• Active & Green

The most beautiful gorges!

Spectacular fissures in the rocks, from which thunderous waterfalls gush before plunging through shady ravines. Wild and frightening places, majestic monuments where you can admire the power of nature: in Italian they are known as "orridi" - gorges or ravines - and in Lombardy you can find some truly spectacular ones! Here are six that are worth visiting.

 

Lombardy's most famous gorge is in Bellano

The gorge of Bellano (Lecco) is Lombardy's most spectacular and oldest gorge. It was formed by the erosion of the waters of the Pioverna and the Adda Glacier, which then reach the Lario with magnificent jumps.

Described by the poet Sigismondo Boldoni (1597-1630) as a "Horror of hideous beauty", it has been open to the public since 1750 and is famous for the deep gorge modelled in the bare vertical rocks and the deafening roar of the waterfall. Artificial illumination has made the atmosphere created by the play and reflection of the water on the rocky walls even more fascinating.

Today, a system of footbridges makes it possible to visit this place safely, and explore its mysterious side: it is said that in the ancient tower in front of the entrance, frescoed with images of the devil and mythological figures, secret rites were held, hence the name of Cà del Diavol (House of the Devil).

 

The gorge of Nesso: the spectacle in the village

Let's stay on the Lario, towards Como. On the shores of the lake we find the gorge of Nesso, an attraction that is mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in the Codex Atlanticus. This naturally formed gorge was carved out of the rocks by the force of the waters of the Touf and Nosè streams, which meet to form rushing, roaring waterfalls before plunging into the lake. The majestic spectacle, which becomes even more impressive when it rains and the volume of the water is at its maximum, can be admired from Piazza Castello or the regular boats on the lake. But the best view is from the medieval Civera bridge, which crosses the gorge connecting Coatesa and Riva del Castello.

 

The gorge of Caino, near to Erba: an unmissable excursion

The Caino gorge is located in the Bova Valley, which is the origin of the torrent that divides the valley in two springs, carving out the rocks and creating crevasses covered in thick vegetation before crossing the Pian d'Erba and flowing into the Lambro.

To reach it, from Crevenna (Erba), go up the valley along the path that follows the river, passing through woods and overhanging rock faces. After crossing a small wooden bridge, there are two long staircases, one made from wood and one made from iron. The latter is very steep and gives access to the Caino gorge, which can be admired safely from the metal footbridge. 

Underground, near to Varese: the gorge of Cunardo

To reach the Cunardo gorge, you have to take a short path that starts from the provincial road that connects Cunardo (VA) with Ferrera. Here, the Margorabbia waterfall, which then flows into Lake Maggiore, unfolds like an underground labyrinth in tunnels carved by the waters into the karst rock for half a kilometre. The course of the river proceeds in leaps and bounds, creating bends, small lakes and two caverns which, separated by a siphon, form the gorge. There are two underground itineraries: the Galleria Fossile, which is easier, or the Ramo attivo, for experts, with narrow tunnels that reach the depth of the cave. 

 

In Val Taleggio, the coldest gorge

The Val Taleggio gorge is located in the final section of the narrow 3km-long gorge, carved by the Enna stream into the rocks of the Orobie mountains in Bergamo. Also known as the Serrati or S. Giovanni Bianco gorge, it can be admired from the SS25 road leading from San Giovanni Bianco to Sottochiesa. The path of the stream runs briskly between the vertical walls, and the gorge can be crossed on foot to admire the clefts, small bridges and waterfalls that freeze over in winter, creating an evocative panorama.  

 

The Via Mala precipices    

The name says it all: the Via Mala is an ancient medieval road that links the Valle di Scalve and the Valle Camonica, crossing the rocky walls of the gorge carved out over the centuries by the Dezzo river with vertiginous precipices that open onto inlets, loops and the famous gorges of the Via Mala. Walking along the old route, with access from the Casa Cantoniera, is a breathtakingly exciting experience. You can also climb the 275-step path at the bottom of the gorge, admiring rock faces that are half a kilometre in height! The observation bridge over the gorge offers a unique spectacle.

-

Ph Cover: Orrido di Bellano - discoveringbellano.eu

On the same topic

4 locations to visit in winter

Winter is not just about sports you can do in the snow, it is also the time when nature reveals its fairytale heart.
  • Active & Green
4 locations to visit in winter

Discover the province of Varese

5 must-see places to visit in Varese
  • Active & Green
A dirt path crosses a rural landscape at sunset, surrounded by golden fields and green vegetation. To the right, there is a small stone chapel with a cross on its facade, while to the left, large trees can be seen under a cloudy sky illuminated by the warm colors of the sunset. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with the contrast between the golden light and the lengthening evening shadows.

Spring in Lombardy

Spring has arrived ... all to discover the beauties of Lombardy!
  • Active & Green
Spring in Lombardy: where to go and what to do

Yoga in Parco Sempione

A green oasis in Milan.
  • Active & Green
Yoga in Parco Sempione

Where to harvest chestnuts in Lombardy

Forests, hills, panoramic viewpoints and plays of light: discover where and when to collect chestnuts in Lombardy, as well as other useful tips
  • Active & Green
La raccolta delle castagne - Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori (VA)

In between the lake and the sky

Episode 2
  • Active & Green
In between the lake and the sky

Suzzara forest

An urban forest in the Municipality of Suzzara, created to recreate an environment typical of the Po Valley of the past.
  • Active & Green
Suzzara Forest

10 Good Reasons to Visit Sondrio

  • Active & Green
10 idee per visitare la Valtellina

Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers

The waterways of Lombardy are perfect to discover the unspoilt green heart of the region
  • Active & Green
Boat trips on Lombardy's rivers - Navigli Milano

Visconti park

The medieval splendor come alive in today's Pavia.
  • Active & Green
Visconti Park

The 10 most spectacular monumental trees in the province of Brescia

In Lombardy's largest province, very special tree monuments grow in very different environments.
  • Active & Green
The 10 most spectacular monumental trees in the province of Brescia

Birdwatching in Lombardy

Parks, nature reserves and oases where you can take a glimpse into the secret lives of birds
  • Active & Green
Birdwatching in Lombardy

Guide Valmalenco

In the Valmalenco Guides group you can find professionals who can accompany you on your adventures whether you are an expert, or simply dream of taking your first step.
  • Active & Green
Guide Valmalenco

Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

  • Active & Green
Shades of fall - excursions to discover the foliage

Galbusera bianca

Rediscover the taste of life slowly immersed in unspoiled nature, visit the Oasis of Galbusera Bianca.
  • Active & Green
Galbusera Bianca

Iron bridges, man-made constructions

Iron bridges, bold testimonies to the early 20th century
  • Active & Green
Ponti di ferro, opere dell’uomo - in Lombardia

Brughiera Briantea Park

Park that extends in the territory between Milan and Como and represents one of the largest forest areas of the Lombard plain.
  • Active & Green
Brughiera Briantea Park

The Soapstone trail

A short loop trail that allows hikers to visit the ancient places where the renown soapstone of Pirlo used to be quarried and worked.
  • Active & Green
The Soapstone trail

Ten Snowshoeing Treks in Lombardy

Choose a route through the woods or try out a panoramic trail on your snowshoeing trek!
  • Active & Green
Ten Snowshoeing Treks in Lombardy

Foliage in Lombardy

From Via Francigena to the Cadorna Line. Discover where to see the autumn colours in Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Via Francigena Corte Sant'Andrea Lodi