If you’re travelling in Northern Italy, take the time to visit Lecco, a charming town that sits serenely at the foot of dramatic mountains and on the beautiful Eastern shore of Lake Como.
Lecco boasts pretty and historic architecture, delicious food outlets, and many opportunities for adventure amongst the town’s stunning natural backdrop.
Admire Minor Basilica of San Nicolò
The distinctive, hexagonal, neo-gothic bell tower of the Basilica di San Nicolo is often used as the symbol of the town and when you visit Lecco you will notice that, at ninety-six meters high, it dominates the skyline.
The Basilica itself is a wonderful structure with parts that date as far back as the 13th century. The art in the chapel includes frescoes that show scenes from the life and death of Jesus Christ.
The more modern aspects of the Basilica were designed by an architect native to Lecco, Giuseppe Bovara, and added between 1831 and 1862
Visit Villa Manzoni
Many travellers who visit Lecco are fans of ‘The Betrothed’ an epic novel penned in 1827 by the acclaimed Italian author Alessandro Manzoni.
The book is set in Lecco and literary scholars will be fascinated to spend time in the places mentioned in a story that is widely considered to be the most famous and widely read in Italian literature.
‘The Betrothed’ has huge themes, romantic, political, religious and social. More can be learned about it in the Villa Manzoni on Lecco’s Via Amendola, this arresting villa was the birthplace of Manzoni and is now a museum about his life and work.
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Ride a cable car to Piani D’Erna
Piani d’Erna simply cannot be missed when you visit Lecco. It is an idyllic natural terrace in the mountains that offers jaw-dropping views and the chance to explore.
Unless you’re feeling super fit, we highly recommend the cable car trip! Travelling in this way is exhilarating and slightly bonkers but once at the top, you’ll be thrilled.
There are plenty of hiking trails to meander around, or storm up depending on your energy levels. However, unless you have a map and know how to use it be sure to follow the clearly marked paths.
Alternatively, a lovely picnic in the lush grass gazing at the sumptuous surroundings would be a special way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The restaurant at the bottom of the cable car is great too. Simple food in a friendly atmosphere to fuel a day in the hills or celebrate the end of the two hours walk back down.
Take a walk by Lake Como
A walk along the tranquil shore of Lake Como with Mount Resegone in the background will make the perfect chill-out day whatever the time of year.
In summer, enjoy the sunshine reflecting off the azure water and see the boats bobbing about. In winter, the snow-capped mountains are magnificent to see!
And there is so much to do! Sunbathe on the secluded beaches, indulge in authentic pizza at a lakeside restaurant, or tap into our inner adrenaline junkie and try a spot of kite surfing.
Lecco is on the eastern shore of Lake Como and the residents call it Lago di Lecco. It’s a quiet part of the lake that has a relaxed vibe and the lakefront promenade contrasts perfectly with the nearby bustling Piazzas.
If you visit Lecco with a lover, take a bottle of wine and a blanket to the lake opposite the monument of Antonio Stoppani, then settle down to watch the sunset.
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Enjoy adventures in Mount Resegone
The mountains which surround Lecco have long been the playground for famous mountaineers such as Ricardo Cassin, a daring technical climber, and Walter Bonatti, a man who soloed many new and challenging routes. Visit the Lecco Mountaineering Observatory to discover their stories. It’s an interactive and technical museum which children will love too.
The alpine range overlooking Lake Como is called Orobie. It is emerald green in summer and pure white in the colder months. Animal lovers will adore searching for alpine wildlife such as the gravity-defying and deer-like Ibex and Chamois.
The biggest mountains, Resegone (with its saw-like profile), San Martino (the one which plunges steeply into Lake Como), and Grigne, can be hiked, bouldered, or climbed depending on your interest and skill set.
See Lecco’s street art
‘Avere cura del Bene Comune’ is a project that has arisen from Lecco Street View and that is organized by Art Company in collaboration with the Municipality of Lecco. Since 2011 it attracts both local and worldwide known artists to convert the city into an open-air gallery. This splash of colour breathes life into the city of Lecco!
HOW TO PLAN THE BEST LECCO TRIP
Plan ahead for your Lecco trip
- Find the best hotel deals in Lecco on Booking.com
- Get your airport transfer taxi from Milan Airport
- Find the best train ticket deals with Rail Europe
- Organise travel insurance to suit your needs with World Nomads
Book a tour in Lecco
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