Weekend in Lecco

The main square of Lecco, framed by the neoclassical Basilica of San Nicolò and a bronze statue of Alessandro Manzoni. A good place to watch daily life — market stalls on Saturday

Tip: Go early in the morning when the light hits the basilica’s facade and the square is quiet. The public benches near the fountain let you soak it in without buying coffee.

A 19th-century church with a striking neoclassical facade and a 96-metre bell tower. Inside, the wood-carved choir stalls and stained-glass windows are worth a close look.

Tip: Climb the campanile for €3 (one of the few costs) — the view over the lake and the Alps is excellent and rarely crowded.

The main church of Lecco, rebuilt in 19th-century neoclassical style. The interior has a cool, calm atmosphere with white marble columns, a painted wooden crucifix from the 1500s, and a large organ. N

Tip: Look up at the frescoed dome — it shows a trompe-l'œil sky with cherubs, painted by Luigi Tagliaferri in 1903. Visit late afternoon when sunlight comes through the west window and hits the altar.

Main church of Lecco with a 96m bell tower, baroque interior and a 16th-century wooden choir. Entry is free, but the bell tower climb costs €3.

Tip: The bell tower climb is worth the fee – 184 steps get you a rooftop view across the whole lake basin. Go at 11am to hear the full carillon. No lift.

A long, well-maintained lakeside promenade that stretches from the port to the mouth of the Adda River. You get constant views of the Resegone mountain’s jagged ridge, and the water is crystal-clear i

Tip: Walk the section between the Valsassina ferry dock and the Canottieri Lecco rowing club — it’s quieter, with fewer bikes and better mountain reflections on the water.

Central square opening onto Lake Como with benches, fountains and views of the Alps. The adjacent promenade runs along the lakefront for about 1km.

Tip: Arrive at 7am when the light hits the mountains and few tourists are about. The market sets up here every Saturday morning.

A long lakeside promenade stretching from the port to the mouth of the Adda River. Benches and trees line the path; you can watch ferries and swans.

Tip: Walk south past the sailboat marina in late afternoon — the light hits the Grigna mountains perfectly, and you'll find fewer tourists.

A small natural history museum housed in a former convent. The collection covers local geology, fossils from the Monte San Martino quarry, and taxidermied birds of the Lombardy Pre

Tip: Check the basement first — the fossil fish from the Bergamo limestone are genuinely impressive, and most tourists skip it. Free entry always, not just special days.

A museum dedicated to writer Alessandro Manzoni, housed in his former villa. Exhibits include manuscripts, letters and personal items, set in rooms with original frescoes.

Tip: Free entry but you need to book a slot on the museum's website, especially during summer weekends. The guide is knowledgeable; ask about Manzoni's connection to Lecco's geography.

The southern leg of a historic trail running along the eastern shore of Lake Como. The Lecco segment climbs gently from the town boundary through chestnut woods and open fields, wi

Tip: Start at the trailhead near the San Giovanni church above via Belvedere. Walk just 1.5 km to the first viewpoint — you’ll get a spectacular frame of the Resegone and the lake without needing a full-day hike.