Lecco is a picturesque town on Lake Como. Villas in Bellagio. Lecco is worth a visit to numerous festivals
Lecco from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Lecco.
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Lecco is located in Italian Lombardy, in the south of Lake Como, more precisely, its eastern branch. This is a small town, which is nevertheless quite popular among tourists, so here you will not find ringing silence and solitude. But you will find beautiful nature, a moderate pleasant climate and all the opportunities for active rest and travel in the region.
For tourists, Lecco is attractive primarily because it is both a city in the Alps and a city on a lake.
How to get to Lecco
By train from Bergamo in 40 minutes.
Search for flights to Milan (nearest airport to Lecco)
2 things to do in Lecco:
- It is enough to be on foot along the promenade, the most popular walking area of Lecco.
- go to tiny fishing village Pescarenico, look at a handful of houses by the lake and boats with tackle, described in "The Betrothed".
Once upon a time, the Celts lived on the site of present-day Lecco, later the Romans, who organized something like military base; after them were the Lombards and the Franks. Today, Lecco's own population does not even reach 50 thousand people. Meanwhile, this is the administrative center of the province: Lecco stands at the narrowing of Como, where the river Adda is formed. Numerous bridges in Lecco, which have partially survived to this day, have formed a busy transport hub here.
Walk in Lecco
Lecco's fame was brought by the writer A. Manzoni, who is not very popular in our country. Nevertheless, in his homeland, the writer became a classic of the school curriculum thanks to his romantic book The Betrothed, the first Italian historical novel, written in 1827, the action of which takes place partly in Lecco. In the author's mansion, at Villa Manzoni, his museum is open: this is a beautiful neoclassical building, next to which stands a touching chapel built in 1777. The villa also has a municipal art gallery with paintings by painters of the Lombard school of the 17th and 18th centuries.
It is believed that of all the Italian literary works of the 19th century, it is the novel "The Betrothed" that is most read.
For tourists, Lecco is attractive primarily because it is both a city in the Alps and a city on a lake. In winter it is not too cold here, and in summer the city is blown by a breeze from the mountains. Here you will find all the opportunities for active tourism, not too burdensome and perfect for the whole family, and at the same time - for a civilized city holiday. There are many convenient walking and cycling routes around Lecco, ferries run from the harbor to different points of the lake or faster river boats; there are also water taxis of various companies.
Near the city there are several camping areas and excellent opportunities for water and mountain sports, from diving to paragliding. Those who prefer more meditative and healthy leisure activities will enjoy the picturesque cycling route through Addu. For a cultural pastime, Lecco has a Museum of Natural History and even a planetarium next to it. Finally, just 20 kilometers away is the “pearl of Como” Bellagio, and about 25 kilometers away is the stunningly colorful village of Varenna.
Popular hotels in Lecco
Attractions and attractions in Lecco
Despite its size, there are about a hundred historical monuments in the city. The most interesting historical landmark of Lecco is the Romanesque church of St. Nicholas, which was built in the 18th century. The saint has long been revered as the patron saint of the town. In later centuries, the temple was rebuilt more than once, and today there is little left of the original building. A long sharp bell tower 96 m high, decorating the temple, is considered a symbol of the city: the locals call it "Matitone" - "Pencil". The most classic photograph of Lecco is a strip of water and a promenade at sunset with bunches of trees, from which the arrow-shaped tower of the temple stretches upwards and shines against the backdrop of the Bergamo Alps.
The patron saint of the island is none other than Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is highly revered in Russia as well. Lecco has Orthodox church Saint Nicholas of Myra, who belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. The temple is located in the depths of the town, at the corner of Milazzo and Seminario streets.
The old city center was formed around main square 20 September. A traditional city market has been open here since the 12th century, and the main streets of Lecco diverge from here. On the square stands the remarkable Palazzo della Paure, which faces the embankment. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century as a tax office building, hence the dramatic name - "Palace of Fear". The recognizable rectangular tower Torre Visconti is also located here, built in the 14th century and at that time was part of a fortified castle, which was later destroyed. Today, the tower hosts various exhibitions.
Since 1928, the municipality of the city has occupied the building of the Palazzo Bovara, named after its architect. Its construction began in 1836 and dragged on for 20 years. The palazzo should not be confused with the mansion of the same name - the house of the architect, which also has historical and architectural importance. Another interesting palace, Palazzo Falk, is located on central square Garibaldi, and near him are the Palazzo Croce di Malta and the Palazzo della Banca Popolare. On Piazza Mario Cermenati, you can see a monument to the famous geologist, a local native, made by Francesco Modena and erected here in 1927. Also of interest is the baroque church of St. Mary, richly decorated.
A separate attraction of Lecco can be considered its bridges. Today there are four of them in the city. The oldest is the Visconti Bridge, built in the first half of the 14th century, it is sometimes also called Ponte Vecchio (« old bridge"). It consists of 11 arches and, unfortunately, is now in need of serious restoration. The Kennedy Bridge was built in the middle of the 20th century, and the Manzoni Bridge at the end.
Finally, a great day trip will be to Piano d'Erna (10 minutes by bus from the city center, then by funicular). The upper point of the ascent is at an altitude of 1300 m. Many hiking trails start from here. mountain routes, there is everything for rock climbing and mountain biking. An adventure park with summer and winter attractions is also open here.
Lecco (Lecco)
The city of Lecco is located on east coast Lake Como in the Lombardy region. He is called the most romantic city lakes of northern Italy.
Thanks to his geographic location, in the Middle Ages, Lecco was of great military importance. It has repeatedly become a theater of hostilities and bloody battles.
In 1250, Milanese troops razed Lecco Castle to the ground, which sided with Emperor Frederick II. Later it was destroyed by Matteo I Visconti, promising that Lecco would not be reborn. But the city was rebuilt and restored. Even as part of the Duchy of Milan, Lecco retained the position of a free Commune with its own laws until 1757. With the fall of the Duchy of Lecco came under the rule of Spain and Charles V. At this time, the military importance of the city grew greatly.
Alessandro Manzoni writes about this period in his famous novel"Betrothed" ("Engaged"). The book is set in Lecco and Milan. The writer's family comes from Milan, but they settled in Lecco.
In 1714, Lombardy became part of the Austrian Empire, and in 1797 - the Cisalpine Republic.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a famous group of Milanese writers and artists called Scapigliatura formed in Lecco, whose members opposed traditionalism and romanticism, they adhered to a bohemian lifestyle and often defiantly violated the rules of morality and ethics. Among them were writers Arrigo Boito, Vittorio Imbriani, Mario Rapisardi, Iginio Hugo Tarchetti, artists and sculptures - Francesco Filippini, Mose Bianchi, Giuseppe Grandi, Daniele Ranzoni, Tranquillo Cremona.
In the XVII-XVIII centuries. century silk production was widespread in Lecco, but then the decline came, and now there is not a single operating factory left. Some industrial buildings have been converted into housing. Later, at the end of the 19th - the middle of the 20th centuries. Lecco became a leader in the metallurgical field, steel mills appeared. But the subsequent crisis of the industry slowed down, enterprises began to close.
Now Lecco lives on tourism.
Lake Como and Lecco
The central square of Lecco is , around which the main attractions of the city are concentrated. From the piazza you have a view of Mount San Martino.
The square also houses the Palazzo of Fear. The first building on this site was erected in 1905 for customs purposes, but already in 1916 it was demolished and a new one was rebuilt in the eclectic style. Since 1964, tax services, cadastre and customs have been located here. Therefore, the palazzo got its name - the Palazzo of Fear. In 2012, a museum was equipped here.
A small street leads off the square. , which is one of the most characteristic and ancient in the city.
Let's go through and among the palazzos we will see a medieval tower, which is a piece of the old castle. It was erected in the 15th century by order of the Visconti family. She played the role of a watchtower.
Along shops and restaurants are located.
Lecco
On the next square is a monument to Alessandro Manzoni.
