Pescarenico

“Pescarenico is a little hamlet on the left bank of the Adda – or, shall we say, of the lake – not far from the bridge: a small cluster of houses, mostly inhabited by fishermen, and dotted here and there with trammel nets and other nets hung out to dry.”
A. Manzoni, The Betrothed

Situated on the left bank of the Adda, at the point where the Lecco branch of Lake Como meets Lake Garlate, Pescarenico is one of Lecco’s most iconic places. Formerly one of the twenty municipalities of the general community of Lecco, before being incorporated into the fortified town in the 18th century, this district has managed to preserve its historical identity, which is inextricably linked to the river.

In the footsteps of Alessandro Manzoni: the charm of The Betrothed

Pescarenico enjoys international renown as the only district of Lecco explicitly mentioned by Alessandro Manzoni in his masterpiece, The Betrothed. The author described the village as a “small cluster of houses, mostly inhabited by fishermen”.

Even today, anyone who chooses to lose themselves in the narrow streets of Pescarenico can soak up the unmistakable Manzonian atmosphere that has made this village timeless. At the heart of the district stands the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, the place that inspired Alessandro Manzoni to set the residence of the famous Fra’ Cristoforo. Continuing towards the banks of the Adda, you find yourself immersed in the natural setting of the heart-rending ‘Farewell to the Mountains’: it was from these very banks that Lucia Mondella, aboard a traditional Lake Como boat, began her flight to escape the clutches of Don Rodrigo, bidding a melancholy farewell to her home and the mountains she held dear.

The soul of Pescarenico: fishing, the ‘Lucia’ and local traditions

The very origin of the name refers to the main occupation of its inhabitants: fishing. Historically populated by families dedicated to this trade along a stretch of river particularly rich in fish, the district keeps its cultural heritage alive to this day.

The locals are traditionally known as ‘Ugett’ (little fish), and the area’s culinary tradition continues to be celebrated by local restaurants and taverns serving specialities made with fresh fish. On the riverbanks, you can also admire the ‘Lucia’, the traditional rowing boat that symbolises navigation on Lake Como.

Pescarenico: colourful alleyways and picturesque views of the River Adda

Strolling through Pescarenico means immersing yourself in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and colourful little houses huddled close together, as if to preserve the intimacy of a bygone era that seems to flow at a different pace here. This distinctive urban fabric unfolds through its historic districts – Biun (Bione), Cucagna (Cuccagna), Cunvent (Convento), Era, Fussaa (Fossato), Isola, Piscen, Sant’Ambros (Sant’Ambrogio) and Stradun (Stradone) – which even today represent living fragments of an identity inextricably linked to the river.

To fully appreciate the beauty of this picturesque corner, the ideal vantage point is the Ponte Azzone Visconti. From this vantage point, the eye can rest on the colourful façades that are elegantly reflected in the waters of the Adda, whilst the majestic silhouette of Mount Resegone rises in the background to frame the landscape, creating one of the city’s most iconic and beloved views.

This neighbourhood is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover the perfect blend of faith, art, literature and everyday life.