Location
Mandello del Lario lies on the eastern shore of the Lecco branch, opposite Onno, at the foot of the Grigna massif.
History
Its origins are at least Roman; allied with Como in the Ten Years’ War against Milan, it was half-destroyed in 1160. Subject to the Visconti and then for a long time to the Sfrondati family, the town owes its fortunes to commercial and industrial activities, from silk-working through to the founding of Moto Guzzi, the celebrated motorcycle factory.
What to see
- The Moto Guzzi Museum, housed in the historic factory with historic pieces and prototypes: in 2026, to mark the brand’s 105th anniversary, a new plant and a new museum were inaugurated, with a route covering technique, design and innovation, a café and a Motoplex Store.
- Mandello inferiore, with its lanes and small harbour lined with colourful arcades.
- The Church of San Giorgio, with 15th-16th-century frescoes, and the Church of San Zenone in Tonzanico, of equal interest.
- The Santuario della Madonna del Fiume, an example of Lombard barocchetto style.
- The Museo della Torre di Maggiana, dedicated to rural folk art, housed in the Barbarossa tower.
- The Lido di Mandello, a well-attended free beach.
What to do and excursions
From the hamlets of Olcio, Maggiana and Sonvico, excursions set off towards the Piani Resinelli and, on more demanding routes, towards the Grigna Settentrionale (mountain refuges, Porta di Prada). The Sentiero del Fiume crosses the Valle di Era.
Getting there
Nine minutes by train from Lecco, on the Trenord Lecco-Colico-Sondrio line, reach Mandello del Lario station; by car, follow the SS36.
Festivities
10 August, San Lorenzo, patron saint of Mandello del Lario.