Vercurago
Inside the Castle of the Unknown
Overlooking the Po Valley at the boundary between the municipalities of Lecco and Vercurago, stands the imposing Castle of the Unknown, also known as the Fortress of Vercurago. The castle, dating back to the 13th century, stands on a limestone rock formation called Tremasasso, located at the foot of Mount Magnodeno.
The castle has had various owners throughout its history. In the 13th century, it belonged to the Benaglio family, vassals of the Della Torre of Milan. It later became part of the possessions of the Republic of Venice after the Peace of Lodi. When the Spanish arrived in Lombardy, the castle, along with the neighboring Malanotte and Somasca, was incorporated into the Duchy of Milan.
The castle has undergone many destructions over the years, razed to the ground during the Italian campaign of Suvorov in 1799. However, it was partially rebuilt by the Regular Clerics of Somasca at the end of the 19th century. Today, the castle houses a sculptural representation of an episode from the life of Saint Jerome Emiliani, the last of the several chapels of the Sacred Mount of Somasca in the religious complex of the Sacred Mount of Somasca.
The strategic function of the castle in ancient times
The topographical position of Tremasasso hill, in the Po Valley, has always been of great strategic importance. It is located at the center of a valley with the orographic right side featuring the Barro Mountain and the Brianza Hill, while on the left, the mountains of the Resegone group: Magnodeno and a Counterfort which includes Mt. Tesoro and Mt. Linzone.
The summit of the hill is in a privileged position as it offers a view over all the waterways of the valley, including the Adda River, its basins and the southern end of Lake Como. From the banks of the lock, it is possible to control river and lake traffic near the narrow stretch between Lake Garlate and Lake Olginate. Additionally, the lock serves as a mandatory passage for direct routes to Valsassina, a crucial node for access to Lake Como and thus to reach Valtellina and the Alpine passes in the territory of the Grisons.
The military history of the Castle of the Unknown
The Castle of the Unknown has been the object of many battles throughout its history. The first documented mention of the castle dates back to the 14th century when it was conquered by the Visconti family of Milan. In 1433, the castle was besieged by the troops of the Republic of Venice, who sought to take over the fortress.
In 1536, the castle was conquered by the Duke of Angouleme, a representative of the King of France, Francis I, during the Italian War of 1536-1538. In 1796, the castle was occupied by French troops but was later taken back by the Austrians under the command of General Suvorov in 1799.
After undergoing further destruction during the Italian campaign of Suvorov, the Castle of the Unknown was taken over by the Regular Clerics of Somasca, who partially rebuilt it at the end of the 19th century.
The castle today
The Castle of the Unknown is now a highly appreciated tourist destination. From its square one can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Garlate and the city of Lecco. The castle is open to the public year-round, with guided tours that allow exploration of its various halls.
In particular, the castle tower houses a sculptural representation of an episode in the life of Saint Jerome Emiliani, the last of the several chapels of the Sacred Mount of Somasca in the religious complex of the Sacred Mount of Somasca.
The castle is also surrounded by a beautiful natural park, perfect for long walks and excursions. Thanks to its enchanting location and its millennia-old history, the Castle of the Unknown is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Lake Como area.
