Category Archives: Folklore

Fables, Legends and Folkore: A Walk to the Devil of Blevio and other Erratics

The area around Blevio and Torno is particularly rich in glacial erratics and three of the larger and better known examples can be visited on or nearby the mountain path from Brunate to Monte Piatto, above Blevio and Torno. Continue reading

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The Romantic Era of Smuggling: A Game of Cat and Mouse on Lake Como

The Romantic Era of Smuggling: A Game of Cat and Mouse on Lake Como. Smuggling was common along the entire length of Italy’s northern border but particularly prevalent around the lakes so much as to become a key element in local folklore. Continue reading

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Lake Como’s Bears, Wolves … and Werewolves

Lake Como’s Bears, Wolves … and Werewolves. Just by travelling 10 kms inland from the lake, you enter areas remote enough to support the repopulation of wolves and bears – and the continued propagation of ancient myth! Continue reading

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Como’s Train Station, Witches and the Inquisition

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

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Fables, Legends and Folklore: The Festa della Giubiana

Fables, Legends and Folklore: The Festa della Giubiana. The last Thursday in January is when many Como and Brianza towns burn a witch on a massive bonfire and eat risotto with sausage. Find out where, when and why! Continue reading

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Argegno to Argegno: Up and Down the Telo Valley

Argegno to Argegno: Up and Down the Telo Valley – an excursion up the Telo Valley offers opportunities to appreciate both art and nature while passing through the medieval centres of a variety of mountain villages. Continue reading

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Torno’s Santo Chiodo & Conflicts with Como

Torno’s Santo Chiodo & Conflict with Como: This Sunday, May 5th sees the annual blessing and evening procession through the town of its ‘Santo Chiodo’ or sacred nail – no less than one of the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Continue reading

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Torno Circuit: Piazzaga and Monte Piatto

Torno Circuit – if I was to plan a walking holiday around Lake Como, Torno would be one of my favoured bases, from where this walk takes you above the Villa Pliniana to Piazzaga and Montepiatto and on to Brunate or Molina. Continue reading

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Brienno’s Botanic Path – Sentiero Botanico

Brienno’s Botanic Path – Sentiero Botanico. A stiff uphill climb along the old migration path to summer pastures and on to Posa and Schignano for carnival or he Sentiero delle Espressioni Continue reading

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Como’s Four Seasons: 2 – Feasting and Hibernation

Como’s Four Seasons: 2 – Feasting and Hibernation – the two parts to Como’s winter with the gradual stirrings of life as the natural cycle renews towards Spring. Continue reading

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