Silk Museum

The Silk Museum in Abbadia Lariana

Located on Via Nazionale in the heart of Abbadia Lariana, the Monti Civic Silk Museum is a fascinating window into the lake's industrial soul. Opened in 1998, this museum is a tribute to the community and volunteers who preserved the legacy of what was once the region’s premier industry.

Monti Civic Silk Museum

The journey began in 1818 when Pietro Monti opened his first spinning mill. By 1869, the site expanded into a complete production hub, where local farmers raised silkworms and delivered cocoons to be transformed into exquisite silk. After closing in 1934 and a brief stint as an aluminum plant, the town of Abbadia reclaimed these historic buildings in 1978 to create this immersive museum experience.

Museum Pietro Monti: A One-of-a-Kind Exhibition

A visit here is both engaging and educational. You can explore the original 19th-century factory atmosphere through interactive workshops and historic machinery. The museum is part of a local "silk network" alongside Como’s Educational Silk Museum and the Abegg Museum in Garlate—the latter can even be reached via a scenic boat ride, offering a unique perspective on the origins of this precious fabric.

Best time to visit the Silk Museum

Civic Museum Setificio Monti - Via Nazionale 93 | Tel: +39 0341 700381
Hours: Wed-Fri (2pm-6pm) | Sat-Sun (10am-12pm & 2pm-6pm).