Orrido di Bellano – what is it?
Orrido di Bellano is a natural gorge formed 15 million years ago. It was carved by the waters of the Pioverna Stream, which still flows into Lake Como. It is an extremely picturesque place. Caves and the loud, churning mass of water cause that you can forget for a moment that a few hundred meters away is the shore of Lake Como. This is undoubtedly the greatest and breathtaking attraction in Bellano. Narrow spaces, the play of light inspired many writers. For example, Orrido di Bellano was mentioned by Stendhal. The poet Boldoni called it „gorge of a horrendous hideousness.” Wetzel is „a theatre of beauty and frights, [from which] one hears a noise similar to that of thunder”. Interestingly, „orrido” means „terrible” in Italian. Despite these dissuasive terms, the gorge served local residents. It was used with ironworks, the spinning mills and the cotton mill and then by the more recent hydroelectric power station.
It does not take long to cross the gorge, but an hour is the absolute minimum to cover the entire route and enjoy the views. You come out in a slightly different place than you enter, the path is one-sided. At the beginning, the platforms and footbridges are quite narrow and old (people with fear of heights may have a problem here). Then we go out to newer and wider constructions. The entire route is not particularly demanding, both children and the elderly will manage it.
Practical information – access and tickets
The gorge is easily accessible to tourists. Also for those without their own means of transport. It is located about 450 meters from the Bellano train station and about 250 meters from the ferry terminal. There are direct trains to Bellano from Milan. Coming from Bergamo, we will have to change train in Lecco. It is just one station (4 minutes by train) from the popular Varenna. You can check the current timetable on the Trenitalia website or in the useful Trenitalia app. If you decide to come to Bellano by boat, check the ferry schedule here.
There are also some free parking spaces in Bellano, the closest are in Piazza San Giorgio. The town, however, is so small that wherever you leave the car, you will get everywhere within walking distance.
There is a ticket office at the entrance to Orrido di Bellano. The admission price is 5 euros for an adult, 3 euros for a child up to 12 years old. In December, Christmas lights are installed in the gorge. Opening hours and days depend on the season. In high season, sightseeing is possible every day, in winter only from Friday to Sunday. You can find the current opening hours here.
Additionally, it is possible to buy a ticket connecting the gorge with Ca ’del Diavol (EUR 15/10). It is a small, three-level tower visible near the entrance. Its name („devil’s house”) comes from the paintings on the walls inside the building. There are also legends about the use of the tower in the past for satanic purposes.
If you are planning holidays on Lake Como, be sure to read about Villa Carlotta.
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