A special tribute to an extraordinary man can be found along the Lecco lakeside: Pietro Vassena.
The bronze statue portrays the face of the ingenious inventor of Malgrate and is a heartfelt tribute to a character who played a fundamental role in the history of Lake Como and diving.
Pietro Vassena was born in Malgrate in 1897 and died in 1967. He was an inventor and pioneer of his day, distinguishing himself for his brilliance and passion for innovation, registering numerous patents and creating various mechanical devices. His life was spent engaged in continuous research and experimentation in the field of inventions, including engines, mopeds and underwater instruments.
His name is inextricably linked to Lake Como. Thanks to his extraordinary undertakings, it holds the record as Italy’s deepest lake.
In 1948, Vassena wrote a page of the history of diving with his revolutionary bathyscaphe C3: with courage and determination, he reached a depth of 412 metres near Argegno, in the Como arm of the lake, establishing a world record that brought pride and prestige to the entire region. This success not only showcased his abilities as an inventor but also attracted international attention, making him an outstanding figure in the scientific and technological panorama.
