Lake Como, one of Italy’s most renowned tourist destinations, is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, luxury villas, and serene atmosphere. Recently, a quirky new souvenir has captured the attention of visitors to this picturesque location—cans filled with “air from Lake Como,” available for purchase at $11.
This unusual item is causing a stir among tourists, social media users, and those seeking to take home a unique reminder of their visit. While the concept of canning air isn’t entirely new, the connection to Lake Como’s exclusivity and celebrity presence has made this product particularly intriguing.
A Unique Souvenir: Air Canned from Lake Como
Tourists visiting the beautiful lakeside town of Como have long been able to select from a wide range of traditional souvenirs, from keychains to postcards and ornaments. However, the introduction of a new, unconventional memento—a can of Lake Como air—has taken the souvenir market by surprise. Priced at $11 (€9.90) per can, these 13.5-ounce (400 ml) containers are filled with what is described as “pure air from the most beautiful lake in the world.”
ItalyComunica, the company behind this product, markets the canned air as a “luxurious souvenir” that allows visitors to take a little piece of Lake Como’s tranquility home with them.
The company suggests that customers can open the can whenever they seek a moment of peace or need to recall the beauty and serenity of Lake Como. The packaging promotes the product as an escape in a can, designed for those who wish to hold on to the memories of their visit to this world-famous destination.
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Though humorous and eccentric, the product has captured the curiosity of tourists. The cans are sold exclusively in local stores in Como, Menaggio, and Lenno—well-known spots around the lake—but cannot be purchased online.
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This marketing strategy encourages people to visit the Lake Como area and experience the beauty of the lake for themselves before purchasing the quirky souvenir. As the website promoting the product states, “Memories are not bought but lived,” emphasizing the unique experience of visiting Lake Como over the mere act of buying a souvenir.
Celebrity Influence and the Popularity of Lake Como
Lake Como’s charm and exclusivity are not new to the world. This northern Italian lake, located in the Lombardy region, has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Luxurious villas dot the shoreline, drawing celebrities and high-profile vacationers from across the globe.
The region gained even more attention in 2002 when Hollywood actor George Clooney purchased a villa in the small village of Laglio on the lake’s western shore. Clooney’s presence has only added to Lake Como’s allure, attracting even more visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrity or experience the beauty that inspired him to buy a home there.
The influence of celebrities like Clooney has even been linked to the success of the canned air product. One social media user humorously noted that the air might be “inspired and breathed by George Clooney,” highlighting the quirky connection between celebrity culture and the demand for such a product.
Beyond its appeal to celebrities, Lake Como has been the backdrop for international film productions, further boosting its status as an iconic tourist destination. It is a popular spot for visitors looking to experience both the natural beauty of the lake and the elegance of its surrounding villas and gardens.
Social media platforms are filled with images of travelers showing off their Lake Como adventures, contributing to the lake’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination in Italy.
The History of Canned Air Souvenirs
While the concept of selling canned air might seem strange or new to some, it is not a completely original idea. In fact, the practice of canning air as a souvenir dates back several decades. After World War II, an Italian businessman named Gennaro Ciaravolo began selling cans of air from Naples.
Using empty food aid cans left behind by U.S. troops after the war, Ciaravolo claimed to fill them with fresh Neapolitan air, marketing the product as “Aria di Napoli.” This entrepreneurial spirit tapped into the post-war desire for novelty and nostalgia, and the product became a modest success.
Canned air is not unique to Italy either. In Canada, a company called Vitality Air has taken a similar approach, bottling air from the Rocky Mountains and selling it to customers around the world. The company captures fresh mountain air and markets it as a way to experience the crisp, clean air of Canada from the comfort of your own home.
Vitality Air has found buyers not only in Canada but also in regions where air pollution is a significant concern, offering a niche product for those seeking a taste of cleaner air.
Despite its humorous and seemingly unnecessary nature, the idea of canning air or similar products taps into a larger trend of novelty souvenirs that promise to offer more than just a physical reminder of a trip. In the case of Lake Como, the canned air offers an imaginative way to “capture” the essence of the lake and its surroundings—an intangible souvenir that plays on the emotions and memories associated with the visit.
However, not everyone is convinced by the appeal of canned air. Many social media users have expressed skepticism, with some dismissing it as an “old idea.” One commenter recalled that their parents had purchased a similar product from Banff, Canada, 50 years ago, suggesting that the novelty of canned air is not as revolutionary as it may seem.
Still, others saw the humor in the product, with one user writing, “Come on! It’s just a souvenir,” acknowledging the light-hearted nature of the item. The sale of canned air from Lake Como is yet another example of how tourist destinations continue to evolve their offerings to cater to visitors seeking unique and memorable souvenirs.
While some may see it as an unnecessary and over-the-top product, others appreciate the humor and novelty of the idea. The cans, priced at $11, offer tourists the chance to take home more than just a physical item—they represent a connection to the beauty, peace, and luxury that Lake Como embodies.
Whether or not the idea of canned air is new, its presence in Como’s souvenir shops reflects the ongoing desire of tourists to bring a piece of their experience back with them.
For many, souvenirs like this are not about practicality but about preserving a memory or moment in time. In the case of Lake Como, it is the lake’s exclusivity, celebrity connections, and reputation for elegance that make even the most unconventional souvenir seem worth the price.
As tourism continues to flourish in this part of Italy, the cans of Lake Como air are likely to remain a quirky, sought-after item—one that may not hold much physical value but is rich in symbolism and sentiment.
For those who appreciate a good laugh or simply want to remember their time by the lake, the cans offer a fun and unusual way to hold onto a piece of Lake Como’s serene atmosphere.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