Lecco is located at the south-eastern end of Lake Como extending along a portion of the eastern shore of the River Adda, as far as the Lake Garlate, where the river meets the lake. It is north bounded by the Mount San Martino and to the east by the Mount Resegone.
(ill. Panorama, postcard, 1950)
THE CENTER AND THE PROMENADE
Piazza Mario Cermenati, Lecco - from Vescogna 18 km
"That branch of Lake Como, that surges between two unbroken mountain chains . . ."
Although little remains of the town described by Alessandro Manzoni in "I Promessi Sposi" Lecco still maintains its memory in the old town center, characterized by a sober 19th century architecture that preserves traces of domination by the Visconti family . The Torre Viscontea, from the first half of the 14th century, now the Museo del Risorgimento, is all that remains of the castle that was demolished along the walls in the late 18th century.
The heart of the city is Piazza Cermenati overlooking the lake. Nearby is the Basilica di San Nicola. Built around the 7th century it was enlarged between the 11th and 12th centuries, while between the 16th and the 17th century the facade and the bell tower underwent restoration. The current facade is from the 18th century, project of Antonio Maria Fontana in neo-classical style. At the promenade, in front of the piazza is the ferry port of the Navigazione Laghi (Lungolario Cesare Battisti - info: 0341.364036) from where boats depart in the summer to Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzina.
Among the buildings from Caleotto district, two stand out: the 18th century Palazzo Belgioioso, that now servers as the Civic Museum and the Villa Manzoni, which was the family residence of Alessandro Manzoni. Manzoni lived in that house throughout his childhood, adolescense and early adulhood. The most famous writings from Italian Literature was born from meticulous landscaping memories of Lecco. The villa presents an elegant neo-classical structure with sandstone and on its left side stands the Chapel of the Assumption, from 1777, where Manzoni's father is buried. The winery preserves an ice pit and two 19th century wine presses. It houses the Civico Museo Manzoniano (via Guanella 1 - info: 0341.481247).
THE CABLEWAY TO THE ERNA PLAINS
Località Versasio di Lecco - info: 0341.497337 - from Vescogna 21 km
Behind the city a cableway leads to the Erna Plains at the foot of Mount Resegone. Reopened in 2008 and completely renewed, the starting point is located in the locality of Verasio and is easily reachable by car or public transport. In just 5 minutes you can reach the 1300 meters of the Erna Plains, a real natural balcony over the town of Lecco from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.