Born in Como, Alessandro Volta was one of the greatest scientific minds of his time. In 1800, he invented the Voltaic pile, the world’s first electric battery, capable of producing a steady and continuous flow of electricity something never achieved before.

This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized science and laid the foundation for modern electrical technology, influencing everything from communication systems to the devices we use every day.

Volta’s work earned him international recognition, including honors from Napoleon Bonaparte, who personally celebrated his achievements.

Today, his legacy lives on not only in the city where he was born, but also in science itself: the unit of electric potential, the volt, is named in his honor.

Como is world-famous for its silk production, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city became one of Europe’s leading silk manufacturing centers.

Thanks to a unique combination of skilled craftsmanship, innovation, and access to water for processing, Como developed a reputation for producing some of the finest silk in the world. Its fabrics have long been used by top international fashion houses, making the city a key reference point in luxury textile production.

Even today, Como remains a global hub for high-quality silk, where tradition meets modern design, keeping alive a centuries-old art that continues to define the identity of the region.

On the shores of Lake Como, in Como, you’ll find one of the oldest and most prestigious seaplane schools in the world: the Aero Club Como.

Founded in 1930, it is the only school in Europe (and one of the very few worldwide) where you can train to become a seaplane pilot.

Here, aircraft take off and land directly on the lake, offering a truly unique experience and breathtaking views from above, turning a simple flight into an unforgettable journey.

A rare blend of aviation history, training excellence, and pure Lake Como magic.

Alessandro Manzoni, one of Italy’s greatest writers, had a deep connection with Lake Como especially the area around Lecco.

His most famous novel, The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi), begins right on the shores of the lake, with the iconic line describing “that branch of Lake Como…”. The story follows Renzo and Lucia and is considered a cornerstone of Italian literature, helping shape the modern Italian language.

Through his vivid descriptions, Manzoni transformed the landscapes of Lake Como into timeless literary settings, making the area known and admired all over the world.

Today, his legacy lives on not only in literature, but also in the places that inspired him—where visitors can still recognize the scenery that gave life to his masterpiece.

The Scuderia del Lario was one of the most important motorsport teams linked to Lake Como during the golden age of racing.

Active mainly in the early 20th century, it brought together passionate drivers and enthusiasts who competed in some of Italy’s most challenging road races, including the legendary Circuito del Lario.

Over the years, the team has been associated with celebrated drivers and champions, past and present, such as Arturo Merzario.

Today, it is remembered as a symbol of local pride and automotive passion, part of the rich motorsport heritage that makes Lake Como not only a place of beauty, but also a stage for speed and racing spirit.

Como 1907 is the historic football club of Como, founded in 1907 and deeply connected to the identity of the city.

The team plays at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, uniquely located right on the shores of Lake Como, one of the most scenic stadium settings in the world.

After years across different leagues, Como has returned to the top tier of Italian football, bringing new international attention to the club thanks to ambitious ownership and a growing global fanbase.

A perfect blend of sport, history, and breathtaking views football with a lakefront backdrop.

In 1948, deep beneath the waters of Lake Como, an ordinary man achieved something truly extraordinary.

His name was Pietro Vassena, a craftsman from Lecco with only a primary school education, yet gifted with remarkable ingenuity.

Almost entirely on his own, he designed and built a small submarine called C3, using simple materials and surprisingly advanced solutions for the time.

On March 12, 1948, Vassena descended into the lake, reaching a record depth of 412 meters, setting a world record for inland water diving. During the descent, he also managed to communicate with the surface via radio an impressive technical achievement.

The feat gained international attention and was documented in scientific and naval circles, including the archives of the Italian Navy.
(The reference to the U.S. Navy often found online is likely a simplified or exaggerated version of the story.)

Today, Vassena’s achievement remains a powerful example of Italian ingenuity: a man with limited means who managed to reach unprecedented depths in the calm waters of Lake Como.

The Circuito del Lario was one of Italy’s most famous and spectacular road races, held along the winding roads of Lake Como between the 1920s and 1930s.

Among the legendary drivers who competed here was Tazio Nuvolari, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, known for his fearless driving and extraordinary talent.

The circuit stretched for over 80 km around the lake, combining breathtaking scenery with dangerous curves, steep climbs, and narrow roads making it both thrilling and extremely challenging.

Crowds gathered along the route to witness high-speed races in a setting unlike any other, where motorsport met dramatic natural beauty.

Today, the Circuito del Lario is remembered as a symbol of early racing passion and Italian automotive history.

The 100 Miglia del Lario is one of the oldest and most prestigious powerboat races in the world, held on the waters of Lake Como since 1949.

Known as the “Centomiglia,” the race covers a demanding course of about 160 km (100 miles), combining speed, endurance, and technical skill in a spectacular lake setting.

Over the decades, it has attracted top international racers and cutting-edge boats, becoming a key event in offshore powerboat racing.

With roaring engines, high speeds, and stunning alpine scenery, the 100 Miglia del Lario perfectly captures the dynamic and adventurous spirit of Lake Como.

The breathtaking Lake Como has long been a favorite destination for international filmmakers, thanks to its dramatic landscapes, elegant villas, and timeless atmosphere.

At Villa del Balbianello, you can recognize the iconic wedding scene from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, as well as memorable moments from Casino Royale.

Not far away, Villa Erba served as a luxurious setting in Ocean's Twelve, while the magnificent Villa Balbiano was featured in House of Gucci.

Even classic films like A Month by the Lake captured the romantic charm of the lake, especially around Villa Monastero.

A true open-air movie set, where every corner tells a story and every view feels like a scene from a film.

Arno XI is a one-of-a-kind Italian racing hydroplane, built in 1953 and powered by a Ferrari Formula 1 engine, one of the most iconic combinations of automotive engineering and powerboat racing ever created.

Commissioned by pilot and engineer Achille Castoldi, the boat was built by the Cantieri Timossi in Azzano, on the shores of Lake Como. Castoldi secured the support of Enzo Ferrari, who provided a powerful V12 engine derived from the Ferrari 375 F1 single-seater.

The hull, made of laminated wood and carefully shaped with hydrodynamic lines, was designed to maximize stability and minimize resistance at extreme speeds. The engine was further enhanced with a supercharger and special fuels, reaching an impressive output of around 600 horsepower.

In 1953, Arno XI set a world speed record in the 800 kg class, reaching 241.708 km/h on Lake Como. A record that still remains unbeaten in its category today.

A true symbol of speed, innovation, and Italian excellence.

The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is one of the most prestigious classic car events in the world, held every year in the stunning setting of Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como.

Founded in 1929, the event celebrates some of the rarest and most beautiful vintage cars ever built, attracting collectors, designers, and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Each car is judged not only for its engineering, but also for its elegance, history, and design—making it a true celebration of automotive art.

A unique blend of luxury, heritage, and timeless style in one of the most exclusive locations on the lake.