Orrido di Bellano

Orrido (a very deep ravine, literally "horrid") of Bellano stems from the strength of Pioverna river, whose icy waters dug deep into the Valsassina mountains, eroding then to create an amazing gorge.

The sheer power of nature and the deafening sounds of the water flow take your breath away, and you are left admiring Orrido stuck in an astonished yet respectful silence.

This natural wonder was formed 1,5 million years ago, with the Pioverna torrent that has drawn the sinuous lines between Taceno and Lake Como. The rift is narrow and deep, which has also defined the pace of life of Bellano on Lake Como.
The waters were exploited already in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries for the processing of iron that was mined from the mines in Valsassina and later by the Cotonificio Cantoni, which in 1870 opened a plant near the Orrido. The traces of the industrial history of the territory are still evident.

A stroll through the canyon
The charm of the Orrido di Bellano is best experienced while walking. The canyon can be visited using a system of walkways anchored in the rock walls, hanging right over the water, which take you into the heart of the canyon, where you can follow the route close up. The route accompanies you between the narrow vertical walls, rocky curves, clefts and sudden views, and then to the large waterfall upstream.
What makes this walk so stunning is the way in which all of the elements of landscape work together: the water from the river Pioverna flows underneath you, with the sound bouncing off the rock face; the light filters down from above continuously changing the look of the rocks.   In some sections, while the river is at its fullest, the sound of the water is almost deafening! 
Thanks to the walkways along the river, the Orrido di Bellano can be visited all year round, This natural treasure is not visible from a distance; it needs to be passed through from the inside, along a short, immersive route that shows all of the natural power of the gulley excavated by water over time. The route is well equipped, totally safe, and suitable even for children. Some points, however, made slippery by the dampness of the place, may be slightly tricky and therefore, suitable footwear should be worn when walking here. 
Hanging walkways, waterfalls and rock faces shaped by erosion make the Orrido di Bellano a hidden gem on Lake Como, to experience while looking out from its viewing points, which are ideal for taking photos or immortalising your visit with a video.