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.

Carlo Carloni: From Baroque to Rococo in Como

Posted on September 29, 2026 by comocompanion

The highlight of a visit to Como’s Collegio Gallio is the chance to see a major work by Como artist Carlo Innocenzo Carloni – the fresco entitled ‘Hercules Introduced into Olympus’. We track down other works by this artist often compared with Tiepolo.
Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Culture, History, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Art, baroque, Carloni, Collegio Gallio, creativity, fresco, Hercules, painting, rococo, segrete stanze, Tiepolo, val d'intelvi, Vienna | 1 Comment

Lake Como: Problems in Paradise

Posted on July 14, 2026 by comocompanion

Como is undergoing a fundamental transition from an economy based on production to one based on hospitality. Currently there is no clear discernible way how this transition will be sustainable. The needs of visitors are beginning to conflict with those of residents. Many define the issue as overtourism. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, industry, Lake, Sustainability, Transport | Tagged bellini, church, Como, Culture, europe, giuditta pasta, italy, Lake Como, Mandarin Oriental, news, overtourism, priests, queues, tourism, Transport, travel | 3 Comments

Como, April 25th 1945: Mussolini’s Fight or Flight Moment

Posted on April 22, 2026 by comocompanion

April 25th is Liberation Day when Italy celebrates the civil uprising that heralded the defeat of the Nazis and the collapse of the fascist regime. April 25th was also the date when Mussolini gathered senior members of his government together in Como’s Prefecture Continue reading →

Posted in History, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Buffarini Guidi, Como, Lorenzo Pozzoli, Menaggkio, Mussolini, Paolo Porta, Pavolini, Prefecture, Renato Celio, RSI, Valtellina, Via Volta | Leave a comment

Como: Looking for Culinary Authenticity

Posted on April 7, 2026 by comocompanion

In December 2025 Italy won an award for authentic cuisine from UNESCO in the category of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We ask what makes for authenticity and where can it be found in Como. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Food, Lake, Restaurants, Sustainability | Tagged cassoeula, Como, cucina povera, cuisine, Culture, europe, Food, food tourism, mercato coperto, pizzocheri, Polenta, tourism, travel | Leave a comment

Escaping the Holocaust- Via Switzerland?

Posted on January 30, 2026 by comocompanion

Once the Nazis had occupied Northern and Central Italy from September 8th 1943, escape across the border to Switzerland was the only option for many Jews seeking safety. But the Swiss had issued an anti-semitic decree back on August 13, 1942 that closed their borders to most Jews Continue reading →

Posted in History, People, Uncategorized | Tagged Asylum, Chiasso, Como, Erwin Naef, History, holocaust, jews, Mendrisio, Politics, second world war, Shoah, Switzerland, Voetterl | 1 Comment

Como’s Sepulchral Art – The City of the Dead

Posted on January 15, 2026 by comocompanion

Como’s Monumental Cemetery, the city of the dead, reflects the city of the living – particularly of its art and architecture. As such, it is well worth a visit since no other location brings together in one defined space the city’s disparate artistic traditions and architectural styles from over the last two centuries. Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Culture, History, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Agliati, aldo galli, Art, cemetery, Culture, Eli Riva, Enrico Rusconi, Frigerio, Giuliano Collina, History, Marchini, Odescalchi, religious art, Religious symbols, sacred art, sculpture, Somaini, Tavani, Terragni, tourism, travel | 1 Comment

Federico Frigerio: The Face of Como

Posted on October 14, 2025 by comocompanion

There is one architect in particular we should credit for influencing the way Como looks today. He is Federico Frigerio (1873-1959). He worked incessantly from 1897 until 1945 producing or renovating many of the most significant buildings in the city’s historical centre. Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Culture, History, Itineraries, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged europe, italy, travel | 2 Comments

Como’s Twin-Tailed Mermaids

Posted on June 23, 2025 by comocompanion

The Melusina – a twin-tailed mermaid – can be seen in a variety of locations around Como. We explore the myth of the Melusina and why her symbol adorns both religious and secular buildings in the city. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Folklore, History, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged carving, crests, Duomo, fiction, France, History, keystones, legends, Melusina, mermaids, Moltrasio, mythology, myths, Porta della Rana, Renaissance, Richard I, Rodari, travel | 1 Comment

Beyond the City Walls: Via Milano

Posted on May 21, 2025 by comocompanion

Lily pond or trout stream? The historic centre or Via Milano? Why the centre of Como needs to be reinvigorated by its vivacious urban trributary – and why a visit beyond the city walls can be so rewarding. Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Culture, Food, History, Itineraries, Places of interest, Restaurants, Shopping, Uncategorized | Tagged 5 giornate, anello del miracolo, aperitivo, art supplies, cappelleria, Como, courtyards, enoteca, italy, Jollof, lifestyle, menu del giorno, ramen, ringhiera, san bartolomeo, Schuster, travel, Via Milano, zio ghelfi | Leave a comment

Garibaldi, the Battle of San Fermo and his Como Bride

Posted on April 23, 2025 by comocompanion

Garibaldi’s second marriage, ten years after the death of his beloved Anita, lasted just one day – and provoked a scandal that divided Como’s aristocratic families. This is the story of the fate of Giuseppina Raimondi. Continue reading →