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.

Gifts for Lovers of Lake Como

Posted on December 7, 2020 by comocompanion

This article features a personal selection of gifts that lovers of Lake Como may well appreciate. Many of us love the lake’s evocative and dramatic landscape which leaves a lasting impression on the memories of past visitors. So many people may be delighted to receive a present closely linked to this charmed corner of the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Food, Lake, silk, Uncategorized | Tagged acqua del lago di como, acqua del lario, cantine angelinetta, local products, nero di como, occhi blu, olive oil, perfumes, presents, rivo gin, silk, sorsasso, vanini | Leave a comment

Como’s Pantero Pantera and other Admirable Admirals

Posted on November 20, 2020 by comocompanion

Como’s Pantero Pantera and other Admirable Admirals. With one of Como’s historical naval commanders called Pantero Pantera and the other Pliny the Elder the attraction of an alliterative title to this article was irresistible. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Lake, People, Uncategorized | Tagged blevio, Classis Comensis, Colico, Forts, galleazza, galleys, lapento, marine school, Miseno, naval warfare, pantero pantera, papal navy, pliny, roman navy, Vesuvius | 1 Comment

A Circular Tour of Cardina on Monte Olimpino

Posted on November 13, 2020 by comocompanion

Cardina is one of very few areas within Como where you can take a pleasant countryside walk while staying entirely within the city’s limits. This has recently become quite an advantage since the imposition of ‘Red Zone’ anti-Covid regulations in Lombardy In spite of being within the city, Cardina feels very rural particularly when you venture onto its secondary paths. Continue reading →

Posted in Itineraries, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Cardina, Monte Olimpino, Quarcino, Tavernola, Walks | 2 Comments

Lake Como Poetry Way and its Little Free Libraries

Posted on November 6, 2020 by comocompanion

The Lake Como Poetry Way’s literary associations are further enhanced by the establishment of 12 Little Free Libraries along its route increasing the impact of Pietra Berra’s project via the association Sentiero dei Sogni. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Itineraries, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Alda Merini, Brunate, JMW Turner, Little Free Library, Maslianico, Passeggiate Creative, Pietro Berra, poetry, Poetry Way, Samuel Rogers, Sentiero dei Sogni, Ugo Foscolo, Villa del Grumello, Walks | 3 Comments

Como’s Festival of Misultin and Lake Fish

Posted on October 21, 2020 by comocompanion

GastroLario’s Festival of Missoltini and Lake Fish runs until the end of October with 25 participating restaurants but lake fish are to be enjoyed all year round. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Events, Food, Lake, Restaurants, Uncategorized | Tagged agone, cormorants, cuisine, festivals, fishing licence, lake fish, lavarello, Mezzegra, missoltini, Restaurants, specialities | 1 Comment

Como’s Lost ‘La Ruota’ Wheel

Posted on October 13, 2020 by comocompanion

Como’s Lost Wheel – the ‘la Ruota’ studio of Ico and Luisa Parisi which conquered the world with its iconic furniture designs for companies like MIM and Cassina. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, History, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged alberto sartoris, astrattisti comaschi, Cassina, design, Egg Chair, furniture, Gio Ponti, Poltrona Uova, Terragni, Via Diaz | Leave a comment

Cricket in Cantù and Beyond

Posted on September 21, 2020 by comocompanion

Cricket is a team game which mystifies the uninitiated but enthrals those who are better acquainted. It’s also developing as one of the fastest growing sports internationally spreading well beyond its previous base in Britain and its ex-colonies. And there is also a team in the Province of Como – the Cantù Cricket Club. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, People, Sport, Uncategorized | Tagged Cantu, cricket, integration, lega nord, settimo milanese | Leave a comment

Anomalous Waves on Lake Como

Posted on August 27, 2020 by comocompanion

Anomalous Waves on Lake Como. Alpine lakes can experience tsunami-like anomalous waves. These and other extreme weather events have massive destructive power and demand that we treat our natural environment with respect. Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, Lake, Uncategorized | Tagged Adda, Anomalous waves, Bellagio, Como, ecology, floods, Lake leman, landslides, Lenno, Piazza Cavour, Pliny the Younger, prealps, sediment, tsunami, Vajont, Val Pola, Valtellina, Villa Commedia | Leave a comment

Como’s Train Station, Witches and the Inquisition

Posted on August 3, 2020 by comocompanion

Como’s Train Station, Witches and the Inquisition. Few travellers arriving at Como’s San Giovanni Station know they are on top of the remains of a monastery where innocent victims faced torture and being burnt at the stake. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, crime, Culture, Folklore, History, Uncategorized | Tagged Art, churches, Folklore, Giubiana, Grissons, Inquisition, Odescalchi, religion, San Giovanni, Valtellina, witchcraft, witches | 1 Comment

Swimability 2020: ‘Excellent’ Lake Bathing

Posted on July 8, 2020 by comocompanion

Swimability 2020: ‘Excellent’ Lake Bathing. The season is starting late and I had feared that lockdown may have impacted pollution of the lake’s water – but all is well and most beaches have excellent clean results. Continue reading →