Torre Viscontea

Torre Viscontea (Visconti Tower) in Lecco

Torre Viscontea stands in downtown Lecco, in Piazza XX Settembre, just a stone’s throw from the waters of Lake Como. The tower is the only construction remaining intact since the destruction of Lecco Castle, an extensive triangular-shaped fortress erected in the 14th century by Azzone Visconti (1302 - 1339), Lord of Milan. The Medieval tower is a square floor-planned structure, the upper part has a raised walkway, and the crenellation were realized during the next epoch, probably in the 15th century.

During the Spanish Domination in 1600, the Lecco Castle hosted a large garrison of Iberian soldiers. In his famous novel, "I Promessi Sposi", writer and poet Alessandro Manzoni (1785 - 1873) describes that historic period in minute detail. At the end of the 18th century, Joseph II, Emperor of Habsburg (1741 - 1790) decided to tear down all military strongholds in the town of Lecco, facilitating the city’s urban development. In later centuries, portions of the strongholds were sold to private owners and demolished, giving way to civic and industrial buildings.

In 1816, architect Giuseppe Bovera carried out an important restoration effort of the Torre Viscontea, and then the building was used as a prison. In 1932, after additional makeovers, the complex became the property of the town of Lecco. Today, the Tower’s first floor is used for art exhibits and conferences, while the second and third levels host Lecco’s Mountain and Mountaineering Museum. The antique guardrooms can still be seen, as well as the stone cannon balls.

For visiting hours and further information: +39 0341 282396.