Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio (Paolo Giovio Archaeological Museum), Como

The Archeological Museum has been housed for over a century in the Paolo Giovio Palace, once the in-town residence of the noble Giovio family. Collections of ancient and medieval artifacts were moved to the historical building in the pedestrian area within the city walls in 1894. The property itself dates from the late Middle Ages.

A major renovation in the 16th century by Benedetto Giovio created the current Lombard Baroque appearance of the palace. In the 18th century, large windows were added to the facade, and a loggia was installed above the main entrance. Further changes were made to the stairway, the garden, and the nymphaeum (shrine).

Three halls on the first floor have frescoes by three different artists. "Perrone Hall" is decorated by Giovan Battista Rodriguez. "Barelli Hall" was done by Giuseppe Coduri. "Hall of the Wedding" has frescoes by Giovanni Battista Ronchelli. The Historical Museum was established in 1932, and the Art Gallery in 1989.

The building is bordered on the northeast by Gold Medals Square (Piazza Medaglie d'Oro). In the southeast, it touches the Olginati Palace. The two palaces are connected by an elevated walkway that crosses above Balestra street, a public road since 1930.

The Archeological Museum displays the history of Como, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The Museum itinerary is always up-to-date, showing new archaeological finds in the area. Furthermore, visitors will find a collectibles section with Egyptian, Greek, and Magna Graecia (Great Greece- a group of ancient Greek cities along the coast of southern Italy) finds, bronze statuettes, and gems. The museum also houses a vast library.