Lake Como is territory first inhabited by the Romans, Julius Caesar populated the town with 5,000 inhabitants and named it Larius. Throughout time Lake Como has been subjected to several invasions from multiple countries jealous of Como's prosperity and economy. The most famous and widely read novel in Italian literature is The Betrothed, written by Alessandro Manzoni in 1825 when the Lake was under Austrian control. The book is set in Lecco, Italy (town around Lake Como), when the Spanish ruled very oppressively (1535-1713). In 1859 Lake Como joined the Kingdom of Italy after Giuseppe Garibaldi defeated the Austrians at the battle of San Fermo.
Como has become very famous for its textile and silk industry in the 19th century, followed by furniture manufacture and design. Each town in Lake Como, although they experience a large influx of tourists each year, maintains their "small-town" feeling.
Every year on the last Saturday in June the festival of San Giovanni is celebrated at Lake Como. The week leading up to the celebration is filled with events, to start, on Sunday there is a torch-light procession along the water. Monday through Friday is filled with various sporting events such as a bicycle road race, rowing, swimming, bowls, darts, cards games, and gymkhana. On Sunday all citizens attend church in the morning, followed by an evening of wining and dining with dancing, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
Lake Como is a very beautiful and culturally-rich location that is sure to engage and enrapture any traveler.
-Enjoy where you are for as long as you’re there, Samantha
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