Lecco

Lecco, set at the confluence of Lake Como's two eastern branches, is known worldwide as the city of Alessandro Manzoni, whose novel The Betrothed was set entirely against this landscape, giving these shores a literary identity that endures to this day.

The Lecco branch of the lake, often overshadowed by the Como arm, offers darker water, closer mountains, and a wilder atmosphere. The Grigne peaks dominate the horizon and are a world-renowned destination for hikers and climbers, reachable by trail or by cable car up to the Piani dei Resinelli.

The Basilica of San Nicolò with its slender campanile is the city's defining landmark, while Villa Manzoni houses the literary museum and the lakeside promenades offer the classic waterfront walk. The medieval Ponte Azzone Visconti, built in 1336 and still walkable, is essential for anyone who wants to understand the city's deep history.