Torre del Cinquantenario
The Torre del Cinquantenario or Torione del Cinquantenario is a mountain on Lake Como in the province of Lecco, Lombardy, northern Italy. It is part of the Gruppo delle Grigne and is located in the territory of Lierna above Lake Como.
| Torre del Cinquantenario | |
|---|---|
 Drawing of the Torre del Cinquantenario by Leonardo da Vinci, Windsor Codex, F. 12406 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Lombardy, Italy |
| Parent range | Italian Alps |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Erminio Dones |
The peak reaches an altitude of 1,800 meters.
The uniquely shaped mountain, adjacent to the Torre del Cinquantenario, was designed by Leonardo da Vinci between 1505 and 1510, during his continuous stays on the shores of Lake Como mentioned in his Codex Atlanticus. This work is part of the Windsor Codex (on sheet 12406).
The Torrione del Cinquantenario and the Torre del Cinquantenario are part of the Dolomite group located in front of Rifugio Rosalba (1730 m.) and are among the most characteristic corners of Grignetta together with Alpe di Lierna.
The mountain was at the center of enterprises in 1923 with Fanny Guzzi.
There are many landscapes of Lake Como and its mountains drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, the object of his studies during his stays in Lierna. Leonardo da Vinci explored the mountains above Lierna, from Porta di Prada to Rocca di Baiedo, from Fiumelatte to Bellagio, which "unites the two opposites into one", up to Monte San Martino, Resegone, and the "Giardino di Pietra". He not only shows theoretical interest in the mountains but also explores them personally, becoming a mountaineer in his own way.
His travels to Lierna where he stayed to explore all the surrounding areas testify to the rocks, mountains, peaks, woods, landscapes that are present in many of his famous paintings. The most significant Alpine representation dates back to the second Milanese period: around 1511, Leonardo depicts a mountain group with precise outlines, in a small red chalk drawing.
In the drawings of the Windsor code, there is a view of medieval Lecco, as well as drawings of snowy crests that belong to the landscape of the eastern branch of Lake Como, there are also drawings of the central massif of the Grigne.
Bibliography change
- Leonardo da Vinci, Windsor Codex, F. 12406