Monument to Alessandro Manzoni
A walk along Lake Como will be especially pleasant, during which you can admire beautiful views of the water surface and the city.
Lecco is a small town located on the southeastern shore of Lake Como, 50 km from Milan. According to the latest census, about 48 thousand people live in it. Lecco is the administrative center of the province of the same name. To the north and east of the city rise the so-called Bergamasco Alps, dissected by the Valsassina valley.
Where Lecco stands, Lake Como narrows and forms the Adda River - many bridges have been built across it to improve transport communication with Milan. In Lecco itself, there are four bridges over the Adda - the Azzone Visconti bridge (1336-1338), the Kennedy bridge (1956), the Alessandro Manzoni bridge (1985) and the railway bridge.
Archaeological finds indicate that the first inhabitants of these places were Celtic tribes. Then the Romans came here, who built a castrum - a type of military settlement and turned it into an important transport hub. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 6th century, the city was taken over by the Lombards, who were later replaced by the Franks. Emperor Otto I the Great spent a lot of time in Lecco, who suppressed the uprising of 964, raised by the local Count Attone against the Holy Roman Empire. Emperor Conrad II also stopped here, who wanted to free the city from church authority. Then Lecco became part of the Duchy of Milan and only in the middle of the 19th century, together with the rest of Lombardy, became part of a united Italy. During the Second World War, this city was an important center of partisan struggle against the German occupiers.
Today Lecco is a popular tourist resort. There are about a hundred monuments of history and culture in the city, among which the small Romanesque basilica of San Nicolò, the Palazzo delle Paure, the theater Della Sochieta, the Palazzo Bovara and the Church of Santa Maria stand out.
Palazzo delle Paure stands on Piazza XX Settembre and faces the promenade and Piazza Cermenati. This four-story building was built in 1905 for the local tax office, for which it got its name - "Palazzo delle Paure" in Italian means "Palace of Fear".
Palazzo Bovara today houses the municipality of Lecco. The name of this building comes from the name of the architect who designed it and can sometimes be misleading, since the house where the architect Giuseppe Bovara was born and Villa Bovara, the family estate, bear the same name. The construction of the Palazzo began in 1836 - it was originally supposed to be the first hospital in Lecco, but in 1843 work had to be suspended due to lack of funds, and that is why only one of the planned four courtyards was completed. In 1854, the façade of the Palazzo was completed, facing Piazza Dias on one side and Piazza Lega Lombarda on the other. Since 1928, the building has housed the municipality.
Another interesting palace Lecco - Palazzo Falk, standing on the main city square Piazza Garibaldi next to Palazzo della Banka Popolare and Palazzo Croce di Malta. It is also worth visiting Villa Eremo with a spacious park, built in 1690 by the Marquis Serponti, and Villa Manzoni, where the famous Italian poet, writer and playwright Alessandro Manzoni lived. Today, this elegant neoclassical building houses a museum dedicated to the writer. To the right of the villa you can see a small chapel, built in 1777, where Father Manzoni is buried.
Lecco, Italy… a small but very beautiful city immediately appears before your eyes. The last census showed that no more than 50 thousand people live in it. Despite its small size, it is nevertheless very popular in the tourist environment, so in the city itself you are unlikely to find silent silence and at least for a short time retire from the bustle of the city. But on the other hand, the surroundings of the town will give you indescribable beauties of nature, a gentle temperate climate and other delights so that you can actively relax, traveling through the cherished and picturesque corners region.
It is located half a hundred kilometers from Milan near the southeastern shore of Lake Como. There is a province of the same name, and Lecco is its administrative center. The northern and eastern parts outside the city are occupied by the so-called Bergamo Alps, which are cut through by the Valsassina valley.
First of all, tourists are attracted to Lecco by the fact that it is located in a very picturesque place, is a city in the Alps and a city located on the shores of the wonderful Lake Como. At the place where Lecco is located, it, narrowing, is transformed into the beginning of the Adda River. And on the river itself there are four bridges that serve the purpose of the fastest communication with Milan.
Winters here are not very cold, and summers are not very hot, the city is blown by the breeze from the surrounding mountains. Therefore, there are excellent conditions for active tourism, not quite burdensome, which is well suited for all family members, and for modern urban recreation. The surroundings of Lecco have a lot of routes: for hiking and cycling trips. There is a harbor from which ferries leave, you can get to different points of the lake or use faster river boats; in addition, those who wish can take a water taxi owned by various companies for walking.
Everything for leisure
Near the city there are camping areas. There are excellent conditions and opportunities for those who like to participate in water and mountain views sports such as diving, paragliding and others. Those who prefer cycling can take advantage of the scenic bike trail that runs through Adda. There is also an activity for those who like to spend time culturally in Lecco - they can visit the Museum of Natural History, and on the way go to the planetarium, which is located near the museum. In addition, you can visit the pearl of Como - Bellagio, which is located twenty kilometers away, approximately at the same distance there is another amazing place- the stunning village of Varenna.
From the history
According to archaeological finds and other scientific studies, scientists have come to the conclusion that one of the first inhabitants of the area are the Celtic tribes. After them, this territory began to settle down by the Romans. First of all, they started building a castrum, which is one of the types of military settlements, thus making it a reliable transport hub. Then the city was captured by the Lombards, this happened in the sixth century, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. After that, the Franks came to replace the Lombards.
For quite a long time, Emperor Otto 1 the Great was in Lecco, who in 964 brutally cracked down on an uprising against the Roman Empire, which was led by the local Count Attone. Traces of the emperor Conrad II, who sought to liberate the city from the power of the church, were also left in the city. After that, Lecco was part of the Duchy of Milan. And only many years later, in the middle of the nineteenth century, it became an integral part, like the rest of Lombardy, of a united Italy. Second World War brought fame to the city as one of the most significant centers of confrontation with the German invaders - important partisan detachments were formed here that fought against the Nazis.
Lecco in literature
Art and literature, as well as the media mass media, can bring great fame not only to a person, but also to the area, locality. Lecco became widely known as a result of the novel by the writer A. Manzoni, who, unfortunately, is not very famous in our country. But at home, he is one of the classics, whose works are included in the school curriculum. And the fame of the city came thanks to his novel on the historical theme "The Betrothed". By the way, it was written in the seventeenth century and is the first historical novel in Italy with a romantic plot. The action of the work takes place not only in Lecco, but a rather significant part is assigned to it here. Currently, the author's mansion is given over to the Villa Manzoni Museum. It is a magnificent neoclassical building. Next to the villa is a small chapel built in 1777. In addition, the doors of the municipal art gallery are open in the villa, where there are collections of paintings by artists of the Lombard school of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
How to get there
You can get to Lecco without any problems if you take the train to Bergamo. The trip will take just over half an hour.
The nearest airport from the city is in Milan.
Experienced tourists advise beginners who are going to visit this city, be sure not to forget about two things:
- Wander along one of the most popular walking areas of Lecco - along the promenade
- visit small village fishermen with the interesting name of Pescarenico. In it, you can see several houses by the lake and a boat with gear, which were described by a famous writer in Italy in the novel "The Betrothed".
Entertainment and attractions
Although the city is not large in size, it is not deprived of ancient monuments - there are about a hundred historical monuments in Lecco.
Most of all, the temple of St. Nicholas attracts tourists; its construction dates back to the eighteenth century. The townspeople have long venerated the Saint as the patron saint of Lecco. Of course, little is left of the original temple at the present time, because it was constantly rebuilt, however, to this day it never ceases to amaze visitors with its unique appearance. The almost hundred-meter pointed bell tower, which can be seen from afar and serves as a decoration of the temple, has long been recognized as a symbol of the city. It even has a local name given to it by the townspeople themselves "Matitone", which means Pencil. Most of all, I like the image of Lecco, which shows the sunset on the embankment and the tower of the temple against the background of the mountains.
