Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi (Giuseppe Garibaldi History Museum)

Museum in Como

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In May 1859, General Giuseppe Garibaldi of the Roman Republic, along with his Hunters of the Alps military corps, advanced from the town of Varese towards the mountain pass at San Fermo. There, they cornered the Austro-Hungarian forces near the church of San Fermo. Despite suffering 14 casualties, the Italians, attacking from three sides, swiftly routed the Austro-Hungarians.

Austrian General Urban attempted several counterattacks along the steep road from Como, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The following day, as the Italian forces cautiously descended into Como, they discovered that Urban and his troops had retreated, never to return. Artifacts and memorabilia from the Battle of San Fermo are now displayed in the Giuseppe Garibaldi Museum in Como.

Housed in the 15th-century Olginati Palace (Palazzo Olginati) in Como, the museum was founded in 1932 to mark the 50th anniversary of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s death and is dedicated to his pivotal role in the Unification of Italy. Shortly after its opening, the museum was connected to the Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Paolo Giovo via two covered walkways, forming the two “Civic Museums” of Como.

The museum is organized into two main sections: the first focuses on the historical events of the Unification of Italy (Risorgimento), highlighting the key stages of both Como’s and Italy’s history, from the initial rebellions to the wars of independence, with a particular emphasis on Garibaldi’s contributions. The second section features textiles, clothing, furnishings, and other artifacts that offer insights into Italian life from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

The Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi (Giuseppe Garibaldi History Museum) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!

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