Category Archives: Places of interest

Lake Como’s Condottiere – The Marquis of Musso

Posted on April 28, 2023 by comocompanion

Gian Giacomo De Medici, 1495 to 1555, developed from paid assassin in the court of the Milanese Sforzas to become ruler of Lake Como entitled Marquis of Musso and Count of Lecco, and one of the most successful condottieri in the 16th century. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Lake, People, Places of interest | Tagged Condottieri, Dongo, Francesco Sforza, Giardino del Merlo, Giovanni Il Matto, Grisons, History, Il Medeghino, Lake Como, Late Lombardy Renaissance, Melegnano, Musso, Naval battles, Quinquereme, Tre Pievi | 1 Comment

Overnight on the Via dei Monti Lariani

Posted on December 1, 2022 by comocompanion

The Via dei Monti Lariani follows the border with Switzerland running along the crest of the mountains above the western shores of the lake. This walk is one stage along the 124km route with a one night stopover at the Rifugio Venini. Continue reading →

Posted in Itineraries, Places of interest, Uncategorized, Walks | Tagged Argegno, Bellagio, Como, Hiking, Lake Como, Monte Crocione, Rifugio, tourism, Venini, Via dei Monti Lariani, Walks | Leave a comment

The Road to Rome (via Como)

Posted on July 13, 2022 by comocompanion

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 | 2 Comments

Water Taxis and Lake Como’s Vaporina

Posted on June 22, 2022 by comocompanion

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 | 5 Comments

Como’s Latest Art Acquisition

Posted on May 8, 2022 by comocompanion

The Salone d’Onore in Como’s art gallery could now be renamed the St Michael room now it has acquired another Baroque canvas depicting the warrior saint – by Paolo Pagani Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Archangel, Art museum, baroque, Castello, Cesare Pagani, Frescoes, Lake Lugano, Nymphs, Paolo Pagani, Saint Michael, Satyrs, Valsolda | Leave a comment

Moltrasio: The Power of Civic Pride

Posted on April 14, 2022 by comocompanion

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 | 3 Comments

Como’s City Walls

Posted on March 29, 2022 by comocompanion

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 →

Posted in Architecture, Gardens, History, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Baradello, Castello della Torre Rotonda, Cittadella Viscontea, Como, Federico Barbarossa, Ghibellines, Guelphs, Hanging Gardens, History, Medieval Walls, Moltrasio stone, Porta Nuova, Porta Pretoria, Porta Torre, Roman remains, Roman Walls, Rusca, Teatro Sociale, Visconti, Vittani | 3 Comments

Swimability Datafest for Lake Como

Posted on February 28, 2022 by comocompanion

For wild swimmers a warm sun glistening off clear fresh water is one of the most enticing of summer pleasures – but one that needs to be consumed with care following a minimum of preparation. For instance, how do you choose where best to take to the water? Our datafest is here to help you select your favoured destination. Continue reading →

Posted in Itineraries, Lake, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged beaches, e-coli, Lido, pollution, swimming, tourism, water quality, wild swimming | 15 Comments

Dolinski ‘Sui Muri’ of Como’s Villa del Grumello

Posted on October 27, 2021 by comocompanion

Dolinski ‘Sui Muri’ of Como’s Villa del Grumello. A figurative art that appears abstract, a personal art that is universally accessible. Her subject matter has moved from the sky out of her window to walls and now on to the mountains above Como, Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, People, Places of interest, Uncategorized | Tagged Art, Borgovico 33, Cornell, Culture, Debra Dolinski, Dolinski, Exhibitions, local artists, migrants, Movimento 22, Ossuccio | Leave a comment

Walking Lake Como’s Wayfarer Way

Posted on September 9, 2021 by comocompanion

The Via del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Way) is a long distance trail that runs up the eastern leg of Lake Como from Abbadia Lariana to Colico. I undertook a 3 day excursion along its length and was dazzled by the variety and beauty of the area. Continue reading →