Historical
by icunme
Thanks to VT's kokoryko, I did my research and have found most interesting information on Como:
Population: approximately 90,000
Located: Between Brunate Mount, Baradello Castle & the Lake.
Pliny the Elder noted in his "Historiae Naturalis" that the original in habitants of the Como area were the Orobi who were overcomed by Insubre Gauls. According to this same record, the Insubre Gauls were founders of the oppidum (the first seed of Como) - the inhabited district equipped for defense, which was conquered by the Romans in 196 b.c. - the year from which historians date the life of Como.
Thanks to Ceasar, Como was rebuilt where it stands today; was fortified as a Roman colony.
The strategic position and leading role Como played in trade led to the 10-year war with Milan, which ended with the defeat of Como in 1127. Isola Comicina aligned itself with Milan and pledged its fleet to demolish the city walls.
Barbarossa gave Como the chance to recover. He encouraged a league among communes against Milan and it was taken and destroyed in 1162. In 1169 Comicina suffered the revenge of Como and the inhabitants were forced to move to Varenna.
In subsequent centuries, Como bowed to French, Spanish and Austrian domination. Napoleon's victorious troops entered Lombardy in 1796 where they remained until 1815 when Vienna restored the status quo to pre-Napoleon time.
The Risorgimento ended in Como in 1859 when the city was conquered by Garibaldi and Como followed the history of Italy. Jumping from the top of our old ski club on the lake.
Beautiful Villas
by Aurorae
If you take a walk by the lake side you'll face a chain of impressive clasy villas, it would be dificult to pick which one is more beautiful. Some are private, some public, but they are all very interesting to see, and not something you can run onto on every corner!
Love padlocks
by MalenaN
To the railing at the end of the pier in Como I noticed some padlocks. This is a quite new tradition that seems to spread quickly. To declare the bond between them forever couples put a padlock, sometimes with their names engraved on it, to a railing over a bridge and then they throw the key into the water.
The custom is believed to have begun in Pécs in Hungary in the 1980s. In Italy it has spread through novels, music and a film.
War Memorial
by croisbeauty
War Memorial, in the shape of a tower, stands on the lakeshore of Como. It houses a granite monolith inscribed with the names of 650 soldiers from Como who died during the First World War.
Seeing it from the distance, I thought it is the lighthouse standing in front of the Como harbour.
The Magical Kingdom of Al Marnich in Como
by 2Peas
Al Marnich is nature resort in the mountains overlooking some of the most beautiful valleys, high peaks and woodlands around Como. At 750 metres above sea level this enchanting retreat is a perfect location for nature lovers. It overlooks the d’Intelvi valley, not far from the Swiss border. Either by day and by night, its Alpine panoramic splendour will take your breath away.
Al Marnich is a natural reservoir of Earth’s harmonic energies. A perfect location for meditation, reflexion and recreation. Writers and authors especially find it stimulating for their creative work.
Getting there is easy. You drive North along on the ancient road that was once used by Rome’s legions. Follow the signs that mark the way to ‘Menaggio’. Going towards Argegno, take a left at the sign indicating Schignano. Indications to Al Marnich are well sign-posted along the way. Ten kilometres later, you have successfully arrived at this quaint little sanctuary.
The cottage setup is homely and inviting. Rooms have their own fireplace amongst its rustic surroundings. A feeling of peace and joy abides here and you forget your worldly challenges. The owners, Emanuele and Giulia have a way of making their guests feel special.
You will meet other guests who come from France, Holland, Germany, the U.K., the U.S.A., Australia, South Africa etc… All regular visitors to this magical kingdom made up of stone, wood, water, fire and earth. One of the most pleasurable moments you’ll always remember will be the many international friendships started during your stay. Goats, donkeys, deer, foxes, badgers and many wild birds also have their place here. If you like the idea of eating home style meals (home grown and organic), drinking superb Italian wine while sitting in front of a soothing fireplace, then you should visit Al Marnich. Guaranteed, you will be doing yourself a personal favour. Oh yes, and bring a camera with you to capture those magical moments. There will be much you’ll want to remember.
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Bellinzona
Cernobbio
Il Duomo in Como
Tempio Voltiana
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