From Bank to Boutique Hotel: A New Luxury Hotel in Lecco, Lake Como

After nearly fourteen years of abandonment and impassioned debate, the historic building in Piazza Garibaldi, Lecco, is ready for revival. Once home to Banca Popolare di Lecco and later Deutsche Bank, the iconic building has received preliminary approval from the Municipal Commission for Landscape to undergo a bold new transformation.

Soon, the lakeside city of Lecco, poised at the foot of the Alps on the southeastern branch of Lake Como, will welcome a new luxury hotel within the restored edifice.

Originally built as the Banca Popolare di Lecco in 1873, the property has seen a series of celebrated architectural interventions over the decades. In 1941, architect Mino Fiocchi reimagined the bank’s structure, followed by Piero Portaluppi, who between 1955 and 1957 added the grand marble façade that still defines Piazza Garibaldi today. Later, during the 1970s, Aldo Paramatti oversaw an expansion of the structure facing the adjacent Via Nazario Sauro, enhancing the overall composition of the building.

The idea of transforming the building into Lecco’s new city hall was once considered. However, as reported by LeccoToday in 2022, the mayor, Mauro Gattinoni ruled out the proposal, stating that it was “not a priority for the city.” The estimated renovation costs would have exceeded €52 million, making the proposal economically unsustainable. According to Prima Lecco, approximately 200 square meters of asbestos were safely removed in 2023, resolving one of the building’s most critical structural concerns.

Now under the ownership of Lariana Iniziative Immobiliari, the landmark building is set to experience a renaissance. The development plan envisions a 100-room luxury hotel complete with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding mountains and the shimmering sapphire waters of the Lecco branch of Lake Como. 

The design, recently endorsed by the city’s Landscape Commission and according to local news radio, Comozero, marks a crucial moment for the 
historic centre of Lecco. The project has been praised by the commission for its sensitivity—preserving the building’s architectural integrity while seamlessly integrating modern comfort and contemporary design.

For Lecco, this project represents more than the restoration of a landmark—it’s a statement of renewal. The transformation promises to breathe life back into the city’s historic heart, creating new employment opportunities and enriching its appeal to visitors who seek Lake Como’s quieter, more authentic side.

Still, as with all development in heritage destinations, the challenge will be balance. The allure of luxury must harmonize with the needs of residents and the rhythm of local life. Parking, traffic, and overtourism are concerns that will require careful management.

Yet for now, optimism prevails. Piazza Garibaldi’s grand palazzo—once a silent monument to Lecco’s past—may soon become its most elegant symbol of the future.

Further reading:

• Comozero.it
• More about Lake Como 
• La Provinica Unica 
• Camera di Commercio Lecco
• More by MilanoStyle.com/Media: LakeComoStyle.com
• Official website of Lariana Iniziative Immobiliari: N/A, not available

Published: Nov 4, 2025