5 Things to Do in Lecco
Welcome to the city of The Betrothed, between Lake Como and the Mountains
Lecco, together with Como, is one of the most important cities in the area. Known for "The Betrothed," it was once a major industrial city. Recently, it has become much more human-friendly: you can relax with pleasant walks through the city center or along the lakefront, enjoy numerous events, or test your limits with the many sports you can try during a vacation in Lecco. The city is also a perfect starting point for discovering Lake Como and Valsassina: it is well connected to Milan, both by car and by train.
Lakefront Promenade
With an ice cream in summer or a hot chocolate to go in winter, the Lecco Lakefront promenade is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Lake Como, just steps from the city. The entire walk is about 3 km long, but can be extended by reaching Pescate and following the Adda River on the pedestrian path. The promenade is stunning in summer, when thousands of people gather to enjoy the Lake Como air. In winter everything changes: silence, calm, and the water of Lake Como perfectly flat. A magical sight to photograph and share on Instagram.
Events, shows, and concerts are often organized in the lakefront squares.
Manzoni Itinerary
To visit these places that tradition has established as the setting for episodes from The Betrothed, a leisurely walk is recommended. The route takes place in the southern part of Lecco, from the Pescarenico district, where little remains of Fra' Cristoforo's convent but where you can still visit the church of Saints Materno and Lucia, and the neighborhoods of Olate, considered Lucia's native village, where the two betrothed would have married, and the locality of Acquate, Renzo's place of origin and the main setting for the novel's Lecco events.
San Nicolò Bell Tower
The sixth tallest bell tower in Italy, the Bell Tower of the Basilica of San Nicolò in Lecco is a gigantic "pencil" that soars from the lake shore toward the sky, almost challenging the highest peaks of the surrounding mountains. A special landmark for those wandering through the city streets, it is also one of the most beautiful panoramic points in the area: from its summit you can embrace the city, the lake, and the mountains in a single glance. Climb this very special skyscraper and admire the unique panorama it offers: you can do so on the dates indicated on the calendar.
Lecco Planetarium
Experience complete immersion in the mysteries of the universe at the Lecco Planetarium. Located in the heart of the city, it serves as a reference point for lovers of the sky and its secrets. Numerous events, conferences, and special evenings populate the Planetarium's calendar each month: the first Saturday of the month is dedicated to children, but if you are interested in other topics, consult the schedule. You can also participate in evening excursions to observe the stars!
Discovering Lecco
For the curious or for rainy days, Palazzo Belgiojoso in the city of Lecco is a beautiful late nineteenth-century palace that houses four museums: the Natural History Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Civic Planetarium, and the History Museum. This extensive museum complex allows visitors to discover different aspects of Lecco's history unfolding through the ages. Exploring the city of Lecco does not stop at the center and the lake, but discovering its neighborhoods transports visitors outside space and time. The most evocative is Pescarenico, a colorful, elegant village with a history linked to the lake and the Adda River. Pescarenico is at its best when viewed from the opposite bank of the river, when illuminated by the sun and all the tenement houses shine... Finally, one is enchanted imagining stories and legends about Viscontea Island, Lecco's island, where the lake becomes a river to become a lake again, a unique river island of its kind.