Discovering the Artisanal Heart of Lake Como

Lake Como’s picturesque landscape and luxurious villas often overshadow its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions. However, beneath the surface lies a world of skilled craftsmen and women who have preserved and perfected their crafts over centuries. At the heart of this artisanal community is the Rubelli mill, where Lorita Bellocco works an 18th-century loom to create exquisite textiles for the world’s most esteemed textile houses.

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As the sun streams through the silk curtains of the mill, illuminating the wooden room where Bellocco works, it’s clear that this is no ordinary workplace. The air is thick with the scent of thread and the sound of the bulking machine grunting like a workhorse. Bellocco’s dedication to her craft is evident in every thread she pulls and every pedal she pushes down on.

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‘It isn’t just physical,’ she explains, ‘few people have the mental endurance needed for this work.’ And it’s a testament to her skill and dedication that she will take a year to finish weaving just six meters of material for the famous textile house. Rubelli’s archive consists of thousands of textiles, and the most valued of all begin here, just off the shores of the famous lake, in this room.

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But Lake Como’s artisanal traditions stretch far beyond the Rubelli mill. The area has a long history of silk production, dating back to when a 15th-century Milanese duke had the good sense to plant mulberry bushes along the lake’s fertile shores. Today, maisons like Mantero are renowned for producing some of the best silk in Europe, with over 500 workers overseeing current projects and an archive of 75,000 fabric prints, 80,000 silk scarves, and more.

The luxury destination’s proximity to Milan has also made it a strategic center of production for other artisanal crafts, such as woodworking and ceramics. In towns like Bellagio, skilled craftsmen have perfected their skills in woodworking, creating exquisite pieces for the world’s most esteemed hotels and villas. And in the nearby town of Como, the art and craft scene has been brought to life this year in the newly opened Casabianca, a modern art gallery and restaurant that showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople.

At the heart of Casabianca is a private collection of modern art from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, featuring pieces by heavyweights like Anselm Kiefer. The building itself is an homage to Como, with noted local woodworkers Castiglioni restoring all the floorboards. ‘We wanted to create the feeling of entering our home,’ says patriarch Paolo, next to a work by Marina Abramović near Casabianca’s entrance.

Part of the motivation behind Casabianca is to up the arts scene in the lake’s largest town. Recently, three suites opened above the gallery, complete with Gio Ponti taps, Rubelli wallpaper, and Milan-designed Azucena chairs, with spectacular views across the water. Even with its siblings, Casabianca may just be the most creative place to sleep on the lake.

For those looking to experience the artisanal traditions of Lake Como firsthand, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers a unique opportunity. Owner Valentina De Santis ensures that her couches, pillows, and more are upholstered by Rubelli, and has worked closely with the maison on signature scarves available for purchase, which feature custom prints of the property and vignettes from its history. Guests can also arrange to visit the Rubelli factory and see the artisans working the looms.

‘Partnering with Como artisans is fundamental for us,’ says De Santis. ‘Heritage, authenticity, and local identity is how we define true luxury.’ And it’s clear that this luxury destination is committed to preserving and perfecting its artisanal traditions for generations to come.

A World of Artisanal Craftsmanship

From the skilled weavers of the Rubelli mill to the renowned silk producers of Mantero, Lake Como’s artisanal traditions are a testament to the power of human creativity and skill. And as the world continues to seek out unique and authentic experiences, Lake Como’s hidden luxury is sure to shine brighter than ever before.