What to do nearby... | COMO TATTOO CONVENTION

Activities and ideas to make your stay enjoyable

A few kilometers from Erba, where the convention will take place, you can explore some of the unique beauties of our region:

Lake Como: Discover the charming villages of Varenna, with its picturesque narrow streets, Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake,” Argegno, overlooking one of the most picturesque stretches of the lake, and Menaggio, perfect for walking and relaxing.
The city of Como: an elegant city steeped in history, famous for its cathedral, medieval walls, Tempio Voltiano, and the funicular railway to Brunate.
The city of Lecco: Located at the foot of Mount Resegone, it is the perfect destination for literature lovers, thanks to its connection to The Betrothed ( I Promessi Sposi ) by Alessandro Manzoni, as well as for nature and trekking enthusiasts.
Visit Lake Pusiano: A small slice of paradise nestled among the Brianza hills, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a genuine connection with nature.
Brunate and its lighthouse: Ride the funicular up to Brunate and admire the Voltiano Lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.

shutterstock 2460566835 What to do nearby...

How to Make Your Evenings Enjoyable in the Como Area

Our region offers various options for those seeking nightlife and unique atmospheres. Discover some of the most popular venues in the area:

- Genesi Lounge Bar (SS342, 104, Alzate Brianza)
  An oasis of elegance, Genesi Lounge Bar is the perfect spot for an exclusive aperitif or a chic night out. Let yourself be captivated by its innovative drinks, sophisticated ambiance, and vibrant atmosphere. https://genesialzate.it/
- Club Modà (Via Milano, 13, Erba)
  A temple of music and entertainment, Club Modà welcomes you with nights filled with captivating beats and an elegant atmosphere—perfect for those who want to dance until dawn in style. Visit website
- Centrale Rock Pub (Via Cascina California, Erba)
  A must-visit for rock lovers and craft beer enthusiasts, Centrale Rock Pub offers a laid-back atmosphere, live concerts, and an electrifying energy, making it the beating heart of Erba’s music scene.https://www.rockcentrale.com/
- American Road (Via Milano, 7, Erba)
  Travel across the United States without leaving Erba: American Road awaits you with an atmosphere inspired by American highways, mouthwatering dishes, and a selection of cocktails for true connoisseurs. https://americanroad.it/
- Venus Club (Via Sant’Abbondio, 7, Como)
  Venus Club offers unforgettable nights with internationally renowned DJs and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a glamorous evening in the heart of Como. https://www.venuscomo.com/
- Spazio (Piazza Garibaldi, 4, Cantù)
  A versatile venue that blends art, music, and entertainment. Spazio is the meeting point for those seeking a mix of culture and fun, with events and nights that leave a lasting impression. https://www.instagram.com/spaziocantu/?igshid=ki14ronx738y

Where to enjoy good dishes

- - The Cenacolo Restaurant (Via Leonardo Da Vinci, 6, Erba)
    A refined gourmet experience in the heart of the Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci, where every dish is a celebration of freshness and quality. Fresh fish, homemade pasta, meats selected from the best farms, and an extensive wine list await you in an elegant setting. Carefully crafted details and unmistakable flavors make this restaurant a point of reference for food lovers in Erba. https://www.ilcenacolorestaurant.it/
  - Ristorante Simposio (Via Don C. Gnocchi, 81, Inverigo)
    In the restaurant of the Hotel Inverigo, the sea and the land meet in an explosion of aromas and flavors. Traditional recipes are passed down with passion and enriched with innovative techniques, always using top-quality ingredients. Here, every dish tells a story, and every bite is an experience that celebrates the art of cooking. https://www.simposioinverigo.it/
  - Quei Bravi Ragazzi (Viale Brianza, 26, Erba)
    Immerse yourself in authentic Neapolitan tradition, where Campanian cuisine takes center stage. Fried fresh fish, succulent grilled meats, and fragrant pizzas prepared in the true Neapolitan tradition will transport you to the heart of Southern Italy. A feast of genuine flavors and conviviality that you won’t forget. https://www.queibraviragazziristorante.it/
  - Flame – Eno Pizzeria and Grill (Via XX Settembre, 15, Erba)
    Cozy and original, Flame is the perfect place for gourmet pizza lovers, created with passion by true master pizza-makers. But it’s not just pizza! Discover creative appetizers, irresistible desserts, and a carefully curated wine list for a journey through Italy’s finest offerings. https://www.flamexperience.it/
  - Osteria Italia (Piazza Giulio Carcano, 7, Erba)
    A tribute to local traditions, with dishes that highlight the freshness of carefully selected ingredients. The family-friendly atmosphere and authentic menu make this osteria the ideal place for a meal based on simplicity and flavor. https://osteriaitaliaerba.com/
  - Trattoria Alpina (Via Buco del Piombo, Erba)
    In the beautiful natural setting of Pian d’Erba, this trattoria offers authentic Como cuisine and unique hospitality. Enjoy the panoramic terrace where genuine flavors meet breathtaking views for an unforgettable experience. http://www.trattoriaalpina.com/
  - Shabu Erba (Via San Bernardino, 60, Erba)
    A new way to experience sushi: Shabu reinterprets Japanese cuisine with an Italian twist, using top-quality ingredients and regional culinary influences. A surprising mix of tradition and innovation that will captivate you from the first bite. https://shabufusion.it/portfolio-item/shabu-erba-2/

