Walking tour through history, lake and culture
5 February 2026
In the heart of Lecco, in Piazza Garibaldi, stands majestically the monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, an emblematic figure of the Italian Risorgimento. This white granite sculpture from Baveno, created by the Milanese sculptor Francesco Confalonieri and inaugurated in November 1884, is a tangible tribute to the hero of two worlds, who visited the town on four occasions between 1859 and 1866.
The statue depicts Garibaldi in an upright position, looking towards the east, a distinctive detail compared to other representations that often show him with his face turned towards Rome. He wears the characteristic poncho draped over his shoulders, the kerchief knotted around his neck and keeps his head uncovered. The right hand holds a sword, while the left is tucked in the pocket, giving the whole an aura of physical and moral vigour.
The pedestal of the monument is engraved with the names of four Garibaldians from the Lecco area who took part in the Expedition of the Thousand: brothers Carlo and Giuseppe Torri-Tarelli from Onno, Ernesto Berthé from San Giovanni alla Castagna and Tranquillo Baruffaldi from Barzio. These names testify to the significant contribution of the Lecco community to the process of national unification.
Originally placed in the centre of the square, the statue was later moved in front of the Teatro della Società, a neoclassical masterpiece designed by Giuseppe Bovara. Next to the monument is the building that once housed the Albergo Croce di Malta, where Garibaldi stayed during his visits to Lecco; a commemorative plaque on the façade recalls his passage.
In addition to housing the monument, Piazza Garibaldi is a lively crossroads for the main streets of the centre, becoming a landmark for residents and visitors alike. Throughout the year, the square hosts numerous events, from city markets to musical performances in the summer and a skating rink in the winter, consolidating itself as the beating heart of Lecco's social life.
The monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi is not just a commemorative sculpture, but a symbol of Lecco's collective memory and civic identity, a witness to the patriotic fervour that has animated the city throughout its history.
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