palaces
If you turn your gaze to central part old Lecco - then the panorama of the XX Settembre Square will open. It was around the central square that the formation of the old city center began. Since ancient times, and more precisely, according to historians, since the twelfth century, this place is famous for the city market and, if all roads lead to Rome, then all the streets of the city flock to the square, which can boast big amount different attractions. For example, the remarkable building of Palazzo delle Paure cannot but be of interest. A stately and attractive mansion, four floors, facing the embankment with its facade, is called only the "Palace of Fear". The palace owes such an unusual and alarming name to its status and, of course, first of all, to the sharp mind of the Italians. This palace, which should cause chilling fear, was called the tax office, built at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The Bovara Palace is a state institution, since 1928 it has been the seat of the municipal government of Lecco, which manages city affairs. The palace is named after the architect who designed it in the nineteenth century, Giuseppe Bovara. This is sometimes misleading, since there is a house of the same name, in which the boy Giuseppe was born, the future famous architect besides this there is also a villa with the same name.
The construction of the palace began back in 1835, assuming that the first medical institution, a hospital, would be established here. However, eight years later, the construction had to be "frozen" for a banal reason - lack of funding. As a result of the long-term construction, the palace had only one courtyard, instead of four, as was planned in the project. And only after almost twenty years since the start of construction, the decoration of the facade of the Palazzo was completed.
Also call big interest tourists have the following attractions that Italy is rich in general, Lecco in particular. You can name such palaces:
- Falk (palazzo Falk), it stands in the central square of the city, Lately many exhibitions take place here.
- Croce di Malta;
- Della Banca Popolare - this palace is one of the offices of a reputable Bank of Italy.
- Villa Eremo. Very attractive. The villa has a large park built at the end of the seventeenth century by the Marquis Serponti.
- If you go to Piazza Mario Cermenati, then here you will see a monument erected to a famous geologist who was born in these places. The monument was made by Francesco Modena, a talented sculptor, and installed on this site almost 90 years ago - in 1927.
- It is also worth seeing the baroque church of St. Mary, which is very richly and talentedly decorated.
- Torre Visconti is located in the same place. This is a well-known rectangular tower. It was built in the fourteenth century, in those early years it was an integral part of a fortified castle, which was then destroyed. It currently hosts various exhibitions.
four bridges
If you climb a mountain peak and from there look at the surroundings of the city, you can see that special place among other attractions of Lecco are its bridges. So far, four bridges have been built in the city alone. Not some "mostomania" was the reason for the construction. The Adda River, which flows into the turbulent waters of Como in the northern part and moves undercurrent to the southern arm of the lake. In the territory, the still waters regain their swift current to become a river again. Due to such circumstances, the ferry crossing was practically considered impossible, and in order to simplify the advance to Milan, the townspeople began to build bridges.
- The oldest bridge and venerable crossing is called the Visconti Bridge across Como and Adda, which was built in the first half of the fourteenth century under the control of the Milanese ruler A. Visconti (Azzone Visconti). Sometimes ponte Visconti is also called the Old Bridge - Ponte Vecchio. This bridge has a rather intricate design, consisting of eleven arches. The bridge is currently in need of major restoration.
- The Kennedy Bridge began construction in the mid-twentieth century and was completed in 1956. But he is not considered the youngest.
- Manzoni Bridge. So named after Alessandro Manzoni, built thirty years after the previous bridge. It is worth recalling that this name belongs to the famous Italian romantic writer, the author of The Betrothed.
- And finally, the most modern bridge is the railway one.
And finally
When you get bored with earthly travels, and want something unearthly, then feel free to go "into the air." A great one-day pastime is a trip to the Piano d'Erna peak. This trip will not take much time - it's only a ten-minute bus ride from the central part of Lecco - but it will leave a lot of the most amazing and unforgettable impressions. Here is the station where you will take the funicular and rise above sea level for more than a kilometer. The most high point the rise is one thousand three hundred meters. In the mountains for you there is a large number of different entertainments. Many routes start from this place, you can go rock climbing (if you have experience, of course), mountain biking. The park is open from various types attractions.
