Malgrate by the lake: lakeside promenade, history and Monte Barro

Malgrate combines a historic centre right on the lake with a lakeside promenade and the natural landscape of Monte Barro. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, the waterfront and architecture, cultural heritage, or nature and views can guide your plans. Highlights range from the continuous waterside footpath to the karst plateau on the eastern slopes of Monte Barro.

Lakeside promenade and views

In the historic centre, ancient villas and historic buildings stand right on the lake. Since 2013, the lakeside promenade has been a large garden open to everyone. A continuous footpath and terraced levels shape the waterfront. From the promenade, you can see Lecco, with its bell tower known as the “Matitone” (“Big Pencil”), as well as Resegone, San Martino and the lake.

There are cycle paths along the lakeside promenade, used for cycling and other sports activities. You can plan a visit to the waterfront around different interests: enjoy the footpath and the views, or use the cycle paths for sports activities. Malgrate is also one of the municipalities in Parco Regionale Monte Barro.

Local history and cultural heritage

Malgrate’s history dates back to Roman times, when the town was known as Antesitum. Before the Azzone Bridge over the Adda was built between 1336 and 1338, Malgrate had its own port, which connected the two banks. The historic port and the later construction of the bridge mark distinct chapters in the town’s history.

Several buildings represent different periods. The Cappella dei morti alla Crocetta was built in 1630 in memory of the many victims of the plague. Casa Reina Stabilini dates from the first decades of the 18th century. Palazzo Agudio acquired its present form between 1770 and 1780, when the Agudio family joined several buildings on their estate and commissioned the architect Bovara to design it.

Palazzo Agudio-Consonni served as a prestigious literary and political meeting place for members of the Accademia dei Trasformati. According to Francesco Reina, who was from Malgrate, Giuseppe Parini wrote the poem Il Mattino there. At Sopportico Parini, you can see a reproduction of Massimo Campigli’s 1937 painting La spiaggia. The passage is open to pedestrians on the ground floor.

The hall of the Ex Filanda Bovara-Reina is also still used for exhibitions, fairs and other cultural activities organised by the municipality and other organisations. If you’d like to attend an event, check the dates before your visit.

Pian Sciresa and outdoor activities

Pian Sciresa is in Malgrate, on the eastern slopes of Monte Barro. The large karst plateau lies in a forest of Scots pine and Austrian pine. From its viewpoint, you can see Lago di Lecco, Resegone and the Grigne. From Via Pian Sciresa, a short footpath leads to the plateau.

Pian Sciresa offers a different landscape from the lakeside promenade: here, the plateau, forest and views of the mountains and lake take centre stage. Kayak and canoe rental routes from Malgrate also offer views of the Lecco landscape. Lecco’s historic centre is a 15-minute walk from Malgrate. You can shape your stay around the waterfront, architectural history and landscape, and consider the walk to Lecco as another option.

Discover more destinations: Bosisio Parini, Pasturo, Campo, Varenna, Arlate, Bevera di Sirtori, Rovagnate, Taceno.

For the main travel overview: Lecco.