Lecco is a large town on the southeastern end of Lake Como in Lombardy, a region in Northwest Italy.
Surrounded by tall mountains, Lecco is very picturesque and makes for a perfect start for mountaineering expeditions, but is not as popular as Como at the other end of the lake - which makes it quieter. It is in Lecco that the river Adda flows out of the lake Como, flowing further south through Lombardy, including Lodi, to join the river Po near Cremona.
Many of the artifacts in the city belonged once to the affluent Lombardian Manzoni family. Its most famous son, Alessandro Manzoni, immortalized the town in his novel The Betrothed. Despite its picturesque location, Lecco's economy for centuries been dependent on industry, not tourism. In particular, Lecco has been a major ironworking centre, with various companies owned by the Badoni family leading the way, manufacturing railway locomotives and constructing bridges around the world.
- IAT, Piazza XX Settembre, 23, +39 0341 295720.
IAT, Piazza XX Settembre, 23, +39 0341 295720.
- Basilica di San Nicolò. Standing 96 metres tall near the lakeshore, it is by far the most characteristic landmark in town, and can be seen from far away. It was erected in the 8th century, and has undergone numerous reconstructions.
- Palazzo Belgiojoso, Corso Matteotti 32, +39 0341 481248. Tu-Su 09:30-14:30. It has thr Museum of Natural History, the Archaeological Museum and the Civic Planetarium. €3.
- Palazzo delle Paure, Piazza XX Settembre 22, +39 0341 286729. Built in 1905 in eclectic neo-medieval style. It hosts a collection of modern art and temporary exhibitions.
- Torre Viscontea, Piazza XX Settembre, +39 0341 282396. open only during temporary exhibitions. This big tower is the only remnant of former fortifications.
- Ponte di Azzone Visconti. A bridge built by Azzone Visconti between 1336 and 1338 on the river Adda.
- Santuario di Nostra Signora della Vittoria, Via Azzone Visconti. A massive church built in 1932 in memory of the fallen of the Great War.
- Villa Manzoni, Via Guanella 1, +39 0341 481247, +39 0341 481249. Tu-Su 09:30-17:30. Dedicated to Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist. The villa hosts Museo Manzoniano and Galleria Comunale d’Arte. €5.
Basilica di San Nicolò. Standing 96 metres tall near the lakeshore, it is by far the most characteristic landmark in town, and can be seen from far away. It was erected in the 8th century, and has undergone numerous reconstructions.
Palazzo Belgiojoso, Corso Matteotti 32, +39 0341 481248. Tu-Su 09:30-14:30. It has thr Museum of Natural History, the Archaeological Museum and the Civic Planetarium. €3.
Palazzo delle Paure, Piazza XX Settembre 22, +39 0341 286729. Built in 1905 in eclectic neo-medieval style. It hosts a collection of modern art and temporary exhibitions.
Torre Viscontea, Piazza XX Settembre, +39 0341 282396. open only during temporary exhibitions. This big tower is the only remnant of former fortifications.
Ponte di Azzone Visconti. A bridge built by Azzone Visconti between 1336 and 1338 on the river Adda.
Santuario di Nostra Signora della Vittoria, Via Azzone Visconti. A massive church built in 1932 in memory of the fallen of the Great War.
Villa Manzoni, Via Guanella 1, +39 0341 481247, +39 0341 481249. Tu-Su 09:30-17:30. Dedicated to Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist. The villa hosts Museo Manzoniano and Galleria Comunale d’Arte. €5.
Hiking is a popular sport in Lecco, as the city is literally surrounded by mountains. You can choose one of the many mountains that surround the city, like the Resegone (which means Big Saw, for its jagged shape) or the Grigna for a beautiful trip.
Lecco mountains offer well maintained paths and many mountain huts to provide a base for your journeys. Usually at mountain huts you can find food, beverages, restrooms and accommodations if you plan an overnight journey. As there are many path to choose from and they can vary from easiest ones to the most strenuous, it's better to get a map and plan your trip in advance. The tourist office can help you to plan your trip.
Unfortunately, there are not many places which can be reached by a public transport, here is one of them:
- Cableway Lecco - Piani d'Erna. Piani D'Erna is a locality up the mountain above the city. If you don't like to walk you can enjoy the stunning view of the lake and the surrounding peaks, rest on the grass or just stroll around relaxing. If you are a hiker, from Piani d'Erna you can find many beautiful paths to the Resegone, to Piani di Bobbio and other destinations. Schedule and prices for the cable car can be found here and bus timetable for bus number 5 are here. The bus tickets must be bought in advance: there is a newspaper kiosk in the train station that sells them (€1.30 each, buy the return ticket there as well).
Cableway Lecco - Piani d'Erna. Piani D'Erna is a locality up the mountain above the city. If you don't like to walk you can enjoy the stunning view of the lake and the surrounding peaks, rest on the grass or just stroll around relaxing. If you are a hiker, from Piani d'Erna you can find many beautiful paths to the Resegone, to Piani di Bobbio and other destinations. Schedule and prices for the cable car can be found here and bus timetable for bus number 5 are here. The bus tickets must be bought in advance: there is a newspaper kiosk in the train station that sells them (€1.30 each, buy the return ticket there as well).