War memorial in Como

This war memorial is a monumental stone structure in Como designed with rationalist architecture that rises 30 meters above Lake Como. Exterior walls are faced with light-colored stone quarried from Aurisina and Reppo, while large windows pierce the façade, and a massive diorite monolith dominates the interior chapel.

The structure was commissioned by the National Fascist Party in 1931 and designed by architect Giuseppe Terragni to commemorate soldiers from the First World War. Its completion in 1933 established a new language for Italian memorial architecture through rationalist design principles.

The polished stone displays the names of 650 fallen soldiers alongside an inscription from Antonio Sant'Elia reflecting on those who rest in Trieste or paradise. Walking through the interior, visitors encounter a personal testimony to loss and collective remembrance.

Reach the memorial by taking buses 11, C10, C20, C28, or N7 to the Viale Fratelli Roselli stop, followed by a brief walk uphill. Early morning or mid-afternoon visits offer a quieter experience for reflection and photography.

Inside the memorial chapel stands a massive monolith of Diorite d'Anzola weighing around 400 tons, carved with the names of fallen soldiers. This single stone block was specifically chosen and installed for the interior, serving as the emotional and physical center of the entire structure.

Location: Como

Architects: Giuseppe Terragni

Official opening: November 4, 1933

Architectural style: rationalism

Height: 30 m

Made from material: stone, diorite

Address: Via Giancarlo Puecher, 22100 Como CO

Website: http://maarc.it/opera/monumento-ai-caduti-con-a-terragni

GPS coordinates: 45.81487,9.07353

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59