Bellano is an important centre situated on the eastern shore of the lake, around the mouth of the river Pioverna, at the beginning of the Valsassina valley. One of the main attractions of the town is the Orrido, a the deep gorge formed by the river Piovern. It can visited thanks to stairways and foot bridges hewn in the rocks that allow to admire the power of the water from close-by. Every Thrursday morning there is a lively market alon the lakeside (Viale T. Grossi)
Description
From the boat dock we walk to piazza S. Giorgio, in the historical centre of Bellano. Here we find the parish church SS. Nazaro and Celso built in the second half of the XIV century by the Campionese Masters. The façade features alternating bands of light and dark stone and a beautiful terracotta rose window. Inside the church is decorated with frescoes of the XIV and XV century.
In the same piazza stands the church of S. Marta where inside you can see a full size wooden sculptural group of nine figures depicting the Deposition.
On the side of the parish church you will find the pathway leading up to the Orrido, a site not to miss. It is a the deep gorge formed by the river Pioverna and can be visited thanks to stairways and foot bridges hewn in the rocks that allow to admire the power of the water from close-by.
From the Orrido you can follow the walk on the “Sentiero del Viandante”, an old roman connection road; to Dervio (3.00 hrs.)
Directions & Parking
By public transport
From the public boat dock at Menaggio you can eithere take a hydrofoil or during the tourist season the boat to Bellano. You can buy tickets at the ticket office of the Navigazione Laghi in Via IV Novembre or online www.navigazionelaghi.it
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