• Lifestyle
    • Lakes

Como, streets of silk

The Capital of silk built on the mastery of the weaving mills, printers and silk producers of the Lario valley

Como’s silk-making traditions date back to 1400, when Ludovico Sforza ordered the locals to grow mulberry trees, which provided nourishment for the silkworms and indeed gave Sforza – the famous patron of Leonardo da Vinci – his nickname: he became known as Il Moro, as the Latin word for mulberry is bombix mori, or murùn in Como dialect.

It was only in the course of the 18th century that silk production in Como grew to an industrial scale – and the transformation was truly remarkable: by 1840, 93% of the cultivated land in the Como area was filled with mulberry trees to grow silkworms, with spinning and weaving mills springing up everywhere you looked.

The history and evolution of the precious craft of silk making are documented in the Museo Didattico della Seta, in Via Castelnuovo. The museum takes you from the rearing of the silkworms through each and every stage of production, which are illustrated by an exhibition of old – but still functioning – machinery used for twisting, weaving, dyeing and printing.

Also worth a look is the museum’s history of silk advertising, featuring the Art Nouveau-style posters created by the silkworm importers, while there is also a shop for all you shopaholics. Don’t miss the Fondazione Antonio Ratti in Villa Sucota, which houses a splendid textiles museum and can be visited by appointment.

The foundation – which was established in 1985 by Antonio Ratti, who wished to transform his deep personal passion into an active cultural organisation – has conducted regular studies into the various realms of the visual arts since 1988.

If you like contemporary art and the history of fashion and textiles, then keep a close eye on the foundation’s schedule. It has provided a platform for countless established artists and young prospects in Villa Sucota over the years.

-

Info: visitcomo.eu

On the same topic

June 2025 Events in Lombardy

June marks the start of summer in Lombardy, with art and music festivals, local flavours, and outdoor adventures
  • Lifestyle
June 2025 Events in Lombardy

Valentine's Day: a date with love in Lombardy

Destinations, events, and original ideas to celebrate the day of lovers in Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
Valentine's Day: a date with love in Lombardy - valmalencoskiresort.com

Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

Dai vita al commercio
  • Lifestyle
Going shopping in Cremona is exciting!

6 Things to do with children in Monza and Brianza

  • Lifestyle
Centrale elettrica Bertini

VIP Tour at Monza ENI Circuit

Experience all the thrills of the Monza Circuit with a super-exclusive visit..
  • Lifestyle
Tour Vip Autodromo di Monza

10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

  • Lifestyle
10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

The Wine Valleys

A guide to the most picturesque valleys and villages in italy and their fine wines
  • Lifestyle
The Wine Valleys

July 2025 Events in Lombardy

The Lombardy summer shines bright in July, with concerts, art events and experiences to reconnect you with nature
  • Lifestyle
July 2025 Events in Lombardy

The fountains and pools of Lombardy's cities

Reflections and plays of water in the fountains of Lombardy, works of art signed by famous architects and sculptors from every age
  • Lifestyle
Le fontane, specchi d’acqua delle città lombarde

Discovering the most beautiful arcades and galleries in Lombardy

A virtual tour of the towns and cities of the Lombardy region, among nineteenth-century urban arcades, elegant arches from Renaissance palaces, and medieval galleries transformed into open-air markets.
  • Lifestyle
Discovering the most beautiful arcades and galleries in Lombardy

Theatre and music: online events

Spettacoli da seguire dal divano di casa
  • Lifestyle
Teatro sociale di Como - @aslico.org

48 hours in Milan

Take a map and the timetable of public transports..and we'll let you know the city!
  • Lifestyle
Idee weekend: 48 ore a Milano - Lombardia

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina
  • Lifestyle
Sondrio in a weekend

Como in a weekend

A mediaeval heart for the city that loves science and design with light. Discover Como in 48 hours. Without ever losing sight of the lake
  • Lifestyle
Como in a weekend

Corso buenos aires

More than 1 km of shops along Milan's Fifth Avenue
  • Lifestyle
Corso Buenos Aires

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces
  • Lifestyle
Monza in a weekend

10 Good reasons to visit Monza

  • Lifestyle
10 Good reasons to visit Monza

Lodi in a weekend

Sky, nature and relaxation. The touch of Renzo Piano and many little art treasures. Discover Lodi and its surroundings in 48 hours
  • Lifestyle
Lodi in a weekend

10 Good Reasons to...

Fashion, design, food, lakes… a few suggestions for your stay in Lombardy
  • Lifestyle
10 good reasons to choose and visit the land

SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

  • Lifestyle
SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM