Lecco between Art, Mountaineering and Trails around Lake Como

Lecco: City, Lake and Mountaineering History

The city combines historic buildings with exhibitions on art and mountaineering. There are also Piani d’Erna with its mountain views, trails around Lake Como and opportunities for excursions on the water.

Art and History at the Palazzo delle Paure

The Palazzo delle Paure houses temporary exhibitions and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea on the first floor. The Palazzo is accessible to people with disabilities and also has a lift. The building can be reached on foot from Lecco railway station, making it easier to find your way when arriving by train.

The Osservatorio Alpinistico Lecchese is located on the third floor of the Palazzo delle Paure. The exhibition there explores the history of mountaineering using texts, pictures, videos and historic mountaineering memorabilia. Temporary exhibitions by Si.M.U.L. and the City of Lecco’s Department of Culture take place on the first floor.

The Museo della montagna e dell’alpinismo lecchese is also located in the ancient Torre Viscontea. It displays numerous objects illustrating the development of mountaineering equipment, as well as important memorabilia commemorating major achievements by mountaineers from Lecco around the world. Teatro della Società provides another cultural highlight: Giuseppe Bovara designed it in 1835 in the Neoclassical style, modelled on Milan’s La Scala. At the Museo Manzoniano in Villa Manzoni, you can see manuscripts, first editions and memorabilia relating to the writer’s life and work.

Alpine Perspectives around Piani d’Erna

Piani d’Erna is a mountain settlement with views of the city of Lecco, as well as views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Funivia dei Piani d’Erna provides access to Piani d’Erna.

Historic Trails, Family Routes and Boats

The Itinerario Manzoniano can be explored independently or with a licensed guide. You can complete it on foot, by bicycle, by car or using public transport. This makes it suitable for different travel plans, allowing you to choose according to your preferred means of transport.

For longer hikes, there is the Sentiero del Viandante. The historic trail is around 70 kilometres long and runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como between Lecco and Sorico. Its origins are said to date back to Roman times. The Anello dei Laghi is mostly flat and suitable for families.

The Ponte Azzone Visconti is also known as Ponte Vecchio. It was built around 1335 at the point where the River Adda flows out of Lake Como. Public boats also depart from the Navigazione Laghi landing stage near Piazza Cermenati and travel to well-known places on the Lario.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Priorities

For art, architecture and literature, there are the Palazzo delle Paure, Torre Viscontea, Teatro della Società and Villa Manzoni. Alpine themes are covered by the Osservatorio Alpinistico Lecchese, the Museo della montagna e dell’alpinismo lecchese and Piani d’Erna. If you plan to explore trails, the independently or guided Itinerario Manzoniano, the approximately 70-kilometre Sentiero del Viandante and the mostly flat Anello dei Laghi differ significantly in length and terrain. Public transport, the Funivia and the boats on the Lario each offer their own possibilities for planning your day.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Afterwards, also explore Valmadrera, Fiumelatte, Nibionno, Dorio, Rovagnate, Barzio, Bevera di Sirtori and Cremeno.

More about Lecco.