| Date | User | File |
|---|
In the Middle Ages, the cities of Como and Milan were rivals in power and wealth. In 1118 started the so-called Decennal War, that ended in 1127 with Como's defeat: Milanese soldiers destroyed every building in Como, sparing only the churches.
All of this changed when the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I came to power and restored Como's independence from Milan. He promoted the construction of fortifications and several defensive towers.
His appearance led the Italians to give him a nickname that remained in history...
How was he called?