Imagine stepping back in time to the era of Julius Caesar. He strategically moved the town center of Como to its current location. Why? To drain the swamp near the lake’s southern tip. This allowed him to lay out a Roman grid of perpendicular streets.
Como. The name itself echoes through centuries of history. It is a city nestled in Lombardy. It serves as the administrative capital of the Province of Como. Its story is one of Celtic tribes, Roman conquests, and medieval rivalries.
The Orobii, an ancient Celtic tribe, first inhabited the hills around Como. They were followed by the Gaulish Insubres. Around the first century BC, the Romans arrived. Julius Caesar himself ordered the town’s relocation. He transformed the swampy area into Novum Comum. It was a proper Roman town.
After the Roman Empire fell, Como’s story continued through Goths, Byzantines, and Langobards. The Langobards, a Germanic people, arrived in 568 AD. They were led by King Alboin. They established the Lombard Kingdom. Como flourished under their rule due to Queen Theudelind’s road. This road connected Germany to the Italian Peninsula.
The Commune of Como emerged in the 11th century. It was an association of prestigious families. They were seeking independence from Milan. The bishop of Como became the head of state. An assembly of citizens met in the Broletto, the Town Hall.
Como and Milan soon became rivals. Milan wanted to conquer Como for its strategic communication routes. This tension led to the Decennial War in 1118. Milanese soldiers eventually destroyed Como in 1127. Only the churches were spared.
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa later restored Como’s independence. The Comaschi then avenged their defeat by destroying Milan in 1162. Frederick helped rebuild Como’s walls. Some of these walls still stand today.
The Rusca family rose to power in the 12th century. They became Lords of Como and controlled surrounding territories. However, Milan annexed Como in 1335. The people of Como briefly regained freedom in 1447. They founded the Republic of Saint Abundius. But, by 1450, Como was again under Milan’s control.
In the modern era, Como followed the path of the Duchy of Milan. It experienced French invasion and Spanish domination. Later, it was taken by the Austrians. Giuseppe Garibaldi liberated Como in 1859. It then became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Even in the 20th century, Como held some surprises. The Rockefeller fountain, now in the Bronx Zoo, once graced Como’s main square. Benito Mussolini was captured near Como at the end of World War II.
Today, Como is a blend of ancient history and modern life. Silk manufacturing once dominated its economy. Tourism has now become increasingly important. The city’s beauty and history attract visitors from around the world.
As you stand here in Como, remember its rich past. From Celtic settlements to Roman rule. From medieval battles to modern tourism. Como’s story is etched into its streets. Its story is visible in its buildings. Its story resonates in the hearts of its people.