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Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 23900 Lecco LC, Italy (September 2024)
Lecco
Lecco, a picturesque town located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern vitality. Nestled at the south-eastern tip of Lake Como, Lecco is framed by dramatic alpine peaks and serene waters, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking to experience an authentic Italian town off the beaten tourist path. One of the defining features of Lecco is its stunning natural setting. The town is surrounded by the rugged Grigna and Resegone mountains, which dominate the skyline and provide a spectacular backdrop to the sparkling waters of Lake Como. This unique location makes Lecco an ideal base for outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing in the nearby mountains to sailing and windsurfing on the lake. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with scenic trails, offering panoramic views of the lake and the Alps, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Lecco’s connection to the natural world is complemented by its rich historical and cultural heritage. The town has a deep history dating back to Roman times, when it was an important hub for trade and transportation. Over the centuries, Lecco developed into a thriving industrial centre, particularly known for its iron and silk production during the 19th century. This industrial heritage is still visible today in some of the town’s architecture, including the historic bridges and buildings along the River Adda, which flows through the heart of Lecco
At the centre of Lecco is Piazza XX Settembre, the town’s main square, where visitors can enjoy the relaxed ambiance of a typical Italian piazza. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, the square is a perfect spot to savour a leisurely meal or a glass of wine while soaking in the local atmosphere. Nearby, the Basilica of San Nicolò, with its towering campanile (bell tower), stands as one of Lecco’s most iconic landmarks. This church, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, offers a glimpse into Lecco’s religious and cultural traditions. Lecco is also closely associated with one of Italy’s most famous literary works: I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) by Alessandro Manzoni. This novel, set in the 17th century, is regarded as one of the great classics of Italian literature, and much of the story takes place in and around Lecco. Visitors can explore the places that inspired Manzoni’s novel, including the nearby villages and landscapes that form the backdrop of the story. The Manzoni Museum, located in the Villa Manzoni, the writer’s former family home, provides fascinating insights into his life and works. In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Lecco is a vibrant modern town with a lively culinary scene. The region’s cuisine reflects the hearty flavours of Lombardy, with local specialties such as polenta taragna (a dish made with buckwheat and cheese), freshwater fish from Lake Como, and sciatt (fried cheese balls). The town’s proximity to both Milan and Switzerland means it enjoys a cosmopolitan atmosphere while retaining its own distinct identity. Lecco’s charm lies in its seamless combination of breathtaking natural landscapes, historical depth, and a welcoming local culture. Whether you are strolling along the lakefront promenade, exploring the town’s historical landmarks, or embarking on an outdoor adventure in the nearby mountains, Lecco offers an authentic and unforgettable experience in northern Italy. Its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it a hidden a wonderful place to visit in the Italian Lake District.
Worth a Visit
The Santuario Beata Vergine della Vittoria in Lecco is one of the city’s most important religious monuments and a symbol of gratitude and faith deeply rooted in the local community. Standing just a short distance from the historic centre, this sanctuary was built in the early seventeenth century to commemorate a decisive moment in history: the Christian victory over Ottoman forces at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was invoked as a protector during the conflict, the sanctuary remains both a place of worship and a reminder of Lecco’s connection to wider European history. Construction of the sanctuary began in 1600, following a vow made by the people of Lecco to honour the Virgin Mary for her protection.
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi in Lecco is one of the city’s central meeting points and a lively space that embodies both its modern vitality and its historical depth. Located at the edge of the historic centre, the square serves as a gateway between the older streets of Lecco and the newer urban areas that developed during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the national hero of Italian unification, the piazza reflects both civic pride and the city’s participation in the wider story of Italy’s Risorgimento. The square began to take shape in the nineteenth century, a period of great transformation for Lecco. As the city expanded and modernized, new spaces were created to accommodate growing social and commercial life.
Piazza XX Settembre in Lecco is one of the most charming and historically significant squares in the city, serving as a symbolic entrance to the old town and a vibrant hub of daily life. Located near the shores of Lake Como and framed by elegant buildings, the square has long been a place where history, commerce, and community intersect. Its name commemorates September 20, 1870, the date of the capture of Rome during the Italian unification process, an event that marked the final step in the creation of modern Italy. Thus, the piazza is not only a beautiful urban space but also a reminder of the ideals of the Risorgimento. The origins of Piazza XX Settembre can be traced to the medieval period, when it functioned as one of the main entrances to the walled town of Lecco.
The Basilica of San Nicolò in Lecco is the city’s principal church and one of its most recognizable landmarks, standing as a symbol of faith, history, and community. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and boatmen, the basilica reflects the deep connection between Lecco and Lake Como. With its striking neo-Gothic façade and soaring bell tower, the church dominates the skyline and offers visitors a place of both spiritual reflection and cultural discovery. The origins of the Basilica of San Nicolò date back to the Middle Ages, when a smaller church was first built on the site. Over time, as Lecco grew in importance, the need for a larger and more monumental place of worship became clear.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Lecco – Via Leonardo Da Vinci to Via Pietro Nava
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles
The walk starts in Via Leonardo Da Vinci – Via Lazzaretto – Via Bezzecca – Via Trieste – Santuario Beata Vergine della Vittoria, Via Trieste – Piazza Manzoni – Via Roma – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Via Roma – Piazza XX Settembre – Piazza Mario Cermenati – Via Pietro Nava – Via S. Nicolò – Basilica Prepositurale di San Nicolò, Vicolo Canonica – Piazza Mario Cermenati – Lungolario Isonzo – Via Costituzione – Via Leonardo Da Vinci – Via Adda
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