Lecco

About

Settled by the ancient Celts, this scenic lakefront city was once a Frankish frontier town. In the 10th and 11th centuries it received significant attention from the Holy Roman Emperor, first to crush a rebellion, and again to free it from the church. The lakefront promenade offers visitors a scenic starting point before exploring the rest of the city. The best views in the city are offered from atop the belltower, which requires an advanced booking. Below it, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas houses medieval frescoes within its neo-classical facade. While the Church of Santa Maria has a simple facade, it’s one of the city’s oldest churches, and has an impressive baroque interior. The city also has some impressive villas from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Villa Manzoni is now a museum dedicated to Alessandro Manzoni, a 19th century author who was born here.