There is no better way to experience Lecco's historic center than on foot: strolling through the streets near the lake you can discover some of its architectural gems, such as the bell tower, known to the people of Lecco as the "Matitone"-indicating its characteristic long, pointed shape.

Completed in 1904 and built on a keep dating back to the 15th century, the campanile tells the story of the city's history by grafting itself along the perimeter of the old city walls, and at 96 meters high it ranks as one of the tallest bell towers in Italy.

Next to the Campanile you can access the neoclassical BASILICA OF SAN NICOLÒ, dedicated to the patron saint of the city and sailors. From the steps in front of the Basilica there is a beautiful view of the squares and the lakefront: from there, you can go down to PIAZZA CERMENATI and stroll to PIAZZA XX SETTEMBRE, also home to theINFOPOINT.

The visit in the historic center then continues to PIAZZA GARIBALDI, where you can admire the TEATRO DELLA SOCIETÀ, home of prestigious theatrical reviews, until you reach PIAZZA MANZONI, with the statue dedicated to the writer Alessandro Manzoni and on whose base three symbolic events from the novel are represented in high relief.

Heading south along the banks of the lake, you will reach PONTE AZZONE VISCONTI, known as "Ponte Vecchio," which conventionally marks the end of the Lecco branch of the lake and the beginning of the ADDA RIVER.

In addition to the historic center, the city of Lecco is composed of numerous RIONI: Acquate, Belledo, Bonacina, Castello, Chiuso, Germanedo, Laorca, Maggianico, Malavedo, Olate, Pescarenico, Rancio, San Giovanni, and Santo Stefano.

It is possible to visit places outside the historic center by following the ITINERARIO MANZONIANO, a historical-literary itinerary that will lead you, moving among churches and ancient buildings, from the VILLA MANZONI house-museum to PESCARENICO-the "fishermen's district"-which reveals its ancient and unaltered charm among cobblestone alleys and glimpses of the Adda River.
Here, you will be catapulted into the atmosphere of the novel I promessi sposi: this is, in fact, one of the most emblematic places described by Alessandro Manzoni in his famous work.

If you love modern and contemporary art, you cannot miss the permanent collection of the PALAZZO DELLE PAURE, in downtown Lecco, with works by national and international artists and a section of graphics and photography.
For mountain lovers, one way to delve into the history of mountaineering is to visit the MUSEO ALPINISTICO LECCHESE, with memorabilia and documents owned by the CAI (Club Alpinistico Italiano) of Lecco. The Palazzo delle Paure is also home to temporary exhibitions, as is the medieval TORRE VISCONTEA, located in the same square.

These two museums, along with the house-museum VILLA MANZONI and PALAZZO BELGIOJOSO-which houses the Natural History Museum, the Archaeological Museum,
the Historical Museum and the city Planetarium - are part of SiMUL, the Lecco Urban Museum System, a cultural institution that preserves, studies and enhances the cultural heritage of the area.

Discover all the experiences to do in Lecco at
www.leccotourism.it