Lecco Province
The province of Lecco can be considered a treasure trove of art, nature and culture. It has extraordinary monuments, small art treasures of singular beauty and evidence of an important historical and cultural heritage nestled among hills, mountains, plains, rivers and lakes, in a picturesque harmonic continuity. Much of the territory consists of lake zones, bordered as it is by Lake Como, and the lakes include Lake Annone, Lake Garlate and Lake Olginate. The communes of Rogeno, Bosisio Parini and Cesana Brianza, on the other hand, overlook Lake Pusiano. The Lambro Valley Regional Park is located in the province (Cesana Brianza, Bosisio Parini, Rogeno, Costa Masnaga, Nibionno), as well as the Regional Park of Montevecchia and the Curone Valley, the Adda Nord Park, the Regional Park of Monte Barro (Galbiate) and the Lake Sartirana Regional Reserve.
The lake is certainly the distinguishing feature of the entire area: around it are a succession of rugged mountains and rolling hills, valleys that range from narrow and inaccessible to wide and benevolent, densely populated plains and unsullied forests, hamlets and towns, lakeside and mountain villages, rushing streams and the river Adda.
The apex of Lake Como is adjacent to the mouth of the Valchiavenna and Valtelline valleys, near the well-known snow-covered Spluga, Maloja and Stelvio passes. The lake branches into two arms at Bellagio: the eastern shore at Lecco is dotted with small towns of rare beauty where there is a harmonious blend of tourism, history, art and nature, and where the climate is mild due to the proximity of the lake. A good example of this is Varenna, home to its splendid villas on the lakefront. The eastern branch of the lake is a narrow canyon rushing between steep mountains: on the one side San Primo and Corni di Canzo spurs, and on the other Legnone and the Grigne group.
The valleys are among the most beautiful areas of the Prealps, with a wealth of vegetation. Numerous excursions depart from here along the old military roads and trails towards mountain pastures and rifugi (mountain hostels). The hills and mountains which rise up from the plain are renowned, and conceal attractive landscapes, villages, ranges and forests: Valsassina Valley, Valvarrone Valley, San Martino Valley and Esino Valley. Hiking enthusiasts will discover a rich variety of landscapes here: limestone walls, green pastures and mountain lakes alternating with trails (including assisted trails) to satisfy all tastes: beginners and professionals, experienced mountain climbers and families. The San Martino Valley is of great artistic and cultural interest due to its religious itineraries, offering sites which are little-known but fascinating, as well as better-known places such as the Sanctuary of Somasca, the Monastery of Lavello, the Abbey of Pontida, San Michele. All seasons offer countless opportunities for sports activities: downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, climbing, paragliding, horse riding and mountain biking. Numerous monuments are worthy of note: small medieval buildings, frequented shrines (those at Montevecchia Imbersago and Inverigo are famous), sumptuous 17th and 18th century homes such as those of Casatenovo, Merate.
The cuisine of the lake zone, predictably fish-based, serves typical dishes such as the misultitt or misultin or shad dried in special containers (missolte), soused fish, which is first fried and then aromatically "marinated," crisp bleak and other dishes that have become "classic" dishes, such as risotto with perch fillets and smoked trout in oil. Also, a very special olive oil is produced on the lake, favored by the mild climate.
The province was established in 1992 to include the provinces of Como and Bergamo:
Area: 816 km²
Population: about 320.000 inhabitants in 2007
Density inhabitants per km²: 392
Main cities: 90
Automotive abbreviation: LC
Calling code: 0341, 039, 031
Lecco with its deep industrial roots is situated only 45 km from Milano. Mechanical industry and textiles are still the key sectors, with more than 4,900 manufacturing companies out of over 27,000 businesses. Over 35% of value added comes from industry and the province ranks 1st in Lombardy and 2nd in Italy for its manufacturing "weight". The province is also 1st in Italy and 61st in the EU in terms of per capita industrial value added.
With its dynamic, solid economy and leading academic and research institutions like Politecnico di Milano (Lecco Campus) and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, the province of Lecco is an attractive location to foreign investors. Lecco has deep industrial roots. Mechanical industry and textiles are still the key sectors, with more than 4,900 manufacturing companies out of over 27,000 businesses. Over 35% of value added comes from industry and the province ranks 1st in Lombardy and 2nd in Italy for its manufacturing "weight".
The province is also 1st in Italy and 61st in the EU in terms of per capita industrial value added. The local economy is driven by enterprising people with diverse top professional skills in a SME-oriented environment (99% of the total, with 50.9% of them in the shape of corporations). Lecco is wide open to international trade too, and its trade balance is widely positive (+1.1 billion Euro). 72.2% of the area’s exports go to other EU countries.