A lakeside stadium that evolved from rationalist architecture to a modern football arena
In short: Built in 1927 to celebrate Alessandro Volta, Como's Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia has undergone radical transformations. From a multi-sport venue with cycling tracks to a modern Serie A facility, its history is a complex dance of architectural shifts, club fortunes, and even visits from Popes.
The stadium's origins date back to October 1926, when construction began on the site of a pre-existing ground. Commissioned by Benito Mussolini and designed by architect Giovanni Greppi, the facility was inaugurated on 30 July 1927. At its inception, it was a multi-use venue featuring a 500-metre velodrome and a 450-metre athletics track surrounding a 7,200-square-metre football pitch, with a total capacity of 6,000 people.
Architectural styles at the ground have shifted significantly over the decades. While the original structure featured a neo-classical façade, the arrival of the Opera Nazionale Balilla (ONB) in 1932 led to a redesign by Gianni Mantero. This update replaced the classical look with the then-fashionable rationalist architecture and added amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and fencing room.
The stadium has since been repeatedly modified to meet changing standards, including the removal of the athletics tracks in 1975 and the demolition and rebuilding of the 'Tribuna' stand in 1990. Today, the stadium is a centerpiece of Como's identity, famously described by journalist Gianni Brera as 'the most beautiful in the world' due to the lake view visible from the stands. Its capacity has fluctuated wildly alongside the fortunes of Como 1907, dropping below 5,000 seats during periods of club instability before rising again through recent renovations. The facility continues to adapt, with major redevelopment projects aimed at expanding capacity to 15,000 and meeting UEFA requirements for future European competitions.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
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