Orrido di Bellano: the canyon on Lake Como

The Bellano Ravine stands out as the main tourist attraction of the country and one of the most significant ones of Lake Como. This natural, molded throat 15 millions of years ago from the erosion of the Pioverna torrent and the Adda glacier, it offers imposing potholes, dark ravines and suggestive caves, evidence of the centuries of rock processing.

Il narrow canyon it can be explored thanks to an intricate system of walkways anchored to the dizzying cliffs on the water. Recently, these walkways have been extended to the large waterfall located further upstream.

- narrow spaces, plays of reflected light on the rocky walls and on the water, the vegetation evocative of tropical environments and roar of waterfalls that break on the stone have always inspired numerous writers. These authors painted the beauty of the place or wove legends, such as that of Taino or those related to Ca del Diavol.

Stendhal mentioned it in his "Viaggio in Italia", while Johann Jakob Wetzel described it as "a theater of beauty and terror, from which a noise similar to that of thunder can be heard". The poet Sigismondo Boldoni from Bellano also defined it as "Horror of a horrendous horrendousness".

Bellano it is historically linked to water, not only of the lake, but also of the Ravine. The power of the latter has provided the energy necessary to run the city's factories for centuries, thus guaranteeing work and prosperity to the citizens.

Dai primitive canals and tunnels to the most modern plant forced conduct, the waters of the Pioverna were exploited first by ironworks, spinning mills and cotton mills and subsequently by hydroelectric power plant.

Ca' del Diavol

At the entrance to the site stands a turret with pentagonal plan of three floors, perched on a boulder overlooking the stream, known since the early 600s. Today it is known as Ca del Diavol, thanks to the frescoes depicting the devil and other mythological figures in the highest part, as well as the legends of satanic rites, parties and orgiastic encounters.

An unconfirmed story, but more likely than legends, tells that during the Austrian domination, the house was an access point to underground tunnels under the historic center, where the people of Bellano hid during the curfew.

Today, the Ca' del Diavol, recently renovated, is spread over three floors, offering a path that guides the visitor through the history and origins of the Bellano area, with the help of multimedia exhibits.

The visit to the Ca' del Diavol begins with a cantilevered ladder over the throat, giving away unprecedented views of the Ravine and leading the visitor to the lowest level of the tower.

The route is divided into three levels, from bottom to top, with a crescendo of emotions thanks to the innovative technological setup which allows a 360° immersion in the topics covered.

The visitor is greeted by a welcome video featuring the historical figure of Sigismondo Boldoni, illustrious citizen of Bellano.

Level 1 (ground floor): History and Geological Formation From ground floor, we discover the geological formation of the Bellano ravine and the territory of Lake Como, passing through the exploitation of the waters of the Pioverna stream, up to the tourist discovery.

Level 2: Legends and Traditions The second level, narrated by Sigismondo Boldoni, is dedicated to the legend: a story that comes to life from a large book about Weigh Vegia, the oldest and most important historical re-enactment in costume in the entire territory.

Level 3: Virtual Journey The third level is dedicated to journey: modern VR stations allow the visitor to be catapulted into a journey that follows the course of the Pioverna stream backwards, starting from the museum, through the gorge, the entire Valsassina up to the summit of Grigna, and then returning to the Ca' del Diavol, flying over Lake Como.

Timetables and Prices

• Adults: € 6,00
• Reduced from 4 to 12 years: €4,00
• Free: from 0 to 3 years, residents in the Municipality of Bellano, holders of a Disability Card and a companion
• Holders of public transport tickets (train, lake navigation): €5,00
• FAI and Touring members: €5,00
• School groups: €4,00 for each student + free accompanying teachers
• Groups (minimum 12 people): €5,00 each + 1 free companion for every 12 present

From January 29th to March 29th:

• From Monday to Friday from 10 to 17
• Saturday and Sunday from the 9 17
• Last entry allowed: 20 minutes before closing.