The Torre Viscontea is the only part of the fortifications of Visconti origin that survived intact the demolition decreed at the end of the 18th century. The fortified village, triangular in shape, was completely surrounded by defensive walls since the time of Azzone Visconti.

In the seventeenth century, the actual castle housed the Spanish garrison mentioned by Alessandro Manzoni in I Promessi Sposi and occupied an area of about 1,200 square meters.

In 1782, within the reforms desired by Emperor Joseph II, the military stronghold of Lecco was abolished, allowing the urban development of the center and the castle was sold to private individuals. Today only the fourteenth-century tower remains of the Visconti castle following the urban and industrial development of the city. On the ground floor, the lodgings of the guardhouse and some stone cannonballs are still visible. The first floor has been renovated and used as a space for temporary exhibitions , created by Si.MUL in collaboration with local bodies and associations.