The design is said to belong to the great Leonardo da Vinci himself: the entire structure is tethered to a rope, and while on board, during the crossing, the sensation of swaying on the current while feeling yourself being towed is really pleasant.
It is the only example of a hand-operated ferry still in operation: a single person regulates its mechanism, which is based on the strong currents of the river, managing to transport as many as one hundred people and five cars at the same time!
But it is not only what sets it in motion that is distinctive: in fact, the route affords 360-degree views of the beautiful banks of the Adda River.
From here, surrounded by typical vegetation, you can relax and engage in birdwatching-how many different species of native birds will you be able to identify?
The ferry, with appropriate modifications and maintenance, has been in operation for a full four centuries, linking the Lecco pier in Imbersago and Villa d’Adda on the Bergamo side of the river.
Once you’ve landed on the opposite bank, you won’t be able to pass up a walk immersed in the sounds of nature and lush vegetation along the embankment.
It’s the perfect place to invigorate your spirit with a breath of fresh air, to the gentle sound of the current, free to choose whether to continue toward the village of Brivio or the village of Paderno, until you cross one of the picnic and refreshment spots.
Instead, near the ferry embarkation, on the Villa d’Adda side, a path starts that allows you to reach the Alberone Oasis.
Here, walking on the special walkways, you can come into contact with the typical avian fauna of the area, characterized by majestic specimens of swans, coots and mallards that complete this incredible immersion in the nature of the North Adda Park.
Curiosity:
At the embarkation point one can still find the sign bearing the historic tariff schedule decided by the Milanese Senate in an act of July 20, 1604, now no longer in effect.
At one time goods men and livestock passed through here, here is a brief excerpt: “Pedestrian: 1 soldo and 6 denari; Heads of cattle: 1 soldo and 6 denari; Loaded wagon: 11 denari; Empty wagon: 9 denari; 100 sheep or goats: 16 soldi (…)”