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Recent Posts
- Escaping the Holocaust- Via Switzerland? January 30, 2026
- Como’s Sepulchral Art – The City of the Dead January 15, 2026
- Federico Frigerio: The Face of Como October 14, 2025
- Como’s Twin-Tailed Mermaids June 23, 2025
- Beyond the City Walls: Via Milano May 21, 2025
Author Archives: comocompanion
Maslianico’s Smuggler Paths
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
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The Road to Rome (via Como)
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
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Water Taxis and Lake Como’s Vaporina
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
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Como Destroys Neighbouring Torno (500 Years Ago)
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
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Como’s Heart Lies in the Bronx
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
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Moltrasio: The Power of Civic Pride
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
Posted in Architecture, Art, Culture, Food, History, Itineraries, Lake, Places of interest, Walks
Tagged bellini, FAI, Imperialino, Moltrasina, Moltrasio, Pizzallo, Pro Moltrasio, Quarries, stone, Villa Passalacqua, Villa Salterio, waterfalls, Winston Churchill
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The Como Companion 