Appianline - Roma

The territory of Como lake - which is now divided into two provinces, Como and Lecco - has always been an area of intense activity, being a crossing point between Central Europe and the Mediterranean.

Lecco became well-known during the 19th century following the publication of "I Promessi Sposi" (The Betrothed), by Alsessandro Manzoni who weaves its story into the landscape of the local mountains and lakeside. It is the most rugged and physiographically uneven area in the whole territory of the Lario, well protected by the mountain chain of Valsassina, from a climatic point of view it enjoys the beneficial effects of the lake waters and of the Breva wind, a local wind which blows from the south during afternoon hours. The lake geographical location ensures an eco-climate of its own, with a mild winter that permits a vegetation unusual for such a latitude: here grow rare species of tropical plants alongside laurels and olives, even Asian and Mediterranean plants are grown in the gardens of the magnificent gentry villas scattered along the lake shores.

During the 19th century Lecco developed from a small village to a large industrial centre (mainly based on iron working) and became the capital of a rich and industrious province during the last decade of the 20th century. The economy in Lecco boasts a long history of industries tied to the textile trade as well but while the textile trade is very similar to that of the Como area, even though nowadays this industry is mainly stationed in Como, the iron-working sector is typical of the High Brianza region.

Lecco to see:

Though fundamentally Lecco is a modern town it has many interesting monuments, both ancient like the Visconti Bridge and the Tower or St. Nicola basilica, and modern like the buildings of Mario Cereghini. Villa Manzoni and Palazzo Belgioioso, founded in 1888, represent a Museum of the land.
From Lecco along the eastern banks it’s possible to reach Abbadia Lariana, which owes its name to a 9th century Benedictine abbey.

From Abbadia is easily reachable Piani Resinelli along a mule-track (about a 3 hour walk) or else by car passing through Lecco, featured by a few skiing facilities, it is also the starting ground for the climbs on the south face of the Grigna and include the protected area of the Parco del Valentino.

Opposite Lecco stands Malgrate, an old village of clustered houses, formerly interlinked to the city by a ferryboat and now by bridges.

Mandello del Lario, an ancient village with an uneasy history, is today a very important industrial centre in the mechanical and tourist sector. It has been the general office of Moto Guzzi since 1921 and now houses the Museum of Motor-cycles..

Lovers of good food will find three quite separate traditional cuisines, each one with a distinct accent that belies their geographical vicinity: the lake cuisine (based on fish), the traditional valley cuisine (based on polenta, or maize porridge), and that of the Brianza plains, with its lusty meat dishes.