Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and “Riccardo Villa” Botanical Garden

Just 4 kilometres from Lecco, the town of Valmadrera is an must-see for anyone wishing to explore the area in its most authentic dimension: from a natural point of view, by reaching the hamlet of S. Tomaso at 580 metres above sea level it is possible to admire a remarkable view embracing the main mountains of the Lecco area (Grignetta, San Martino, Due Mani, Resegone) and the lakes; the district of Parè, with its tourist harbour, is a a truly authentic gem that allows you to experience the lake in an intimate way, far from the more famous and crowded beaches.

Yet the town of Valmadrera is also rich in churches, historic places and sanctuaries of great cultural and historical value; among these, the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre with its botanical garden. A unique complex that brings together centuries of history, Lombard rural architecture, herbal traditions and a surprising botanical variety. For those looking for what to see in Valmadrera or wishing for a relaxing cultural stop near Lecco, this place represents a valuable find.

The history of the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre

The complex has ancient roots: it dates back at least to the fifteenth century and was part of the estates of the noble Mandelli family, present in Valmadrera since the fourteenth century. The Mandelli were among the valley’s largest landowners and owned buildings and land that today form part of the cultural centre. At the end of the seventeenth century, the friars of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, known as the Fatebenefratelli, inherited part of the Mandelli properties. The friars made significant changes to the building complex: they founded a hospice for the sick and a small pharmaceutical laboratory, accompanied by a Garden of Simples, where they cultivated the medicinal plants needed to treat patients. Further renovations were driven by the development of rural and manufacturing activities: they built stables and a spinning mill with ten furnaces. In addition, they had a fresco painted on the right wall of the palace portico depicting the Virgin and two angels; the fresco is now preserved inside the Civic Library.

In 1979, the Municipality of Valmadrera purchased the entire complex and launched a major restoration project. Today, the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre hosts the library, an auditorium, several exhibition halls and spaces dedicated to cultural associations, and has thus become the true civic heart of the town.

The “Riccardo Villa” Botanical Garden

By caring for the sick and managing a pharmaceutical laboratory, the friars created a Garden of Simples, a garden serving the hospice where they could grow essences and medicinal herbs. This is the origin of the Valmadrera Botanical Garden, which today hosts hundreds of officinal, medicinal, aromatic, fibre and dye plants, as well as flora from wet and aquatic environments and protected native species.

Developed with the advice of experts and volunteers, it was created by preserving the division of the land into the four original large plots. The planting was carried out according to the criteria suggested by Professor Fornaciari, Director of the Rezia Botanical Garden in Bormio. In 2022 it was dedicated to Riccardo Villa, who among his many activities for the community of Valmadrera was also one of the promoters of the recovery of the botanical garden. Today the garden is fully a public asset of the town and is included as a natural and scientific site in the “Lecco Province Museum System”. The species currently hosted exceed 900 and include new sections dedicated to aquatic plants and the spontaneous flora of our area.

The botanical garden actively contributes to the conservation of Lombard biodiversity, protecting species at risk of extinction and raising visitors’ awareness of the importance of flora for the ecosystem and for future generations. It works with universities and scientific institutions, taking part in research projects, updating catalogues and monitoring local biodiversity. It is a valuable place for university students, botany enthusiasts and researchers, and offers unique study opportunities throughout the Lecco area.

How to reach the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and the Botanical Garden

The Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and the Botanical Garden lie in the heart of Valmadrera, in Via Fatebenefratelli 6, and are easily accessible by public transport as well as by car, bicycle or on foot.

Those arriving from Lecco can use the intercity buses towards Valmadrera, ASF Autolinee line C40, stop “Valmadrera – Via Roma”: from there, the complex can be reached in a few minutes on foot. Valmadrera has a railway station, well connected to the nearby stations of Lecco and Milan. From the station square, the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre is a 12-minute walk away. For those travelling by car, the SS36 fast road exit is “Civate/Valmadrera”.

Visiting the Fatebenefratelli Cultural Centre and the Botanical Garden: useful information

The Botanical Garden is accessible to everyone thanks to the absence of architectural barriers; however, please note that there are gravel paths, so moving around in a wheelchair is possible but harder than on compact surfaces.

The garden is open from early March to the end of October, on Saturdays from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Admission is free of charge. Guided tours can be booked by writing to: [email protected]