Acquate and Olate are the districts in which Lucia’s traditional and alleged house is

Acquate and Olate are Lecco’s district in which you find Lucia’s traditional and alleged house, described by Manzoni in The Betrothed Two places in Lecco can claim to be the “Lucia’s house” and are located in the districts of Olate and Acquate, as well as for the church of Don Abbondio. Both houses are representative of the simple architecture of Lecco: linear building with two floors, balcony, wood stairs and front yard.

Olate – alleged Lucia’s house
Nowadays it is a private residence, so visit are avoided. If you are lucky and the front door is open you can see the courtyard where Manzoni described Lucia running to Renzo shouting – the bridegroom! the bridegroom! On the portal above the main entrance you can see a fresco of the sixteenth century: the Annunciation.

Acquate – traditional Lucia’s house
Very quaint and intimate, thanks to the quiet location where it is located. From the courtyard you can see the zucco where stood the Palace of Don Rodrigo. The house is located near the church of Don Abbondio in Acquate (two minutes walk). Today the house is a tavern, only visible to customers.

Illustration darft for the edition of The Betrothed dated 1840 Library Braidense
Cover image: © eccoLecco

Chapter II

These reflections prevailing in his mind, he passed by his own house, which was situated in the centre of the village, and arrived at that of Lucy, which was at the opposite extremity. It had a small court-yard in front, which separated it from the road, and which was encircled by a low wall. Entering the yard, Renzo heard a confused murmur of voices in the upper chamber; he rightly supposed it to be the wedding company, and he could not resolve to appear before them with such a countenance. A little girl, who was standing at the door, ran towards him, crying out, “The bridegroom! the bridegroom!”

Casa di Lucia Via Caldone 19-25 – 23900 Lecco

Casa di Lucia Via Lucia 27 – 23900 Lecco

Articolo aggiornato il 2 October 2023 da eccoLecco