Museo della Seta

Como


Far from being a flashy collection of silk scarves, this highly educational study of Como’s long-standing textile industry explains the full silk-making process from mulberry leaf–eating silkworm to debonair tie. An accompanying booklet and various museum panels fascinatingly relate how this most expensive and sought-after of fabrics is essentially the work of an ugly worm-turned-moth. There are plenty of looms, dyeing machines and old photos to look at, plus a small collection of scarves and dresses to admire at the end.

It is interesting to note that silkworms are no longer raised in Italy, which these days imports its raw silk mainly from China.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Como attractions

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About 500m south of Como’s city walls is this austere 11th-century Romanesque church, once the seat of a bishopric built on the orders of St Amantius of…

4. Basilica di San Fedele

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5. Duomo

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6. Broletto

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7. Brunate

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8. Tempio Voltiano

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The photogenic lakeside Tempio Voltiano was built in 1927. This neoclassical temple is now a museum devoted to Como-born ­electric-­battery inventor…

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