Erected in 1.215, flanked by the Civic Tower which was rebuilt in rusticated stone in 1.927, this building has a Gothic façade made in polychrome marble and dating from the 15th century, when its southern side was destroyed to make room for the Cathedral, which was then being enlarged. Originally intended as the headquarters of the local council, it was subsequently used as a theatre, a record office and, lastly, as an exhibition hall.

Rebuilt by Barbarossa, towards the mid 12th century, and originally larger, it was reinforced by the Visconti's (14th cent.) and demolished by the Spanish (1.527). It was probably enclosed by walls and linked to the defensive system which gave the name tot the locality Cà Merlata. Today the remaining tower is 35 mts. high and dominates the town, the first basin of the lake, and the plain towards the south. One of the most famous historical events, which took place in the castle, is that one regarding Napo Torriani who, after his defeat in Desio by Otto Visconti in 1.277, was put into a cage and left there for nineteen months until he died.
BISHOP'S PALACE
Bishop Alberico had it built in the 11th century, when he proclaimed Santa Maria Maggiore as the new Cathedral in of Sant'Abbondio. Originally, the Palace had also a baptistry, which was an important pre-Romanesque building. From 1.931 this Palace underwent drastic restorations, under the supervision of the architect Federico Frigerio. Thanks to these restorations, some remains of the former building are now visible. Little remains of value, except for the vaguely Gothic loggia on the right side of the courtyard, the small windows in the atrium at the top of the grand staircase and the apse of a small old church, turned into an oratory dedicated to St. Michael by Bishop Boniface of Modena.

 

 

Built in 1.616, it features a wide inner arcade which surrounds the central courtyard. In the hall, on the ground floor, there are several epigraphic indications and medallions portraying illustrious citizens of Corno. The visitors can also admire a ceiling fresco by Gian Paolo Recchi, with 18th century military trophies, Spanish and German coat of arms. Going up the stairs, there is a memorial tablet that commemorates Andrea Perlasca, who bequeathed part of his inheritance to the Town Concil. Palazzo Cemezzi is now the Town Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIEVAL TOWERS
The central tower called Porta Torre (Tower Gate), was erected in 1.192 as part of the defensive structures of the town. It is 40 mts. high, with eight large windows placed in rows - one above the other - whose median line is funnily placed on the great eccentric arch, at the base, and seems to emphasize its own defensive function. The last remaining of the many towers in town are those of San Vitale, towards the east, and the “Porta Nuova” (New Gate), towards the west.
VOLPI'S PALACE
Bishop Vulpiano Volpi had this palace built in the 17th century. It used to be the Court-House in Como. After meticulous restoration, it is now intended to become the municipal Art Gallery.
VITANI'S PALACE 

This building, dating from the late medieval age, placed in the old medieval suburb of "Cortesella" was demolished during Fascism. You can admire the white and grey striped façade and, in the courtyard, the ancient mullioned windows with two lights.
LATE RENAISSANCE HOUSES IN S. FEDELE SQUARE
These houses, built on jutties in the 16th century, overlook the central Piazza San Fedele. What remains of part of the walls of the Baptistry of S. Giovanni in Atrio (5th or 6th century) can be seen in the courtyard of one of them.