The “Anello dei laghi” (cycling and pedestrian route)
A bike ride immersed in the unspoiled countryside of Lecco, Vercurago, Garlate, and Olginate.
Overlooking the waters of Lake Garlate, along the Adda River and at the foot of the Lecco mountains, the Abegg Civic Silk Museum is one of Lombardy’s most fascinating places to explore the history of the silk industry. Housed in a charming 18th-century silk mill, the museum offers an immersive experience that captivates and delights visitors of all ages.
Amid the sounds of the still-operating machinery, the flow of the river, and the blossoms of the mulberry trees, a visit to the Abegg Museum becomes a true sensory journey—a unique opportunity to discover the area and its traditions in an unconventional way.
The Abegg Civic Silk Museum: the history of the region through the silk industry
The building that now houses the Abegg Municipal Silk Museum was founded in the 18th century as one of the many silk mills established by the Gnecchi family, who were among the leading figures in Lombardy’s silk industry. At a time when silk production was one of the region’s main economic resources, the Garlate silk mill was part of a production network spanning Lecco, Milan, and Bergamo, helping to shape the landscape and social life of the communities along the Adda River.
In 1887, as the Gnecchi family gradually withdrew from production, the Garlate silk mill was acquired by the Abegg family, prominent Swiss entrepreneurs active in the second half of the 19th century. Under their management, operations continued at full capacity until the outbreak of World War I, which brought a sudden drop in the entire sector. In the following years, the introduction of synthetic fibers and the economic crisis of 1929 worsened the decline of traditional silk production, prompting the Abeggs to convert the silk mills into twisting and canning mills.
The exhibition from silkworm to fabric
The museum complex is a large courtyard-style building that overlooks the lake directly and offers views of the surrounding mountains. The experience begins outside the museum, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along the lake and visit the historic mulberry grove located right next to the museum entrance. It is no coincidence that the cultivation of mulberry trees for raising silkworms forms the foundation of the entire production chain that the exhibition explores.
In the museum’s grove, established between 1996 and 2001, there are various varieties of mulberry trees from around the world, divided into ornamental species and those cultivated specifically for leaf production: the heart from which it all begins, the nourishment for the silkworms.
In the first room, they are the stars of the show: a small, year-round silkworm farm allows visitors to observe them close as they grow, feed, molt, and spin their cocoons. That’s right: inside the museum, you can observe and learn about the silkworm’s life cycle up close, from the incubation of the eggs to the harvesting of the cocoons. Next is the section dedicated to reeling, the most delicate and characteristic phase of the spinners’ work. Here you can see the basins, the soaking of the cocoons in hot water, the combing, and the unwinding of the continuous thread, obtained by joining the filaments from multiple cocoons.
On the upper floor, you enter the twisting phase, essential for making the thread strong and usable. The historic machines demonstrate how twisting transforms raw silk into yarn ready for use. The tour continues with weaving, illustrated through 19th-century looms, and concludes with a look at the future of silk, showcasing its applications in the biomedical and cosmetic fields.
An experience for families and children
Set in a unique natural and scenic setting, the museum overlooks Lake Garlate along the Sentiero di Leonardo, the bike and walking path that connects Lecco to Milan through history and nature. It is ideally situated for a relaxing family outing in contact with nature, as well as with history, technology, and science. As a cultural hub for the local community, the museum hosts events, educational workshops, theatrical performances, and installations for various age groups, with the aim of providing a diverse and multifaceted cultural experience.
How to Visit the Abegg Civic Silk Museum
The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday, with hours that vary depending on the season (summer and winter). To improve your visit, guided tours are available during opening hours by reservation.
On the museum’s website, you’ll find all opening and closing times and days, plus an events section to stay updated on educational workshops and all other activities offered.
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