Monument of Alessandro Volta
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to one of the most striking and controversial landmarks in the city of Como: the monument known as 'Life Electric,' dedicated to the local genius Alessandro Volta. Situated at the very tip of the breakwater or 'diga…
Listen in the app2Section 1 — The Walk Along the Breakwater
Your journey to the monument begins with a stroll along the 'diga foranea,' a long, narrow pier that extends from the center of the lakefront into the harbor. This walkway serves as a protective barrier for the boats moored in…
Listen in the app3Section 2 — Daniel Libeskind’s Vision
The 'Life Electric' sculpture is the brainchild of Daniel Libeskind, an architect known for his deconstructivist style and deeply symbolic works, such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the master plan for the World Trade Center…
Listen in the app4Section 3 — The Scientific Symbolism of the Voltaic Arc
To fully appreciate 'Life Electric,' one must understand the science it honors. Alessandro Volta’s most significant contribution was the realization that electricity could be generated through a chemical reaction between…
Listen in the app5Section 4 — A Study in Reflection and Light
The sensory impact of the Monument of Alessandro Volta is largely determined by its materiality. The use of highly polished steel means that the sculpture acts as a giant curved mirror. …
Listen in the app6Section 5 — The Controversy and Cultural Impact
Since its inauguration in 2015, 'Life Electric' has been a subject of intense debate among the residents of Como. For some, it is a magnificent addition to the city, a signal that Como is a forward-looking hub of international…
Listen in the app7Section 6 — The View from the Tip: Life Electric as a Compass
Standing at the very base of the monument, at the furthest point of the breakwater, you are at the geographic and symbolic heart of the harbor. From here, the monument acts as a compass, pointing you toward the various facets of…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey to the 'Life Electric' monument concludes here at the end of the breakwater. We have walked the 'architectural promenade' from the nineteenth-century city into the futuristic vision of Daniel Libeskind. …
Listen in the app
What is Monument of Alessandro Volta?
Monument of Alessandro Volta is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Activity |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 45.8132, 9.0809 |
| Last updated |
