Como

Como, capital of the homonymous Province in the Lombardy region, is one of the vertex of the "larian triangle", the area comprised between the two arms of the Como Lake (also known as Lario Lake). The other two vertexes of such triangle are Bellagio and Lecco. The local economy is mainly based on textile industry (production of silk) even if lately this sector is in decline. Tourism has become increasingly important due to the fact that many celebrities have bought their villas on the shores of the lake (Madonna, George Clooney, Versace, Brad Pitt). There are many historical monuments to visit in Como such as palaces, churches, theatres and museums. It took four centuries to complete the Cathedral and its architectural structure shows various styles. The Teatro Sociale has a Neoclassic façade with Corinthian columns. The Tempio Voltiano, in Neoclassic style, was built in 1927 in memory of Alessandro Volta. The Villas. The Como area is dotted with many beautiful historical villas. Not to be missed is Villa Carlotta, built in the 17th century as a country house for Marquis Giorgio Clerici, a very important personality in Milan during the Spanish dominion first, and the Austrian period later. The villa is decorated with marvellous frescoes, statues, furniture and wall hangings. There are also marvellous sculptures by Canova among which "Love and Psyche", a frieze by Berthel Thorvaldsen showing the arrival of Alexander the Great in Babylon, the last kiss between Romeo and Juliet by Francesco Hayez. The villa is surrounded by a magnificent park, partly occupied by an English style garden and partly by an Italian style garden, with waterfalls, fountains, balustrades and staircases. Baradello Castle. It is a massive turret in Romanesque style, located on the Baradello hill, South of the town, in a strategic military position (to perform lookout, defence and customs operations). It was built in the 12th century at the time of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa (Redbeard). The Fortified Town. This part of the city, with a square plan, was surrounded by protection walls. Three sides of the walls are still intact together with a massive Medieval tower, Porta Tower, which was built in 1192. Basilica di Sant’Abbondio (Basilica of S. Abbondio). In Romanesque style, it was the cathedral of the town until 1013 when it was replaced by the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, which was demolished to build the Duomo. From a sporting point of view, Como boasts a long tradition in water-sports such as rowing, swimming, sailing. The town has also an important football club, Como Calcio 1907, with 14 seasons played in the First Division. Como has also a historical Polisportiva (Sports association): Ginnastica Comense 1872 with important teams in various specialities (basket, athletics, fencing and gymnastics). The female basket team is one of the most important teams in Italy. Events: Palio del Baradello is the most important cultural event. It takes place in September to celebrate the episodes of Castello Baradello and Frederick I of Swabia, called the Redbeard. Among the funniest part of the palio there are different displays of strength such as the tug of war, the cart race and the Saracen Tournament where participants ride on beautiful steeds.