Piazza XX Settembre

One of Lecco’s main squares, Piazza XX Settembre, stands out for its irregular shape and the richness of the historic buildings. The ancient heart of Lecco’s historic centre, it was known as Market Square until 1895. This space, enclosed by the two wings of buildings, was the fulcrum of the city’s trade. 

Among the buildings overlooking the square, Casa Bertarelli was the work of Giuseppe Bovara. The Lecco architect left an indelible mark on this square: between 1820 and 1839, Bovara designed and restored numerous public buildings and places of worship in Lecco, inspired by the canons of neoclassicism. The porticos of the buildings that frame the square bear witness to its essential and sophisticated style. 

Another building of great interest is the pre-nineteenth century house where Antonio Stoppani was born in 1824, which can be recognised by a commemorative plaque that celebrates the famous geologist, naturalist and patriot.

Piazza XX Settembre also houses two of Lecco’s Civic Museums: the Palazzo delle Paure and the Torre Viscontea. The latter, the only remaining part of the fortifications of the village castle ordered by Azzone Visconti, is now a museum and the site of temporary exhibitions. The Palazzo delle Paure, as well as being an art museum, houses the Osservatorio Alpinistico Lecchese

Piazza XX Settembre is also the current location of the Infopoint of Lecco, the office of tourism information, providing useful information for visitors and advice on discovering the beauties of the city and the surrounding territory.