Lecco

Discovering Lecco

Hello friends, today I will talk to you about Lecco, a delightful city located in Lombardy, Italy. With a population of over 48,000 people and located on the Lecco branch of Lake Como, this city offers picturesque views and an interesting history.

Physical Geography

The territory of Lecco extends for approximately 45.93 km², with an urbanized portion of about 11.75 km². The city develops mainly on alluvial deposits and in the valley bottoms of torrential incisions. The mountains that surround the city are Mount Coltignone, Mount San Martino, Mount Due Mani, Pizzo d'Erna, Resegone and Magnodeno. These offer breathtaking views to tourists and city residents.

Discover the beauty of Lecco: history, nature, and culture in a Lombard city.

The History of Lecco

The city dates back to the Middle Ages and further developed following the Peace of Constance, where Lecco was annexed to the Duchy of Milan. This led to the current urban development, the result of the unification of ten distinct municipalities, each the seat of its own parish. It was during the second half of the 19th century, under Austrian rule, that the city experienced a particularly flourishing period that led to the construction of neoclassical style buildings and arcades. After the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, Lecco became one of the first industrial centers in Italy thanks to the development of the iron and steel industries, already active in the 12th century, and earned the nickname "the city of iron".

What to Visit in Lecco?

One of Lecco's main attractions is the surrounding territory. Thanks to its location on Lake Como's Lecco branch and proximity to the mountains, the city offers numerous opportunities for hiking or cycling. Water sports enthusiasts can sail or windsurf on the lake. The city itself also offers several historical and cultural attractions.

The Manzoni Museum, dedicated to writer Alessandro Manzoni, is a must-see for those visiting Lecco. The museum is located in the house where the writer lived with his family during the writing of "The Betrothed", which is set in Lecco. Other places of interest include the 14th century Church of San Nicolò and the Viscontea Tower, a watchtower dating back to the 14th century.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lecco is a picturesque city with a unique history and culture. Thanks to its proximity to the mountains and Lake Como, it offers numerous opportunities for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The city itself has several cultural and historical attractions, including the Manzoni Museum and the Church of San Nicolò. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting and enjoying all the wonders that this city has to offer.

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Friday, Jan 20, 2023