Gian Maurizio Fercioni

Born in Milan in 1946, Gian Maurizio Fercioni attended the Brera Art High School and completed the Set Design program at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1970. He made his debut at the Piccola Scala in 1969, designing the sets for the ballet Il circo by Elide Bonagiunta, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. He later created sets and costumes for Mozart’s Il re pastore (1980) and designed the stage setup for Variété, a concert-show by Mauricio Kagel (1981), both also for the Piccola Scala.

In 1970, he began collaborating with the Piccolo Teatro di Milano as an assistant set designer. In 1973, he designed and made the masks for Toller by Tankred Dorst, directed by Patrice Chéreau. This led to further work with Chéreau’s team, eventually becoming the assistant to Richard Peduzzi, whom he later followed to Spoleto, Lyon, and Paris.

He established the costume department and designed costumes for all the productions of the Laboratorio Teatrale di Prato, directed by Luca Ronconi.

In 1972, alongside Andrée Ruth Shammah, Franco Parenti, and Giovanni Testori, he co-founded the Salone Pierlombardo in Milan, where he went on to design sets and costumes for over 40 productions directed by Shammah and Parenti, based on works by Shakespeare, Molière, Pirandello, De Filippo, Pinter, and Testori.

Throughout his career, he has designed sets and costumes for both opera and drama in major European theatres, working with renowned directors such as Roger Planchon, Werner Düggelin, Antoine Bourseiller, Peter Lotschak, Jean-Claude Auvray, Mario Morini, Bepi Morassi, Tobias Richter, Louis Erlo, Roberto Guicciardini, Luca De Filippo, Gabriele Salvatores, and Robert Sandoz. He has also worked in film, television, and advertising. In 2004, he oversaw the renovation of Milan’s Teatro Franco Parenti in collaboration with the De Lucchi architectural studio.

In parallel, in 1970 he opened the “Queequeg Tattoo Studio & Museum” in Milan — one of the first tattoo studios in Italy — which also houses his historical and anthropological collection. The collection includes tools for both modern and traditional tattooing, original flash art from around the world, vintage prints, and photographs of tattooed individuals from various cultures. By 2000, the studio had become a major reference point in Europe and worldwide for those interested in tattooing and was awarded official recognition by the City of Milan.

He has worked in Lyon and Oxford and has participated in the world’s major tattoo conventions for the past thirty years. Fercioni practices tattooing with both electric machines and traditional hand techniques, including the Japanese tebori method, which he learned in Japan from the legendary master Horiyoshi III.

He is the founder of T.I.P.A. (Italian Professional Tattoo Artists Association), an honorary member of T.A.I. (Italian Associated Tattoo Artists), and, since 1978, a member of the National Tattoo Association, which includes the world’s most important tattoo artists. He published a book on his mentor titled Horiyoshi III. The Art of Japanese Tattooing.

Luisa Gnecchi Ruscone

Luisa Gnecchi Ruscone is an anthropologist and tattoo historian, known as:

Author: She has published several books exploring themes related to art and culture, including Tattoo: History and Origins in Italy, an in-depth analysis of the tattoo’s history in the country.
Art Curator: Gnecchi Ruscone has a deep passion for art and has curated numerous successful exhibitions. Among the most recent is Tattoo. Stories from the Mediterranean, held at the Mudec Museum in Milan in 2024.
What is a tattoo? Why do people get tattooed today? What stories lie behind a mark that becomes forever “ours”?

This original and unprecedented exhibition project explores tattooing from a historical, anthropological, and cultural perspective, focusing on the Mediterranean basin — the region where the earliest undeniable evidence of tattooing has been found.

Starting with Ötzi, the oldest naturally mummified human body ever discovered bearing tattoos, the exhibition traces the history of tattooing from prehistoric evidence to the present day. It presents a compelling, kaleidoscopic collage of images, colors, and lived experiences as told by contemporary tattoo artists.

Set within a multimedia and interactive scenographic design by the Dotdotdot design studio, the exhibition features a rich array of documentation: objects, historical artifacts, tools, audio materials, video installations, infographics, prints, engravings, texts, and reproductions from prominent institutions and museum collections.

The exhibition is produced by 24 ORE Cultura – Gruppo 24 ORE and promoted by the City of Milan’s Department of Culture. It is curated by Luisa Gnecchi Ruscone and Guido Guerzoni, with the collaboration of Jurate Francesca Piacenti.