Fontana di Camerlata
A striking rationalist monument in Como, featuring stacked spheres and dynamic water features, designed by Cattaneo and Radice.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See geometric details clearly
Fontana di Camerlata
Best Time
See geometric details clearly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking rationalist monument in Como, featuring stacked spheres and dynamic water features, designed by Cattaneo and Radice.
"A beautiful fountain in Como, a testament to geometric perfection and artistic vision."
📸 Capture the Geometry
Experiment with different angles to highlight the fountain's unique stacked spheres and rings.
💧 Appreciate the Water
The water jets are integral to the design; observe how they interact with the structure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Geometric Spheres
Piazzale Camerlata
Four stacked spheres create a striking visual, a testament to geometric precision and artistic vision.
Harmonious Composition
Piazzale Camerlata
The interplay of circular basins, rings, and water jets forms a balanced and dynamic architectural piece.
Rationalist Architecture
Piazzale Camerlata
A prime example of 1930s Italian rationalism, showcasing clean lines and functional aesthetics.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Design
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Geometry
Experiment with different angles to highlight the fountain's unique stacked spheres and rings.
💧 Appreciate the Water
The water jets are integral to the design; observe how they interact with the structure.
🤔 Understand the History
Learn about its origins at the 1936 Triennale in Milan before its move to Como.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Geometry
Experiment with different angles to highlight the fountain's unique stacked spheres and rings.
💧 Appreciate the Water
The water jets are integral to the design; observe how they interact with the structure.
🤔 Understand the History
Learn about its origins at the 1936 Triennale in Milan before its move to Como.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Fontana di Camerlata for its unique geometric design and its status as a notable example of rationalist architecture. While some find it a beautiful and interesting monument, others suggest there are more captivating attractions in Como. Its historical significance as a piece from the 1936 Milan Triennale is also appreciated.
"The fountain in Piazza Corsica, Como, is a complex construction of circular elements that create a harmonious composition. Designed by Cesare Cattaneo and Mario Radice, it features four spheres arranged one above the other, alternating with horizontal rings that project from a large, shallow round basin. The structure's balance is ensured by a truss system and interlocking solid structure with a pillar that supports the vertical axis. Water jets rise from the circular basins, complementing the decorative purpose of the fountain's geometric design. The fountain's complexity combines with a quest for dynamism, rejecting any center or preconceived geometric regularity. Initially constructed temporarily in Milan's Parco Sempione for the 6th Triennale in 1936, the fountain was later dismantled and transported to Como, where it was finally erected in 1962 under Radice's supervision. The design showcases a blend of simplicity and structural complexity, with a focus on geometric perfection and harmonious ratios."
Dr. Hani Hossni
"Why is it like this? Here is an answer "Volta's battery, also known as the voltaic pile, was the first electric battery invented by Alessandro Volta in 1799. It consisted of alternating discs of two different metals, such as zinc and copper, separated by cloth or paper soaked in an electrolyte solution like salt water. This arrangement created a chemical reaction that produced a continuous flow of electric current."
Arkadiy K
"I like this monument."
Wayne Kruse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fontana di Camerlata is located in Piazzale Camerlata, a well-known public square in Como. It's easily accessible by public transport, with local buses stopping nearby. If you're arriving by train, it's a short bus ride or a moderate walk from Como San Giovanni station.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in the vicinity of Piazzale Camerlata. However, Como can get busy, so consider public transport if possible.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the main city center of Como, especially if you enjoy exploring the urban landscape. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fontana di Camerlata is a public monument located in Piazzale Camerlata. You can view and admire it at any time without needing a ticket.
As it's an outdoor public space, there are no specific opening or closing hours. You can visit the fountain 24/7, though it's best viewed during daylight.
There is no admission fee to visit Fontana di Camerlata. It's a free public artwork for everyone to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a warmer glow. Midday sun can be harsh.
Yes, you can get great shots from various angles in Piazzale Camerlata. Experiment with framing the fountain against the sky or surrounding architecture.
Drone regulations vary by location and can be strict in urban areas. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying near the fountain.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
Fontana di Camerlata was designed by Cesare Cattaneo and Mario Radice, prominent figures in Italian rationalist architecture.
The fountain is a significant example of Italian Rationalism, characterized by its geometric forms, clean lines, and functional design principles.
Originally built as a temporary structure for the 6th Triennale in Milan in 1936, it was later dismantled and re-erected in Como in 1962 under Mario Radice's supervision.
The design emphasizes geometric perfection, harmonious ratios, and a quest for dynamism, rejecting rigid symmetry. It's a blend of simplicity and structural complexity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to count the spheres or describe the shapes they see. While there aren't specific play areas, the open space of Piazzale Camerlata allows for some freedom of movement. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to modernist art and architecture in a casual, accessible way.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths and angles to emphasize the fountain's unique structure. Consider shooting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, or on a slightly overcast day for softer, more even light that highlights the details without harsh shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design Philosophy of Fontana di Camerlata
Water plays a crucial role in enhancing the fountain's artistic intent. Jets rise from the circular basins, adding movement and sound that complement the static geometric elements. This integration of water and form was intended to create a lively and engaging public artwork. The fountain's initial temporary installation in Milan's Parco Sempione for the 1936 Triennale highlighted its experimental and avant-garde nature for the time.
When you visit, take a moment to appreciate the structural ingenuity that supports this seemingly delicate arrangement. The use of a truss system and interlocking solid structures ensures the fountain's stability. The overall effect is a monument that is both visually striking and intellectually engaging, inviting contemplation on the principles of modern design and the integration of art into public spaces.
From Milan to Como: The Fountain's Journey
After its exhibition run, the fountain was dismantled. It remained in storage for many years before being transported to Como. The final erection of the fountain in Piazzale Camerlata took place in 1962, with Mario Radice himself overseeing the process. This relocation and permanent installation cemented its place as a landmark in Como, allowing the public to experience this piece of architectural history.
This journey from a temporary exhibition piece to a permanent fixture in a public square underscores the enduring appeal and artistic merit of Cattaneo and Radice's design. It's a testament to how innovative architectural concepts can find a lasting home and continue to be appreciated by new generations.
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