Even as many European cities race to go green, Lecco is charting its own ambitious course with a masterplan that aims to reshape both the land and the lives of its citizens. At the heart of Lecco’s green revolution is a strategic environmental masterplan that doesn’t just focus on adding more trees or parks—it aims to stitch together urban development, green spaces, and ecological preservation for the benefit of everyone who lives in or visits this vibrant city.
Lecco’s green revolution reimagines the city, blending urban life, nature, and sustainability for a brighter, more connected future.
This bold agenda is designed to meet European Green Deal standards and is set to unfold through 2030, aspiring not only for a prettier landscape but also for a more connected and sustainable community. Recent recognition for the Podgorica Museum District project showcases Lecco’s emphasis on collaboration with firms and public administrations, which is integral to the city’s green transformation. Lecco’s focus on movement and outdoor exploration will also play a crucial role in enhancing the community’s engagement with its natural environment. Visitors can easily enjoy the area, as Lake Como is accessible via trains, buses, and ferries that connect major towns and attractions.
Lecco’s plan takes advantage of its unique natural features, using the lake, rivers, city, hills, and mountains as five guiding elements. The clever part? These aren’t just scenic backdrops—they’re at the center of everything from infrastructure upgrades to community development projects.
For example, three kilometers of regenerated waterfront, dubbed the “Cyclopedonale,” will invite both locals and tourists to explore Lake Como’s stunning shoreline while supporting slow tourism and healthy living. In tandem, a network of “green and blue rays”—essentially scenic trails and river routes—will connect neighborhoods, encourage exploration, and weave together Lecco’s historical identity with its natural treasures.
The rivers themselves are important players, envisioned as “Blue Gold” for the city. The Caldone River will bridge Lecco’s literary legacy with its rich natural heritage; the sporty Bione route links the lake with the mountains, while the Gerenzone transforms into a green, open-air “factory” of recreation and relaxation.
Not to be outdone, roughly 15 kilometers of thematic green trails and a 30-kilometer mountain-lake ring route now bolster accessibility, ensuring residents and visitors can easily reach 14 historic districts—each full of stories waiting to be rediscovered.
Underpinning it all is the drive to marry infrastructure with sustainability, making sure that development enhances, rather than erases, the landscape. The result is a city that isn’t just greener, but more deeply rooted in its culture, ecology, and vibrant sense of place—proving that sometimes, going green means more than just planting a few seeds.
