Lecco is a charming city wrapped around mountains and the lake by its side. The enchanting town has a rich history, art, and culture that resonate with both history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Lecco is the capital city of the Province of Lecco in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Lecco is situated roughly 50 km north of Milan and lies on the southeastern side of Lake Como. It is surrounded by Bergamo to its southeast and the Province of Como to its west.
Apart from offering stunning natural scenery, Lecco is also famously known for being the inspiration and setting for Italian poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni’s work. Manzoni’s most famous novel The Betrothed (I promessi sposi), was set in Lecco and is generally regarded as a masterpiece and a symbol of the unification of Italy (Risorgimento). There are several places of Manzoni in Lecco, including his former residence, that offer a glimpse into his life and the period of Italian history he documented.
Brief History of Lecco
With a history dating back centuries, Lecco has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, leaving behind architectural wonders and historical sites. Lecco’s strategic location along Lake Como contributed to its significance in the medieval period. The town was often caught in conflicts between rival powers, including Milan and Como, due to its vital trade routes.
The 19th century brought significant changes to Lecco’s landscape, and the city played a role in the tumultuous events leading up to the Italian unification. The town’s economic focus shifted from agriculture to industry, and it continued to evolve into a hub of culture.
How to get to Lecco
Lecco is well-connected with multiple transportation options making it easily accessible. Travelers can conveniently explore Lecco’s beauty due to its proximity to Milan and Lake Como.
By Air
Lecco does not have an airport. The closest airport to Lecco by distance is Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, followed by the Linate and Malpensa Airports. If you are traveling from Bergamo Airport
, first get to Bergamo train station by bus and from there take the train to Lecco.
If you are starting from Milan Linate Airport
, take a bus/taxi/metro, as per your convenience, to Milano Centrale Station, and then continue to Lecco by train. From Milan Malpensa Airport
to get to Lecco, you can either take the train (Malpensa Express)/bus/taxi to Milan Central Station and then continue onwards to Lecco by train. Take a look at the Milan Airports Guide
for details on all the airports and their various transfer options.
By Train
Lecco railway station (Stazione di Lecco) is the main train station of Lecco, Italy. The station has train connections to Bergamo
, Monza, Como, Tirano, and Milan. Lecco Maggianico is the other railway station in the city and is a few km outside the city center.
Trains to Lecco operate from both Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi stations. The train journey takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of train. The train is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Lecco from Milan. Check out the Milan train station guide
for all the must-know information.
Trainline
is a popular and convenient option to get the best available prices, times, and book train tickets. Trainline makes trip planning simple and with early booking, you can save upto 51%.
By Car
There are several routes available by road to get to Lecco. If you are driving from Milan, the shortest route involves taking the State Highway SS36. First, take the motorway A51/A52 and then merge onto SS36 which leads to Lecco. The distance is just over 50 km and travel time is around 1 hour, which could be more or less depending on the traffic.
From Bergamo to Lecco, the distance on the road is about 35 km. First, take the state highway SS342, and after about 20 km take the exit to state highway SS639. Continue for about 13 km and then merge onto state highway SS36 to reach Lecco. The travel time is approximately 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
By Bus
Buses to Lecco are few and far between at the time of writing this article. A bus ride is also less preferred since it takes longer to reach Lecco compared to a train ride.
By Ferry
Since Lecco is situated by the shores of Lake Como, it can also be reached using the ferry. When traveling from nearby towns such as Como or Bellagio, taking the ferry is a convenient option. There are direct ferry connections between Lecco and Bellagio. The travel time is around 90 minutes, and the round trip fare costs 16.60€ for adults and 8.40€ for children, at the time of this writing.
Ferries also ply between Como and Lecco, most of which involve a change at Bellagio. Check out the official website
for the latest on ferry schedules and prices.
How to get around Lecco
In Lecco, the city center and some of the major attractions are easily accessible by foot. Although the city is very walkable, you might need public transport/car to get to places away from the center. The local public transport system in the province of Lecco is operated by Lecco Trasporti and mainly consists of buses.
There are two distinct services urban and extra-urban. Urban lines operate within the Lecco municipality and surrounding areas such as Ballabio, and Valmadrera, including connections to Bellagio. The extra-urban lines operate on the outskirts of the city in areas such as Valsassina, Valvarrone, Vimercate, and Brianza. Take a look at the official website
to learn more about the various operating lines and their schedules.
A single trip ticket costs 1.4€ on the urban line and is valid for 60 minutes from the point of first validation. On the extra-urban lines, a single trip ticket starts at 1.7€, and the fare increases depending on the zone/location. Tickets can be bought on board the bus or from most nearby tobacconists and newspaper stands.
Things to do in Lecco
Lecco offers a variety of attractions and activities that showcase its natural beauty, history, and culture.
Piazza Cermenati
The heart of Lecco’s historic center, Piazza Cermenati is the main square of the city. The charming square overlooks the lake and is lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
Palazzo delle Paure and Basilica di San Nicolo are some of the historic sites located very close to the Piazza. Always bustling with activity, Piazza Cermentati is a great place to enjoy a coffee and soak in the local ambiance.