In the north of Lombardy, very close to the Swiss border, there is Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como). as if gem, the waters of Como glisten in the frame of the Alps. The extremely deep and fabulously beautiful lake is loved by original Italians and numerous guests of the country. Mountain landscapes framed by fluffy clouds serve as a source of inspiration for writers, artists and film industry workers. Luxurious villas, well-groomed parks and gentle waves mountain lake envelop the visitors of the resort with heavenly bliss.
Como receives a bronze medal in the championship of the Italian lakes, judging strictly by its size. The area of the water mirror is 145 km2, length is 47 km, width is 4 km. With a bottom depth of about 410 m, Como owes its glacial past mountain valley. The reservoir has a very unusual silhouette in the form of a horn. The Adda River (Italian Adda), winding between the mountain peaks, fills the base of the "slingshot". Approximately in the middle of its length, the reservoir is divided into two winding branches. The "handle" of the slingshot or the northern arm of the lake is called Colico, the southeastern arm is called Lecco, and finally the southwestern part of the lake is called Como.
The lake is open to boat traffic and generous to the representatives of the fishing fraternity. The hothouse climate of the Alpine foothills allows local residents to cultivate Mediterranean cultures that do not usually survive in Lombard lands. Olives, pomegranate trees, myrtle, cypress and vineyards adorn the lakeshores and bring a good harvest. Clean air, clear water, vibrant nature and modest architectural monuments attract tourists and vacationers to the hospitable shores of Lake Como.
History and name
History has preserved for posterity several old names of the alpine reservoir. So, the ancient Greeks awarded the lake with the epithet Lario (Greek Λάριος), and the Romans translated this name into Latin (Lacus Lārius). The name comes from the root "lar", which means " deep place". With the advent of the Middle Ages, the old name of the lake lost popularity, giving way to a new name - Como (short for lacuscomensis).
During the heyday of the Roman Empire, wealthy and powerful people built their residences in the valley near the lake. For example, the Roman poet Virgil chose for himself a plot on the coast picturesque lake. The politician of great Rome, Gaius Pliny the Younger, also liked to relax among mountain beauties Lario.
Nowadays, Como is highly regarded by foreign celebrities. Entrepreneurial guides will point travelers to the gates of luxury villas owned by European and Hollywood actors. By the way, incredibly beautiful views of the lake, beautiful well-groomed nature, adorned the famous films. The second episode of "Star Wars", "Ocean's Twelve" and even the Bond series "Casino Royale" owe their flavor to the beauties of Italian Como.
Attractions
Scattered along the shores of the lake are small resort towns and rural-oriented villages. Large, and even more noisy resorts in the vicinity of Como are simply not to be found. However, by the middle of the 19th century, the leisurely life of small villages began to seethe with events. Noble Italian and European aristocrats launched the "epoch of villas". At a certain point, it became not only fashionable, but also prestigious, to acquire a luxurious residence on the banks of Como, among rich and influential people.
Based on the picture described above, we can say that Como offers tourists a vacation full of beautiful landscapes, walks along small streets overlooking rich estates. Aesthetic pleasure from small historical monuments and the joy of being in the bosom of juicy Italian nature. mountain walks, entertainment on the water, a measured rest on the shore of a mountain lake. We will tell you more about the valley of Lake Como below.
City of Como
The city of Como (Como) has the status of the center of the province of Como. Its location is the southwestern arm of the lake of the same name. Before our era, the city bore the Latin name Comum. Como acquired particular importance for its region in the Middle Ages, when it passed into the hands of the Milanese nobles (Sforza) and Visconti (Visconti). The area regularly supplied Italy with wool and silk. own production. In the 15th century, a printing workshop appeared in the city, which was very successful. Tragic events intertwined in the history of the city in the 20th century. It was here that the Italian Duce Benito Mussolini and the lady of his heart were shot.
Duomo Cathedral
The historical center of the city - Cavour Square is a very interesting place. It is decorated with the Cathedral of the city (Duomo di Como). The local Duomo was founded at the end of the 14th century and completed in the 17th century. The solid construction period of the cathedral rewarded it with unusually expressive architecture, which absorbed the best of the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Visitors can't help but be impressed by the rich interior decoration. Cathedral, as well as its majestic silhouette, towering against the background of other buildings.
