Step into the World of Manzoni: Exploring Lecco, the Enchanting Lake Town
Alessandro Manzoni, who set much of Promessi Sposi here, called Lecco “a town that I would call one of the most beautiful in the world!”—and rightfully so, thanks to “that branch of Lake Como,” its monuments, and its mountains. The town’s name is said to derive from the Celtic word “Leukos,” meaning forest.
Later, Romans brought a Greek colony here, which planted olive trees; the Lombards and the Franks followed, establishing the “Rural Contadi.” After centuries of war, Azzone Visconti occupied the town, building large walls and the famous bridge. Today, Lecco, known as the “Manzonian city,” thrives as an active industrial and tourist center.
What to See in Lecco
The Historic Ponte Grande
The Ponte Grande was built between 1336 and 1338 by Azzone Visconti. As Manzoni wrote, it marks “the point where the lake ends, and the Adda begins again.” Today, the bridge has eleven arches, is 131 meters long, and 9.05 meters wide. Its towers and drawbridges were demolished in 1799 during the campaign against the French.
The Charming Lakefront
The Lakefront is a scenic, historical, and sentimental highlight of the city, resembling a “fjord” that was admired by literary greats such as Parini, Manzoni, Stendhal, Mark Twain, and Longfellow. Musicians such as Ponchielli, Petrella, Gomes, and Puccini were also enchanted by this view. The area’s connection to Italian geological science is significant, as the founder of Italian geology, Antonio Stoppani, was born here and authored Bel Paese.
The Basilica of San Nicolò
The Basilica of San Nicolò has medieval remains that hint at the religious and aesthetic spirit of Lombard art between 1300 and 1400, visible in the surviving frescoes.
Exploring the Manzonian Sites
Lecco is filled with places that feature prominently in Manzoni’s work, The Betrothed. Though many are “presumed” locations, they remain incredibly beautiful and worth exploring. Lucia’s House can be found in both Olate and Acquate—two towns that may represent the villages where the fictional couple lived. The Tabernacle of the Braves, where Don Abbondio encounters the Braves on November 7, 1628, is thought to be the Chapel of Via Croce, located on the road to Germanedo. Other iconic sites include Pescarenico, the Mouth of the Bione (“Farewell, mountains rising from the waters, and raised to the sky”), and the Castle of the Unnamed, thought to be in Somasca near the Hermitage of San Gerolamo.
Villa Manzoni Museum
The Museum of Villa Alessandro Manzoni, located in the “Il Caleotto” building, houses many of the poet’s personal belongings, including his cradle, alongside documents and memorabilia from The Betrothed.
Unique Museums of Lecco
The Silk Museum in Garlate
The Silk Museum in Garlate is located in an authentic factory and offers an informative look into the silk production process—a significant craft of the region.
Premana Knife Museum
In Premana, visitors can explore a small yet fascinating museum that delves into the lives and craft of the local knife-making community.
Events and Celebrations in Lecco
- Spring Alborellata: Held in mid-May, celebrating local traditions.
- June Lecco: Throughout June on various Sundays, the city celebrates with sports, mountain and lake festivals.
- July and August: Includes daily tours of the city and Manzonian sites, as well as concerts, exhibitions, and events.
- Lake Festival: Takes place in early August, followed by Ferragosto con noi on August 15, 16, and 17.
- Patron Saint San Lorenzo Festival: Celebrated in Mandello Lario on August 8, 9, and 10.
- Barbecue with Popular Dance: Hosted at Piani Resinelli on August 12.
Delicacies of Lecco
Visitors can savor local cheeses, such as San Carlin, and other products from Valsassina. Wine lovers will enjoy Bianco di Montevecchia and the reds of Valtellina. Satisfy your sweet tooth with miciolan, Epiphany cake, and fried tortelli. Don’t forget to try the local lake fish, especially agoni.
