Como (ancient Comum), city, northern Italy, capital of Como Province, in Lombardy (Lombardia) Region. It is on the southwestern extremity of Lake Como. A noted tourist center, Como is also the trade center for the surrounding agricultural region; silk, velvet, satin, gloves, and soap are the chief manufactures.
Como was founded by the Romans and was developed into a strong fortress and a center of iron manufacture. It suffered severely during the barbarian invasions of the Italian Peninsula, but subsequently recovered and became the property of the archbishops of nearby Milan. Como became independent in the latter part of the 11th century, but was taken by the Milanese in 1127. It became a Ghibelline stronghold in the second half of the 12th century. In 1335 it fell into the hands of the Visconti family of Milan. From 1848 to 1859 Como was one of the centers of the nationalist uprising against Austrian rule. Population (1997 estimate) 83,871.
