IMAGES: HILTON LAKE COMO; GETTY


PARTNER CONTENT FOR HILTON LAKE COMO


GREAT SILK CITY ITALY’S Lake Como, famous around the world for its dramatic


scenery, is also a major centre of silk production. Take the time to immerse yourself in the area’s luxurious heritage


Hemmed in by snow-capped peaks with picture-perfect villages on the water, Lake Como is known for its fabulous vistas. But the scenic resort town is also renowned as the country’s silk capital. Silk production in Como dates back to the 15th century, when the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, ordered mulberry trees to be planted in the region. The leaves were eaten by silkworms, and so began the process of extracting, spinning and weaving silk. By the 17th century, Italian silk was in demand throughout Europe and its manufacture continues today, with the majority of Italy’s high-end silk still being produced in the area. Visitors interested in Como’s past can learn


about the area’s silk heritage and Hilton Lake Como, located just a short walk from both the Roman town centre and the lively waterfront, provides the perfect base. The venue has been built on the site of the Tintoria Subalpina factory, which specialised in silk printing and dyeing between 1935 and 1997, and still features nods to the property’s history. The industrial touches throughout the building, from the round windows and red bricks to the shape of the facade, play homage to the factory that was there before. Even the names of the restaurant and lounge bar, Satin and Taffeta respectively, hint at the site’s past. The hotel’s design seamlessly blends


these traditional elements with 21st-century architecture and comfort — think luxury suites with glass ceilings, a concept spa and an elegant rooftop infinity pool.


To find out more, visit hilton.com/en/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como or call +1-888-225-9664


TWO MORE SILK- RELATED ACTIVITIES TO TRY


Museo della Seta: Como’s Silk Museum is one of the few places in the world where you can see the entire silk manufacturing process, from silkworm breeding to vibrant yarns. Don’t miss the beautiful display of Chinese and Japanese silk labels — their designs are works of art. museosetacomo.com


Shopping in the town centre: The hotel is just a short walk from Como’s centre with its elegant boutiques. One of the oldest is A Picci; founded in 1919, it sells everything from handsewn ties to colourful handkerchiefs. InComo is another well-known place to pick up stylish silk scarves. apicci.it incomo.com


ABOVE: The rooftop swimming pool at Hilton Lake Como, which offers panoramic views over the popular Villa Olmo, the lake and the verdant hills in the distance RIGHT: Colourful silk scarves for sale in Bellagio, Lombardy


Essentials


The hotel can be reached by car or train. As well as 170 guest rooms — including 18 suites, plus family and lake-view rooms — it offers several dining options, such as the elegant Satin restaurant and the rooftop Terrazza 241. The hotel also features a rooftop pool, eforea Spa & Health Club and meeting spaces.


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