Basilica of Saint Abbondio
Also, travelers can admire the building of the town hall of Broletto, dating back to the 13th century. Another attraction associated with religion is the Basilica of St. Abbondio (Sant Abbondio). The Romanesque church, lined with light rusticated stone, was built in the early centuries. And consecrated by one of the bishops of Como, Amanzio. For 5 centuries, the basilica served as a residence and treasury for the highest ranks of the church. Also on the territory of St. Abbondio, the burial of the deceased bishops took place. In the 11th century, the church passed into the hands of the Benedictine order. Visitors to the city will be interested to look at the Romanesque bas-reliefs, as well as the majestic fresco inlaid with the dome of the temple.
Baradello Castle
Walking through the streets of Como, it is impossible not to notice the Baradello Castle (Castel Baradello). perched on a hill medieval castle looks very picturesque. The walls of Baradello rise almost 400 meters above the city. From such a height, you can observe a beautiful panorama of the lake, the valley and admire the Apennines mountain range and the nearby peaks of the Alps. If you are lucky enough to get to the vicinity of Como in the month of September, then you can get to the costumed knightly battles held annually within the walls of Baradello.
Villa Carlotta and Olmo
And, of course, Como is famous for its galaxy of beautiful estates of historical value. So, Villa Carlotta, built at the end of the 17th century, impresses with a magnificent park, made in the Italian style. Masterfully crafted statues by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen enhance the experience. Visitors to the villa can look into the museum, rich in works of art and wonderful interiors.
Another attraction is Villa Olmo, built in 1790 for the ruling family of Odescalchi. At one time, the owner of the estate received such great guests as Napoleon Bonaparte and the Austrian diplomat Prince Klemens von Metternich (Klemens von Metternich).
In Como, there is a funicular that can take you to the top of Mount Brunate and from there you can easily explore the surroundings. By the way, nearby Como is the resort of Medesimo, ardently loved by fans!
- By this filter you can find the best, according to tourist reviews, hotels in the city of Como.
City of Lecco
If we move from the southwestern to the southeastern arm of Lake Como, we will find ourselves in the province of Lecco. Its administrative center is the ancient city of the same name. Large by the standards of the lake, the city is able to offer its guests various options for resort and active recreation, as well as walks along the picturesque streets and squares.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
Mandatory item tourist routes is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicolò a Lecco), dating from the XVIII century. The patron saint of the city received under his care a Romanesque church and a bell tower, 100 meters high. The inhabitants of Lecco affectionately nicknamed the bell tower directed to the sky Matitone - "pencil".
palaces
The old center of Lecco is the square of September 20 (piazza XX Settembre). It has long been the location of the city market and many small attractions. Such as the Palazzo delle Paure (Palazzo delle Paure), in other words, the "Palace of Fear". A well-maintained four-story mansion was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Witty Italians have awarded such a chilling name to the management of the tax service.
City affairs are managed from another palace - Palazzo Bovara, built by the architect Giuseppe Bovara in the 19th century. The following curiosities of the city of Lecco also deserve the attention of travelers: Palazzo Falk, turned into an exhibition center; Palace Croce di Malta (palazzo Croce di Malta); Palazzo della Banca Popolare is a branch of a major Italian bank.
four bridges
Looking at Lecco mountain top you can admire another attraction of the city - four bridges. The Adda River, flowing into the dark waters of Como in the north, rushes in an underwater stream to the southeastern arm of the lake. In the Lecco region, the calm waters of the lake regain their former swiftness in order to turn into a river again. Due to the circumstances, ferry crossing was not possible. To make the way to Milan easier, the inhabitants of Lecco built several bridges.
The most venerable crossing over the Como/Adda is the Visconti Bridge (ponte Visconti), built in the 14th century under the supervision of the ruler of Milan, Azzone Visconti. The ancient bridge has an intricate multi-arch structure, but has recently been in dire need of restoration. He is accompanied by "youth": the Kennedy Bridge, built in 1956 and the Alessandro Manzoni Bridge - 1985. The most modern bridge is the railway.
