The Manzoniana Walk, a timeless event
26 July 2025
In the heart of Lecco, overlooking the lake, lies Piazza Mario Cermenati, once the city's commercial centre. In the centre of the square stands the monument dedicated to Mario Cermenati, naturalist, geologist, and politician, founder of the Civic Museums of Lecco. The current marble statue is the work of sculptor Francesco Modena and was inaugurated in 1945, replacing the original bronze one made by Mario Rutelli in 1927, which was requisitioned during the Second World War for war efforts.
The sculpture depicts Cermenati standing, gazing towards the lake, with his right hand resting on three volumes, symbolising his passions: Leonardo da Vinci, geology, and the history of science. The base, which simulates a rocky outcrop, bears an epigraph by the poet Giovanni Bertacchi, dedicated to the original bronze statue.
A point of interest concerns the statue's position: it is said to have been oriented with its back to the Basilica of San Nicolò to highlight Cermenati's secular views, in contrast to the clergy of the time.
The monument is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, decorated with the civic coat of arms of Lecco, featuring sirens instead of traditional tritons, making it unique in city symbolism.
Piazza Cermenati, as well as hosting the monument, is a meeting place and starting point for exploring the historic centre of Lecco, offering a striking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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