Lecco
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 October 2023
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The city of Lecco is the capital city of the Province of Lecco with a population of 48,131 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 214 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 45 km² and lies 50 kilometres north east of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy. Lecco stands at the bottom of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como, at the point where the River Adda flows into the smaller Lake Garlate, just south of the city. |
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Lecco and Alessandro Manzoni
Part of the Italian school curriculum is to read I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), a book written by Alessandro Manzoni (1785 - 1873) who grew up in Lecco. The book is hugely popular in Italy and this alone draws visitors from all over the country, curious to visit some of the locations used in the book or to visit the Villa Manzoni Museum.
Throughout Italy you'll find lots of other towns with their own Piazza Manzoni, Via Manzoni or Corso Manzoni and so on, such is his importance in Italian history. Lecco of course has its own Piazza Manzoni, replete with a statue of the great man.
Throughout Italy you'll find lots of other towns with their own Piazza Manzoni, Via Manzoni or Corso Manzoni and so on, such is his importance in Italian history. Lecco of course has its own Piazza Manzoni, replete with a statue of the great man.
Lakeside resort
Aside from the Manzoni references, Lecco is known as a laid-back lakeside resort, without perhaps the throng of tourism enjoyed by the likes of Como or Bellagio, other notable towns further around the same lake.
Although Lake Como is slightly smaller than Lake Garda when it comes to size, in terms of getting around the whole perimeter it can be more time-consuming due to its forked layout with Bellagio at the top of a peninsula roughly half way up. That being the case, Lecco is a good place to base yourselves if you're planning to explore the lake with good transport options and cheaper accommodation than you'll find at some of the more famous resorts mentioned above.
Although Lake Como is slightly smaller than Lake Garda when it comes to size, in terms of getting around the whole perimeter it can be more time-consuming due to its forked layout with Bellagio at the top of a peninsula roughly half way up. That being the case, Lecco is a good place to base yourselves if you're planning to explore the lake with good transport options and cheaper accommodation than you'll find at some of the more famous resorts mentioned above.
Sightseeing Lecco
The small town centre has enough shops and places to eat to sustain a holiday, with some pretty squares such as Piazza XX Settembre and the main religious building, the Basilica di San Nicolò among the sightseeing highlights. It's also a lovely place to simply switch off and enjoy walks around the harbour with its tree-lined paths.
Profile
Lecco is a lakeside town located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Situated on the southeastern branch of Lake Como, Lecco offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The town's history dates back to ancient times, and its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and proximity to the lake make it a popular destination for tourists.
History
Lecco's history can be traced back to Roman times when it was a small settlement along the eastern shores of Lake Como. Over the centuries, the town saw various rulers, including the Visconti and the Republic of Venice. During the Middle Ages, Lecco's strategic location on Lake Como made it an important centre for trade and commerce.
The town played a significant role in Italian literature, as it is the setting of "The Betrothed" (Italian: "I Promessi Sposi"), a famous novel by Alessandro Manzoni. Today, Lecco preserves its historical charm while embracing modern development and tourism.
The town played a significant role in Italian literature, as it is the setting of "The Betrothed" (Italian: "I Promessi Sposi"), a famous novel by Alessandro Manzoni. Today, Lecco preserves its historical charm while embracing modern development and tourism.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Lake Como: The town's location on the shores of Lake Como provides a perfect setting for water activities such as boating, sailing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the lakefront and take in the breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
- Piazza XX Settembre: The central square of Lecco, Piazza XX Settembre, is a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a great starting point for exploring the town.
- Manzoni's Statue and Museum: Lecco pays tribute to Alessandro Manzoni, the famous Italian writer, with a statue of him in the town's central square. Visitors can also visit the Manzoni Museum to learn more about his life and works.
- Palazzo delle Paure: The Palazzo delle Paure, or Palace of Fears, is an elegant historical building that now serves as a cultural centre and hosts various events and exhibitions.
- Monte Barro Regional Park: The nearby Monte Barro Regional Park offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park is characterized by lush forests, scenic trails, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Local Cuisine: Taste the local cuisine in Lecco's restaurants and trattorias, where you can savour traditional dishes from the Lombardy region, including lake fish and risotto.
- Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Lecco hosts various festivals and events that celebrate local traditions, culture, and gastronomy.
Comune di Lecco
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Province: Lecco
Region: Lombardy Population: 47,454 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 46 km² Elevation: 214 metres Highlights: Basilica di San Nicolò, lake, Piazza XX Settembre Close by: Malgrate, Lake Garlate, Abbadia Lariana, Varenna Recommended hotel: NH Lecco Pontevecchio |
Lecco Travel
It's possible to take a ferry up the lake from Lecco to Bellagio, a journey of around and hour and a half, although the crossings are infrequent out of season. There are also trains that run up the eastern half of the lake towards the beautiful town of Varenna with a journey time of 20 minutes followed by a 10 minute walk. You can also head south to Milan (Milano Centrale) in 39 minutes, with the train stopping along the way in Monza (26 minutes). Another popular destination from Lecco is Bergamo which takes 40 minutes on the R7 train. The train station is situated in the city centre, a 5 minute walk (450 metres) from Piazza XX Settembre.
The most convenient airports for Lecco are Milan Bergamo Airport which takes 42 minutes at a distance of 40 kilometres and Milan Linate Airport, also 42 minutes but a slightly greater distance - 58 kilometres. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a very realistic option with a journey time of 58 minutes and a distance of 75 kilometres.
The most convenient airports for Lecco are Milan Bergamo Airport which takes 42 minutes at a distance of 40 kilometres and Milan Linate Airport, also 42 minutes but a slightly greater distance - 58 kilometres. Milan Malpensa Airport is also a very realistic option with a journey time of 58 minutes and a distance of 75 kilometres.
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Public transport: Central train station, lake ferries, local buses
By train: Varenna - 21 minutes, Milan - 39 minutes |
By car: Como - 37 mins (32 km), Monza - 37 mins (42 km)
Fly to: Milan Bergamo Airport - 42 minutes by car (40 km) |
