Farmacia Internazionale

Introducing the local businesses that make up Como’s COMO4COMO Community 

Como is celebrated for its various notable landmarks, like the duomo and the silk factory. Yet, there is another hidden gem that embodies the city’s beauty and history that is less commonly spoken about: the Farmacia Internazionale. Located on Via Domenico Fontana, once known as “Contrada della Dogana” or the Customs District, this historic pharmacy has long been a bridge between Como’s local culture and its global visitors.

Founded in the 1620s as an apothecary, the Farmacia Internazionale’s origins remain a mystery, with the name of its founder lost to time. However, its legacy continues under the care of the Tassone family, who have preserved its heritage for three generations. Giorgio Tassone, the current co-owner, reflects: “Every morning, when I put on the white coat, I feel a great sense of pride because I realise that this coat was first worn by my grandmother.”

Stepping into the Farmacia Internazionale is like stepping back in time. The entrance is a stunning tribute to its history, furnished with original 19th-century pieces and adorned with busts of iconic figures in medicine and chemistry including Galen, Asclepius, Dioscorides, and even Pliny the Elder, the famed scholar and founding father of Como. The flooring itself is also a remarkable detail as it is inspired by the tile in the Como Cathedral, symbolising the pharmacy’s deep connection to the city’s history.

Despite periodic renovations, the pharmacy has stayed true to its roots. Every change has been carefully balanced to preserve its authentic character while embracing modern innovation.

Today, Farmacia Internazionale isn’t just a place to pick up medication, it’s also a hub for wellness. The pharmacy is home to osteopaths specialising in sports recovery and nutritionists dedicated to enhancing athletic performance. This commitment to health has made the pharmacy an integral partner to Como 1907. 

Through the Como4Como initiative, a project established by Como 1907 and SENT Retail, businesses like the pharmacy contribute to the community by reselling goods, with 25% of the profits directed to Fondazione Como, which supports regional development. Giorgio plays an essential role in this connection, too, working with the club’s youth academy and women’s first team as part of their nutrition department. For the past two years, he’s helped ensure that these teams’ health and performance remain at peak levels.

Though a cornerstone of local life, the Farmacia Internazionale is equally appreciated by an international clientele. Tourists from every corner of the globe, ranging from Australia to the Americas, frequent the pharmacy. “This diversity enriches us,” Giorgio says with pride. “It truly makes us feel ‘international’”.

When visiting Como, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to explore. Giorgio Tassone suggests checking out the various Villas along the Lake, the town of Brunate, and Piazza Cavour to just name a few. While he believes there are many landmarks to see, he insists that the Farmacia Internazionale deserves a spot on every itinerary too. “The pharmacy is a unique place to learn about the city’s history,” he says.

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, where Como 1907 plays, the pharmacy offers visitors the opportunity to pick up a team scarf and show their support at a match.