Volta Temple isn’t actually a religious building, despite the name. It’s a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the brilliant mind who gave us the battery. Yep, that thing that powers your phone (and probably a bunch of other stuff you’re using right now).
Volta was born in Como, so the locals built this impressive monument in his honor. Smart move, I say.
The Tempio Voltiano, as the Italians call it, is a neoclassical building that sits right on the edge of the lake, offering some seriously stunning views.
Volta Temple Description
As I mentioned, it’s not a church or anything like that. It’s a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, built in the 1920s, which, in historical terms, isn’t that long ago. It was designed by architect Federico Frigerio in a neoclassical style.
Inside, the museum houses a collection of Volta’s scientific instruments. Now, some of this stuff looks straight out of a steampunk novel. You’ll see early versions of batteries, electrical generators, and other contraptions that Volta used in his experiments.
What to Expect at Volta Temple
It’s not huge, which I personally appreciate. You won’t get lost in endless corridors or feel like you need a week to see everything.
The Building
The temple is basically a square building with a portico – that’s the fancy word for a porch with columns – facing the lake. It gives it that imposing look, like it’s been there for centuries, even though it hasn’t. This portico has six tall columns, and above them, there’s a triangular pediment – which is basically a low-pitched gable.
It’s a classic neoclassical touch. Think of the White House or something like that, but smaller and by a lake. The materials are mainly white marble and stone, which gives it a bright, clean look. It really stands out against the blue of the lake and the green of the surrounding hills. It looks like it belongs on a postcard.
The Collection
Inside, it’s not as ornate as the outside. It’s more functional, designed to display the exhibits. The collection is primarily dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the guy who invented the battery. Because of this, it’s a bit like stepping into a time machine back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, when electricity was still this new, exciting thing that people were just starting to figure out.
You’ll find a bunch of his original scientific instruments. I’m talking about things like electrophori (which sound like some kind of mythical creature, but are actually used to generate static electricity), condensers, and, of course, various iterations of his famous voltaic pile – the first true electrical battery.
Besides the instruments, the museum also houses a collection of Volta’s personal belongings. You can see things like his writing desk, some of his manuscripts, and even some of his clothing. It gives you a sense of the man behind the science, which I always find interesting.
The Activities
The Museums of Como, which oversee the Volta Temple, are pretty good about organizing events. I’ve noticed they often have guided tours, which, if you’re into that sort of thing. They also run educational workshops, especially geared towards kids. Now, even if you don’t have little ones in tow, these can be surprisingly entertaining.
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The Library
Okay, so you’ve wandered through the main exhibits at the Volta Temple, seen the gadgets and gizmos, and now you’re wondering what’s next. Well, let me tell you about the library.
Think of it as a specialized archive rather than a lending library. This isn’t where you go to grab a beach read. The focus here is, unsurprisingly, on Alessandro Volta and the history of electricity. You’ll find collections of his writings, scientific papers, and historical documents related to his work.
Now, I’m no historian, but even I found it fascinating to see these original documents. You get a real sense of how Volta’s mind worked and the impact he had on the world. The library isn’t always open to casual browsing in the same way the museum is. It’s more of a resource for researchers and those with a serious interest in Volta’s work. If you’re planning a serious study, it’s a good idea to contact the museum beforehand to arrange access.
The Origins of the Volta Temple
As I mentioned before, Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, was a local boy – born and bred in Como. He was a proper genius, and his invention revolutionized, well, pretty much everything. So, after he passed away in 1827, the people of Como felt it was only right to honor their famous son.
It took a while, though. It wasn’t like they whipped up a statue overnight. There were discussions, plans, and probably a fair bit of local debate about what kind of tribute would be fitting. Finally, in 1899, they decided to build a dedicated museum to showcase Volta’s life and work.
They chose a spot right on the lakefront – a prime location, I must say. Construction began, and by 1927, exactly one hundred years after Volta’s death, the Tempio Voltiano was officially opened.