Lungolago di Lecco
Time flies as you walk along the picturesque lakeside promenade of Lecco. It offers beautiful views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Taking a stroll around the lake here is a great way to relax, and there are benches available to sit and enjoy the calmness.
The pathways are nice for a long walk, and it stretches from Lungolario Isonzo near Piazza Cermenati to the Pescarenico, the old fishing neighborhood, also noted by Manzoni in his novel. The Pescarenico area is known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional fishing heritage.
Villa Manzoni
The former residence of Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, Villa Manzoni is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. The Villa is well maintained and depicts stories of Manzoni and his most famous novel, The Betrothed. It takes place in the Italian cities of Lecco and Milan in the 17th century and tells the story of two young lovers, Lucia and Renzo. The museum also has manuscripts and historic artifacts of that time on display.
Piani D’Erna
A small hamlet situated close to Monte Resegone, Piani D’Erna is most popular for its stunning panoramic views of Lecco and the surrounding areas. It is easily accessible through the cable car, and for avid hikers, there is a path leading up to Piani D’Erna.
Take Bus number 5 to reach the Piani D’Erna cable car (Funivia Piani D’Erna) from the city center. As of this writing, the round-trip ticket of the Piani D’Erna cable car costs around 12€, and the one-way ticket is around 7€. Piani D’Erna is a favorite among hikers and also has an adventure park.
Monte Resegone
Standing at an altitude of 1875m, Monte Resegone is the mountain surrounding Lecco and provides a stunning backdrop. Also known as Monte Serrada, it is part of the Bergamasque Prealps range in the Lombardy region of North Italy. The mountain has many summits of a similar height and derives its name from its resemblance to a saw (blade with toothed edges).
The Resegone mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the region and is preferred by both skiers and hikers alike, depending on the time of year. The mountain has different trails catering to various skill levels, so choose one that suits you. Trails start from Morterone and Piani D’Erna cable car station.
Basilica di San Nicolo
The San Nicolo church is one of the main places of worship in Lecco. It is located near the city center of Lecco, overlooking the lake from a short height. Basilica di San Nicolo has ancient roots with origins dating back to the 15th century
. The cathedral is built in neoclassical style with Corinthian columns and side chapels. The church also has beautiful frescoes adorning its walls and a bell tower that was added later.
Campanile di San Nicolo
The bell tower of Lecco is right next to the church and is fondly called the “matitone” (pencil) due to its similar appearance. At 96 meters, it is one of the tallest bell towers in Europe and the second tallest in Italy. The bell tower is popular among visitors as it offers a bird’s eye view of Lecco, the nearby lake, and the surrounding mountains.
Tickets to access the bell tower must be booked in advance from the official website
. The climb to reach the top is on foot with about 400 stairs. Entrance tickets cost 5€ at the time of this writing. Campanile di San Nicolo is an iconic symbol of Lecco with Monte Resegone in the background.
Palazzo delle Paure
Originally built in 1905 with neo-medieval eclectic architecture, the building housed the offices of customs and land registry. Since people visited here to pay their taxes, it led to the complex being nicknamed the “Palace of Fears” (Palazzo delle Paure). This historic palace now serves as Lecco’s cultural center and often hosts events and art exhibitions of local and national artists. Palazzo delle Paure is located in the city center opposite the promenade and overlooking the lake.
Ponte Azzone Visconti and Ponte John Kennedy
Ponte Azzone Visconti, also called Ponte Vecchio, is a 14th-century bridge across the River Adda in Lecco. The bridge was built under the direction of Azzone Visconti, the Lord of Milan at the time. Throughout its history, the bridge has witnessed several battles and has undergone many renovations. It connects Lecco to the nearby town of Galbiate.
Ponte John Kennedy, also known as Ponte Nuovo is the newer bridge built in the 20th century, connecting Lecco with Malgrate. The bridge was constructed to ease the congestion on the older Ponte Azzone Visconti bridge. It is named after former US president JF Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.
It is well worth a visit to see the panoramic views of the lake and fisherman’s banks and to catch an enchanting sunset from these bridges.
Is Lecco worth visiting?
Lecco is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors traveling to Lake Como and Northern Italy. It offers an authentic local experience and is less touristy compared to other towns around the lake.
Lecco can also be used as a base to further explore nearby towns such as Varenna, Bellagio, Como, and Bergamo
. The proximity of these cities makes them great options for a day trip from Lecco.
And for hiking enthusiasts, Lecco is the starting point for the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path). It is a roughly 40 km long trail divided into stages and runs along the eastern branch of Lake Como.
Conclusion
The town of Lecco has timeless charm and breathtaking natural beauty. There is something for everyone at Lecco, whether you love history, nature, art, literature, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by a lake.
Lecco’s historical sites, cultural attractions, and picturesque surroundings continue to mesmerize visitors from around the world.
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