Orrido di Bellano

The force of nature carves the rock

The Orrido di Bellano was formed by the power of the Pioverna stream, whose icy waters from Valsassina have carved through the rock for millennia, eroding it with stunning results. The relentless force of nature and the deafening roar of the water leave you breathless, and the only thing to do is admire them in silent and awe-struck respect.

This natural wonder was formed 15 million years ago, as the Pioverna stream traced sinuous lines between Taceno and Lake Como. The narrow and deep gorge has also defined the rhythm of life in Bellano on Lake Como.
The waters were already harnessed in the 16th and 17th centuries for the processing of iron extracted from the mines in Valsassina, and later by the Cotonificio Cantoni, which opened a factory near the gorge in 1870. Traces of the area's industrial history are still evident.

Open year-round, a walkway allows visitors to explore the gorge and admire the rock formations and the power of the stream; some sections, made slippery by the humidity of the site, can be dangerous: it is always advisable to wear suitable footwear when visiting the Orrido di Bellano.

The path is completely safe and also suitable for children. Along the walkways, there are ideal viewpoints for taking photos and capturing memories of the visit with videos. In some sections, during high-water seasons, the roar of the water is truly deafening!