Bellano on Lake Como: Gorge, Culture and Trails

Bellano on Lake Como is a destination for travelers who want to combine nature, history and Italian culture. The townscape includes the Orrido di Bellano, historic buildings, museums and the Pesa Vegia. Rail and boat connections are also relevant for planning your trip: Bellano is a stop on the Milano–Tirano railway line and on the Navigazione Laghi boat routes between Como and Colico as well as between Colico and Como.

Gorge and River Landscape

The Orrido di Bellano is a natural gorge. It was formed 1.5 million years ago through the erosion caused by the Pioverna River and the Adda Glacier. The route through the Orrido includes stairs and narrow passages; access with strollers and wheelchairs is not permitted. This requirement is important when planning for different mobility needs.

At the entrance to the Orrido stands the Ca’ del Diavol above the Pioverna River. The three-story pentagonal tower offers a VR journey that follows the course of the Pioverna back to the Grigna and then returns across Lake Como to the Ca’ del Diavol.

Churches, Museums and Tradition

The Chiesa dei Santi Nazaro e Celso was built between 1342 and 1350 and is the parish church of Bellano. Its façade is characterized by alternating white and black marble stripes and by hanging arches typical of Romanesque architecture.

In the historic center, the Museo Giancarlo Vitali is part of the BAC tour, meaning Bellano Arte Cultura. In the district of Vendrogno is the MUU Museo del Latte e della Storia della Muggiasca, an ethnographic museum. It was founded in 2008 to preserve and pass on artifacts and traditions from the Muggiasca area, with particular emphasis on milk processing.

The Pesa Vegia is a tradition held annually in Bellano on January 5, with a history of more than 400 years. Its origins are most likely dated to around 1605; it is associated with the reintroduction of older units of measurement.

Hiking, Sailing and Getting There

For hiking, the Sentiero del Viandante offers a versatile planning option: the trail is 45 km long and can be completed in full or in individual stages. It runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como, connects Lecco and Colico, and then continues toward Valtellina via a network of hiking trails. Choosing between the full route and individual stages helps you assess the scope of your excursion.

The Circolo Vela Bellano was founded in 1970 and ranges from sailing school activities to top-level international competitions.

When choosing accommodation in Bellano, the rail and boat connections can provide concrete points of reference for your journey. The town’s different themes support trip planning focused on culture, nature, hiking or water sports.

Other Town Pages

Other town pages for planning your trip: Gisazio, Varenna, Calco, Ballabio, Oggiono, Morterone, Esino Lario, Costa Masnaga

To the higher-level travel overview: Lecco.