Things to do in Lecco in a day

That branch of the lake of Como, which extends towards the south, is enclosed by two unbroken chains of mountains, which, as they advance and recede, diversify its shores with numerous bays and inlets. Suddenly the lake contracts itself, and takes the course and form of a river, between a promontory on the right, and a wide open shore on the opposite side.”

Our charming lake Como has been told in the past by many who have gone here and fell in love with this exceptional view. The most famous of these was Alessandro Manzoni with his novel “The Betrothed.” Lario is a very special pre-Alpine lake, known to be divided in its southernmost part into two very different branches. Our Hotel Posta in Moltrasio is located on the west branch, near Como. In the other branch there is Lecco, that we suggest you to visit during your holiday.

Here you can find some things to do in Lecco in a day.

How to get to Lecco from Como & Moltrasio

To get to Lecco from Moltrasio the best option is by car, take the SS36 to Como and then the SS342. Alternatively, take the bus to go to the Como Bus Station and then the bus C40. Alternatively, from the Como Station San Giovanni take the Trenord train to Monza, and there you have to change to Lecco.

Bell tower & Basilica of St. Nicolò in Lecco

The first step that I recommend you is the basilica of St. Nicholas, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and boatmen that is right in the ancient heart of the city and very close to the Lake Como’s shores. Its peculiarity? The neo-Gothic bell tower, which, with its 96 meters is one of the highest in Italy. It has a neoclassical façade turned towards the lake. The entrance doors have bronze reliefs; the main door (Mercy), is flanked by two smaller ones depicting the Lombard Popes John XXIII and Paul VI and the two patron saints of the city, St. Nicholas and St. Stephen. Inside look at frescoes based on the Giotto’s school and the two famous organs.

Chiesa di San Nicolò Lecco

Fears Palace in Lecco

Is it an original name, right? Lecco people had to be really terrified by what was happening in this place. Perhaps torture? The building, in eclectic neo-medieval style, was the headquartier of the finance police, of the cadastre and of the customs. This is the why the name “fears” :) Since 2012, it hosts a national museum that houses temporary exhibitions and sections dedicated to graphic design, photography, contemporary art. It hosts also the Lecco’s IAT headquarters (Information Office and tourist reception). On the third floor is planned the construction of the Cultural alpinism centre.

Villa Manzoni in Lecco

Lecco is the Alessandro Manzoni’s city, visit the the villa that was the writer family’s house until his early youth that you can find into the Caleotto quarter. It is very beautiful in neoclassical style with Italian garden. On the first floor you will find the civic museum Manzoni, while in the second floor awaits you the Municipal Art Gallery which exhibits works of the Civic Museums. Always here, you can visit the specialized library that allows you to browse Lecco and Lombardy journals, with a section dedicated to museology and cultural heritage. In addition, there is a collection of Lecco’s and Manzoni’s places photographs and postcards.

Ponte Azzone Visconti

A must in Lecco is Ponte Vecchio, knowed also as Azzone Visconti bridge, built between 1336 and 1338 over the Adda river. It has changed a lot from the construction until now. It is an important example of military engineering that was used as a filter at the city entrance with defensive fortifications and toll payment. Over the years several arches were added by Como’s request, who thought that the “narrow” bridge was the cause of frequent flooding in their city (the Adda in fact is the only lake’s emissary). Over the centuries it had many changes to become as it is today.

Visconti’s Tower

This tower is the only Visconti fortification survived the demolition of the late eighteenth century. On the ground floor you will see the the guard apartments and cannon balls, in the first floor you will find temporary exhibitions, while at the second and third floor you could visit the Lecco’s Museum of the Mountain and alpinism.

With these ideas I hope to have given you the right info about things to do in Lecco in a day. If you need additional information or have any curiosity ask to our reception, we will be glad, as always with a smile, to give you the help you need to organize your day!