Castello, Historical district in Lecco, Italy
Castello is a historic district north of central Lecco featuring narrow streets and traditional buildings shaped by the Gerenzone and Fiumicella rivers. The area includes the Saints Gervasius and Protasius Parish Church at Piazza dell'Oro and the Palazzo Belgiojoso, which houses the Archaeological Museum, Historical Museum, Natural History Museum, and Civic Planetarium.
This area was the original medieval settlement of Lecco before the city relocated to the lakeside around 1330. This shift marked a turning point in how the city developed and grew.
The residents here are called Scarpascés, a name rooted in the neighborhood's past that still defines local identity. This distinctive name reflects a living connection to the area's social character.
The neighborhood is best explored on foot since the narrow streets wind through traditional buildings. Morning or early evening hours work well for visiting when the streets are quieter.
The Palazzo Belgiojoso houses a Civic Planetarium alongside traditional museums, an uncommon combination for a small Italian neighborhood. This blend of historical and science-focused spaces sets the area apart from similar districts elsewhere.
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