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Hello and welcome to a new travel article! This time, I’m taking you to Lecco, a lovely city located on the banks of Como Lake!

Unlike its neighbours (Bellagio, Menaggio, Como, Varenna…), Lecco is less known to tourists, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting! On the contrary, this city has its own charm, uniqueness, and beauty, just like the other towns situated on the shores of Lake Como!

Finding Lecco: The Lake’s Eastern Branch

To find Lecco, you have to look at Lake Como which is shaped like an upside-down ‘Y’. This unusual shape is divided into three branches. While the city of Como is situated at the bottom of the western branch, Lecco is positioned beautifully on the southeastern branch, where the lake narrows and flows into the Adda River.

This city is surrounded by the dramatic rugged peaks of the Grigna and Resegone mountains. I personally love this kind of scenery; there is a bit of mystery in the air that is truly captivating. The mountains, the city, and the Lake all combine to create this fantastic landscape!

Exploring the Heart of the City

I love its center; it’s fascinating and stunning. Piazza Cermenati—named after Mario Cermenati, who has his own statue right in the center of the square—and Piazza XX Settembre are the main squares, filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The atmosphere is truly beautiful and lively, especially during the weekends. Beyond the squares, you’ll find narrow, inviting streets lined with elegant clothing boutiques and gelaterias tucked away around almost every corner!

There are also quieter corners and streets that are just as lovely, leading you to other nice spots! In fact, my favourite café is tucked away on a quiet street, and I’m so glad to have found it. 🙂 It’s called Caffetteria Santa Marta—an excellent place to enjoy a rich hot chocolate with whipped cream in the winter; otherwise, they have a delightful assortment of pastries, juices, teas, and coffee. If you ever find yourself in Lecco, this is the place to sit and relax. Although, there are many others in town, I, too, still have more to discover! 🙂

Some Curiosities About Lecco

Did you know that…?

• The “Big Pencil”: The Bell Tower of San Nicolò—also known as the “big pencil” for its unique pointed shape—is one of the ten highest towers in Italy! You can step inside the tower and climb 396 steps for a rewarding, breathtaking panorama!

• A Golden Protector: There is a bronze statue of San Nicolò covered in gold leaf standing in the waters of Lake Como. It’s the main focal point for the annual celebration of San Nicolò, the patron saint who protects the community of Lecco.

• Literary Fame: Did you know that one of Italy’s most iconic novels, The Betrothed (or I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni, is set right here along the shores of Lecco?

• A Geologist in Thought: you can find the statue of Antonio Stoppani—captured in a thoughtful pose—at the center of Piazza Stoppani. He was a geologist and an abbot from Lecco who also wrote the famous book, Il Bel Paese.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Hidden Gem

To summarize, Lecco is indeed a beautiful destination on Lake Como—don’t underestimate it! 🙂 It’s a lovely escape from everyday life; even if you only visit for an afternoon, you’ll likely feel as though you’re on vacation simply by being so close to the water. Now that we’re approaching the summer season, you’ll be happy to know there are several nice spots to go for a swim close to Lecco, such as Orsa Maggiore Beach, Lido di Mandello del Lario, or the stunning Riva Bianca Beach!

See you soon!

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