Category Archives: Architecture

Federico Frigerio: The Face of Como

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

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Beyond the City Walls: Via Milano

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

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Moltrasio’s stone and its ‘Ecomuseo’

Moltrasio stone was the dominant building material used in and around Como from Roman days until the turn of the twentieth century. It is found at the heart of most buildings even if some may have then be adorned with a veneer of render or a dressing of Musso and Varenna marble. Continue reading

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Como’s Nostalgia For…..Wash Houses

The wash house (Lavatoio in Italian) is a common architectural feature across Italy and no less so in the mountain communities around Lake Como. Technological and social changes have rendered them almost entirely redundant yet many still remain and a significant number have even been renovated and restored. 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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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

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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

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Como’s City Walls

Como has a lot of ‘history’ and the city’s walls provide visible evidence of the fact. They survive to this day due to the strategic location of the city and its desire to enforce customs duties on all goods passing through its gates. Continue reading

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