If you are tired of earthly affairs, then feel free to go to heaven, near Lecco there is a funicular station. Cabins will take travelers up to 1300 meters above sea level to the peak of Piani d'Erna. In the mountains there are activities for every taste: skiing, rock climbing, a park with winter attractions and much more!
Finally, we add that one of the bridges of Lecco bears the name of the famous Italian romantic writer Alessandro Manzoni for a reason. The book The Betrothed (I Promessi sposi), written by the author, takes the reader into the romantic scenery of Lecco in the 19th century.
City of Bellagio
Truly unique geographical location boasts (Bellagio). It stands at the point where all three branches of Lake Como converge. The stretch of shore enclosed between two lake branches is famous for its extremely rich nature and landscapes that you can look at forever. The pearl of Lake Como gives people a mild climate that provides equally comfortable rest in summer and winter.
Even during the heyday of the Roman Empire, the beauty and strategic value of Bellagio was appreciated. In the 5th century BC, the Romans built defensive fortifications (Latin castellum) on the tip of a wedge-shaped cape that cuts into the waters of Como. A few centuries later, the politician Pliny the Younger conducted scientific research in a villa in Bellagio.
In the Middle Ages, the city charmed many with its beauty. famous writers, poets, composers. Johann Goethe, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Giuseppe Verdi, Gioacchino Rossini drew inspiration from the shores of a beautiful lake at the foot of the Alps.
Villas in Bellagio
Bellagio was favored by the European aristocracy. Many villas and luxurious estates adorn the streets of the city. One such place is Villa Melzi, which has a vast park. Green hills descend to the gentle whispering waters of Como.
Trees, round balls of bushes and the richest collection of flowering plants are harmoniously combined with architectural compositions. special attention deserves an ancient temple filled with archaeological exhibits and the remains of ancient art objects.
Looks no less impressive. Villa Serbelloni, also equipped with a well-groomed park. Visitors are offered to take a tour of the wonderful palazzo, which stands out against the backdrop of bright greenery and dark mountains. Those wishing to plunge into the world of princesses and luxury have the opportunity to live a few days in elegant rooms, since Villa Serbelloni has been a 5-star hotel for more than a century.
The hotel has 95 rooms, costing from 688 to 932 euros. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that you will be able to book this hotel in less than 2-3 months, but if you still want to spend at least a night in such fabulous place does not leave you try to make a free reservation for 6-8 months - this will save up to half the cost of the room.
Comacina Island
Lake Como has at its disposal only one islet called Comacina (Isola Comacina). It is located in the southwestern arm of the reservoir, near the cities of Lenno and Bellagio.
In the past, the island was used as a strategic point needed to protect the coast.
In the 17th century, the Italians used the ruins of an ancient temple to build a small catholic church. Since then, the temple of San Giovanni has protected the island and its inhabitants - a community of artists. Agree the best nature for creating landscapes is simply not to be found!
Near Lenno stands the most recognizable estate of the Como Valley - Villa Balbianello (Villa del Balbianello). A steep mountain hill, picturesquely ennobled with cypresses, pines and ornamental shrubs, rapidly descends to the water itself.
Hidden among this emerald splendor is the building of the villa. In the 18th century, the villa was built on the site of a Catholic monastery. It is not surprising that beauty and conciseness are harmoniously combined in the silhouette of the building. The beauty of Balbianello served as a setting for dramatic shots involving Bond, as well as intergalactic intrigue in Star Wars.
Near the island of Comacina on the coast of Como stands Mount Ossuccio (Ossuccio), which received the rank of "saint". The small town of Ossuccio lies at the foot of the holy mountain. Climbing to its heights, travelers will be able to admire the 14 chapel towers made in the Baroque style.
This architectural ensemble was built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Each tower is decorated with painted paintings illustrating the path of Jesus Christ to the top of Golgotha. This landmark was designed to strengthen the Catholic faith in the souls of the Italian people. In the 90s of the last century, the chapels were taken under protection world fund UNESCO.
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