The nature and archaeology provincial educational trail connects important sites in the history and culture of the Lecco area through a network that can be explored on foot. You can choose between two ways of following it: chronologically, from prehistory to the 15th or 16th century, or geographically, from north to south. A continuous GPX route and an illustrated map help with navigation. As the route documentation may be updated, check the latest version before setting out.
Trails Through History and Landscape
The Sentiero del Viandante offers a different perspective on the landscape: it passes through historic villages and by rural architecture, old mills, castles and quiet country churches. The trail often crosses the Lecco–Colico–Sondrio railway line. This allows hikers to walk individual stages and return to the starting point by train; check the current timetable when planning your trip.
On the Anello dei Laghi, river and lakes come together for a different kind of outing. The route starts in the centre of Lecco and follows the Adda to Pescarenico. This approximately 20-kilometre circular route for cyclists and pedestrians runs alongside the river between the lakes of Garlate and Olginate. It is mostly flat, suitable for families and can be enjoyed at any time of year as a half-day or full-day outing on foot or by bike. It offers a clearly defined choice between a shorter and a longer itinerary.
Lakeshores, Cliffs and Wide-ranging Views
Today, the garden of Villa Monastero extends along the lake, with a lakeside frontage of almost two kilometres. At Parco Monte Barro, 44 kilometres of well-marked trails lead to the park’s main attractions. The landscape includes rocky cliffs and dry grasslands with an especially rich flora, including rare and endemic plants. Here, trail destinations and distinctive plant life share the spotlight.
Piani Resinelli lies at an altitude of about 1,300 metres in Parco delle Grigne, at the foot of the Grigne. From there, the view stretches from the Rhaetian Alps to Monte Rosa, across Lecco and the Lecco branch of Lake Como to the plain; on a clear day, the Milan skyline is also visible. The elevation and panoramic views give this landscape a different emphasis from the lakeside garden or the trails of Monte Barro.
Hiking and Outdoor Exploration
Piani Resinelli is the starting point for numerous trails, ranging from easy family hikes to more technically challenging tours. The history of mining can also be explored here. At Parco Minerario, visitors can tour tunnels associated with the area’s historic mining activity; the mines date back to the 17th century.
At Artavaggio, activities include trekking, mountain biking, skiing, ski touring, a fun park and snowshoeing. Activities may vary by season. Your choice therefore depends on whether you are looking for a hike or bike ride, or are interested in winter sports.
Work, Architecture and Regional History
Ca’ Martì focuses on the history, lives and work of the masons of Carenno and Val San Martino. The museum includes an archaeological educational trail on the history of construction work, with 16 stops in the surrounding area. This means the subject can be explored not only through a collection, but also along a trail.
Forte Montecchio is a First World War fortress excavated into the rock. Its features include massive walls of dressed granite, a powder magazine more than 60 metres deep and four Schneider cannons. The Torre di Maggiana, also known as “del Barbarossa”, dates back to the 12th century and is accessible across its five floors.
Palazzo Belgiojoso houses the Natural History Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Civico Planetario. Visitors can explore the economic, social and environmental history of the Lecco area, from the Palaeolithic to the present day. This brings together several subject areas and a long span of history in one place.
Collections from Fossils to Silk-Making Machines
The Museo delle Grigne documents the development of the Esino area through Alpine and pre-Alpine minerals, Triassic fossils, ethnographic objects, and weapons and jewellery from ancient tombs. The Civico Museo della Seta Abegg, by contrast, focuses on machinery from disused silk-spinning mills. Many of the machines are still working; the collection is officially recognised as a museum collection by the Lombardy Region. Together, the collections span natural specimens and archaeological finds through to the technology of silk processing.
Discover more destinations: Bellano, Dervio, Dorio, Esino Lario, Lecco, Lierna, Perledo, Vendrogno, Vestreno, Limonta, Colico, Varenna, Vercurago, Valmadrera, Malgrate, Calco, Civate, Paderno, Barzanò, Abbadia Lariana, Montevecchia, Merate, Cernusco Lombardone, Calolziocorte, Cremella, Nibionno, Cassago Brianza, Gisazio, Arlate, Mandello Del Lario, Garbagnate Monastero, Premana, Oliveto Lario, Annone Di Brianza, Barzio, Oggiono, Pescate, Introzzo, Onno, Carenno, Bosisio Parini, Ballabio, Cassina Valsassina, Fiumelatte, Rovagnate, Suello, Taceno, Piantedo, Torre De' Busi, Campo, Molteno, Casargo, Brivio, Pasturo, Olgiate Molgora, Introbio, Cremeno, Primaluna, Garlate, Olginate, Costa Masnaga, Robbiate, Casatenovo, Maggio, Morterone, Bevera di Sirtori, Olgiasca, Baita, Imbersago, Bindo, Missaglia
For the overview of the wider region: Lombardy.
