Author Archives: comocompanion

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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.

Como and Henry’s ‘Turbulent Priest’

Thomas a Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry II of England in 1162 and then executed on his orders in 1170.  His martyrdom and beatification gave birth to a cult celebrated across Europe including here in Como. Continue reading

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Como to Auschwitz on Convoy 8

Convoy 8 to Auschwitz. The story of a diverse group all arrested in Como over December 1943 but from different backgrounds forced on the same journey and to share the same fate due to their shared ethnicity. The enormity of where racism can lead us must surely never be forgotten. Continue reading

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Lake Como in Fiction

Some suggested holiday reading with Lake Como used as the backdrop for holiday romance, crime and historical drama – how is our lake depicted? Continue reading

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Wartime Occupation of Cernobbio

This article reports the results of recent research undertaken at Cernobbio’s Archivio Storico into the extent of the Nazi occupation of Cernobbio from September 1943 until the end of the war in April 1945. Continue reading

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Twenty English Artists on Lake Como

Twenty English Artists on Lake Como is the name of the exhibition running from the 13th to 17th November in London featuring all of the output from the art project set up to raise funds for the preservation of the Anglican Church in Cadenabbia.  Continue reading

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An Expatriate’s Life on Lake Como

Paul Wright and his wife Nicola moved from England to Lake Como over thirty years ago. They have faced various challenges and tribulations over this time but have never regretted making that move. Paul  has recorded the couple’s experiences in a trilogy of books available on Amazon. Continue reading

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Como’s Hidden Gems – The Sala Recchi

The Sala Recchi with its painted ceiling is undoubtedly one of the many hidden gems that are only occasionally revealed to the public. Thanks to FAI, there was the opportunity to visit it this autumn and to have the symbolism of the fresco explained. Continue reading

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Lake Como’s British Enclave, the Anglican Church and Landscape Art

An exhibition of original works by some of the most prestigious contemporary English figurative artists will open on August 19th in Tremezzo. The works will later be sold to raise funds for Cadenabbia’s Anglican Church. Continue reading

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Isola Comacina – A Serene Location with a Tragic Past

Isola Comacina is the only island on Lake Como. Its past glory and tragic destiny results from its strategic position close to the narrow channel in the lake between the promontory of Villa del Balbianello and Lezzeno on the eastern shore. It was to pay a heavy price for its valued location. Continue reading

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