5 Things to Do in Mandello

The city of engines welcomes you between water and mountains

A picturesque and colorful village, Mandello del Lario stretches between the waters of Lake Como and the steep rocky slopes of the Grigne. It is a magical place where you can savor authentic Larian culture, enjoy fine cuisine, appreciate the wind currents on a sailboat, and immerse yourself in Italian history. Indeed, Mandello del Lario is the historic city linked to the Moto Guzzi motorcycle brand, the motorcycles of the eagle. The historic brand is visible everywhere, with a piece of history in every corner that belongs in a museum, which is located just a few steps from the historic center. A colorful and quiet gem, it will immerse you in an atmosphere of yesteryear, thanks to the alleys and courtyards of the mountain hamlets, and the squares and small cloisters facing the lake.

Sentiero del Viandante
If you are looking for a green itinerary between history and nature, the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path) is for you! The route connecting Abbadia Lariana to Perledo retraces the footsteps of the ancient Romans, the first to travel these paths along the eastern shore of Lake Como to reach the most isolated small settlements. Starting from Mandello, you can reach Lecco or head up the lake toward Lierna and Perledo.

Moto Guzzi Museum
A historical, technical, and cultural heritage site, the Moto Guzzi Museum houses a rich collection of over 150 exhibits, including production motorcycles, racing bikes, experimental prototypes, and engines. These are presented in a chronological journey testifying to the glorious history of an undying Italian and global legend.
The museum displays unique pieces, such as the first motorcycle built by Carlo Guzzi in 1919, the only one signed G.P. (Guzzi-Parodi), alongside some of the world's most celebrated models like the extraordinary 1957 Otto Cilindri 500.

Grigna
The Grigne Group is probably the most famous group in the Lombard Prealps, and with its unmistakable silhouette, it dominates the Lecco landscape of Lake Como. The Grignetta is very famous for its magnificent natural environment, featuring an excellent network of trails for unforgettable hikes and numerous climbing routes. The terrain is very steep, furrowed by deep gullies and scattered with dozens of rock formations, spires, and towers. Short excursions to Piani Resinelli are particularly pleasant.

Barbarossa Tower
Located in a striking position in the center of Maggiana, a hamlet of Mandello del Lario, the so-called Barbarossa Tower allows us to take a step back in time.
The name of the tower stems from the hospitality of the Mandelli family, who in 1158, according to tradition, hosted Emperor Frederick I, known as "Barbarossa." He reportedly used it to observe naval battles on the overlooking Lecco branch of Lake Como between the Milanese (allies of the Lombard League) and the people of Como (allies of Barbarossa along with Mandello).
The building currently houses the Ethnographic Museum, which illustrates the history of Maggiana and the lifestyles and work of the communities that inhabited these areas through objects and images dating from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

Sailing
For sailing enthusiasts, Mandello del Lario has hosted an important section of the Italian Naval League (LNI) since 1965. Every summer, the Mandello section offers sailing courses for adults, teenagers, and children. The local club is located at the southern entrance of Mandello del Lario, a few steps from the sports hall; there is ample parking available, as well as functional facilities for competitive and recreational sailing.
Just a few steps from the club, there is a large harbor with numerous moorings.