Author Archives: comocompanion

About comocompanion

I am an Englishman in Como, Northern Italy - definitely both a Euro and Italophile with an interest in modern history, walks in the hills and mountains, and food and wine. I favour 'slow' tourism alongside of 'slow' food.

Love, War and Death on Lake Como – The Tragic End of Gina Ruberti

Posted on January 26, 2023 by comocompanion

It is most unlikely that current guests at Blevio’s Mandarin Oriental are reminded of the tragedy that took place on the night of 3rd May 1946 when a famous resident of the Villa Roccabruna drowned in the lake while attempting to cross back home from Moltrasio. That person was Gina Ruberti, better known as Gina Mussolini – the dictator’s daughter-in-law. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Lake, People | Tagged blevio, Bruno Mussolini, Como, Gina Ruberti, History, Lake Como, Mandarin Oriental, Mussolini, Villa Roccabruna | Leave a comment

Overnight on the Via dei Monti Lariani

Posted on December 1, 2022 by comocompanion

The Via dei Monti Lariani follows the border with Switzerland running along the crest of the mountains above the western shores of the lake. This walk is one stage along the 124km route with a one night stopover at the Rifugio Venini. Continue reading →

Posted in Itineraries, Places of interest, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Argegno, Bellagio, Como, Hiking, Lake Como, Monte Crocione, Rifugio, tourism, Venini, Via dei Monti Lariani, Walks | Leave a comment

The Queen of England’s Como Court

Posted on October 6, 2022 by comocompanion

For a brief period a royal wife and future Queen of Britain held court in Cernobbio – the tragic tale of Queen Caroline of Brunswick and the luxury hotel, Villa D’Este Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Gardens, History, Lake, People | Tagged Baron Pergami, Bartolomeo Pergami, cernobbio, Como, General Pino, George IV, Lake Como, Napoleon, Prince Regent, Princess Caroline, Princess Charlotte, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Teatro Sociale, villa d'este, Villa Sucota | 2 Comments

Maslianico’s Smuggler Paths

Posted on August 9, 2022 by comocompanion

The Sentieri del contrabbando are three paths on the hillside of Monte Bisbino above Maslianico. Taking a walk on these paths invokes images of the area’s tragic past and of the many dramatic clandestine crossings through its high barbed wire border barrier. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Bisbino, contraband, Madonna di Rongiana, Maslianico, Senterun, Smuggling, Ul Riz, Ul Terz, Walks | Leave a comment

The Road to Rome (via Como)

Posted on July 13, 2022 by comocompanion

The recent publishing of ‘La Via Francigena Renana’ marks the rediscovery and promotion of a long distance trail first recorded in Roman times that ran from the mouth of the Rhine in Rotterdam, over the Alps at Splugen, to the Po where it linked up with other trails to Rome. It offers a detailed guide to the sections passing by Como. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History, Itineraries, Places of interest, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged alpine crossings, Ambra Garancini, Camminacittà, Cammino di San Pietro, Chiavenna, Chur, Coira, edicicloeditore, iubilantes, San Giovanni Pedemonte, Splugen, Thusis, trails, Via Francigena, Via Francigena Renana, Via Francisca, Via Mala, Via Regina, via spluga | Leave a comment

Water Taxis and Lake Como’s Vaporina

Posted on June 22, 2022 by comocompanion

A ride in a water taxi on Lake Como, either taken out of necessity or convenience, is a pleasure in itself. Water taxis go far beyond their evident practicality by offering comfort and inimitable style. The style of these boats has long been dominated by Venetian design, Lake Como is in the process of re-establishing its own brand of boat – the Vaporina designed specifically for our waters. Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, History, industry, Lake, Places of interest | Tagged Boat design, Cantiere, Como, Daniele Riva, Elettra, Ernesta Riva, Il Sereno, Laglio, Lake Como, Mani Frers, Patricia Urquiola, Torno, Vaporina, water taxis | Leave a comment

Como Destroys Neighbouring Torno (500 Years Ago)

Posted on June 11, 2022 by comocompanion

June 11th will mark the 500th anniversary of the sacking and almost total destruction of Torno by a Spanish led army consisting of mercenaries and residents of Como. That event stands alongside the destruction of Isola Comacina in 1169 by Federico Barbarossa’s Como army as one of the more brutal acts of aggression meted out by near neighbours on our leg of the lake. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Como’s Latest Art Acquisition

Posted on May 8, 2022 by comocompanion

The Salone d’Onore in Como’s art gallery could now be renamed the St Michael room now it has acquired another Baroque canvas depicting the warrior saint – by Paolo Pagani Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Archangel, Art museum, baroque, Castello, Cesare Pagani, Frescoes, Lake Lugano, Nymphs, Paolo Pagani, Saint Michael, Satyrs, Valsolda | Leave a comment

Como’s Heart Lies in the Bronx

Posted on April 25, 2022 by comocompanion

Como’s loss is New York’s gain – the heart of Piazza Cavour transplanted in 1903 to the Bronx Zoo, leaving a barren space in the middle of the city. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, History, People, Uncategorized | Tagged Bronx Zoo, Daniele Travi, fountains, marble, Sebastiano Mondolfo, sorsasso, Villa Volonte, William Rockefeller | Leave a comment

Moltrasio: The Power of Civic Pride

Posted on April 14, 2022 by comocompanion

Moltrasio, 10 kms from Como, is well worth a visit and the volunteers of the local Pro Moltrasio association have worked hard to ensure you get the best of what the town has to offer. Continue reading →