On the Zucco promontory overlooking the Acquate district, popular tradition places the palace of Don Rodrigo, the petty lord who in The Betrothed holds sway over the countryside around Lecco.
History
Manzoni describes the palace in chapter V of the novel, when Fra Cristoforo goes there to try to dissuade Don Rodrigo from his designs on Lucia. A real building once stood on the promontory, from the late 16th century, belonging to the Arrigoni family — rivals of the Manzoni family — later passing to the Counts Salazar. The old building was demolished in 1937 and the present Villa Guzzi was built in its place, designed by the rationalist architect Mario Cereghini. Villa Guzzi cannot be visited inside today.
What to see
The promontory can be admired from below, in particular from the courtyard of the nearby traditional house of Lucia, from where the hill is visible as described by local tradition.
Getting there
The Zucco promontory lies in the Acquate district, along the route of the Manzonian Lecco itinerary.
Practical information
The current building (Villa Guzzi) cannot be visited inside; the promontory is visible from the surrounding streets.