due to the building's condition and status. Access is usually managed through organized tours or during specific festival periods. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside Asilo Sant'Elia during organized visits and events, but it's always good practice to confirm with your tour guide or event organizers. Capture the stunning rationalist details! :camerawithflash:

The large windows, the clean lines of the rationalist architecture, and the interior courtyard are prime spots for photography. The interplay of light and shadow is particularly striking. Instagram+1

While generally allowed, avoid using flash photography in sensitive areas or if it disturbs other visitors. Respect the historical nature of the site. :noflashsymbol:

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Asilo Sant'Elia is a prime example of Italian Rationalism, designed by the renowned architect Giuseppe Terragni. It showcases clean lines, geometric forms, and a functional approach to design. Instagram+1

It's celebrated for its modern conception of a nursery school, incorporating innovative features like large windows for natural light and advanced ventilation systems for its era. Reddit

Unfortunately, the building is described as being in a 'terrible state' and 'semi-abandoned' by visitors, with concerns about its preservation. Reddit+1

Yes, guided tours are often organized, particularly during special events like the Lake Como Design Festival. Booking in advance is usually mandatory. Instagram+1

Built in 1937, it represents a significant period of modernist architecture in Italy and was designed with a forward-thinking pedagogical approach. Instagram

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Asilo Sant'Elia (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide