Manzonian Itinerary

An itinerary to discover the area through Manzoni’s “The Betrothed”

A leisurely walk is recommended to visit these locations, which tradition has established as the setting for episodes of The Betrothed.

The route takes place in the southern part of Lecco, starting from the Pescarenico district, where little remains of Friar Christopher's convent but where one can still visit the Church of Saints Materno and Lucia. It also includes the Olate district, considered Lucia's birthplace and where the couple was to be married, and the locality of Acquate, Renzo's hometown and the primary setting for the novel's events in Lecco. But it is not just about the lovers: Don Rodrigo's small palace is said to have been identified on the Zucco promontory, while a country road leading to Germanedo marks the site of the famous ambush intended to intimidate the fearful Don Abbondio.

Furthermore, in the district of Chiuso, you will find where the tailor who welcomed the liberated Lucia is said to have lived and where the famous conversion of the Unnamed took place. His castle is located further south in Somasca, a hamlet of Vercurago, which remains the most evocative place to immerse oneself in what is perhaps the greatest novel of all time.

Returning to reality and setting aside fiction for a moment, a mandatory stop is the Manzoni family home, located just outside the historic center. Here, Alessandro wrote not only his novel but also a large part of his poetic works. The building currently houses the Manzonian Museum, which displays manuscripts, first editions, and memorabilia related to the writer's life and works.