Discover Bellano: culture, gorge and trails on Lake Como

Bellano can be explored through a range of themes: a gorge shaped by geology, Romanesque architecture, museums, a long-standing celebration and trails along the eastern shore of Lake Como. When planning your trip, you can prioritise these attractions according to whether you are most interested in nature, history or longer hikes. Train and boat connections are also practical points of reference for your stay.

Planning hiking routes and your journey

The Sentiero del Viandante stretches for 45 kilometres and can be walked in full or in individual stages. It runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como, connecting Lecco and Colico, then continues towards Valtellina via a network of hiking trails. You can therefore treat it as a longer route or plan it in stages; it is not limited to a single walk.

Bellano is a stop on the Milano–Tirano railway line. On the lake, boats operated by Navigazione Laghi stop on routes between Como and Colico, as well as in the opposite direction between Colico and Como. If you plan to use one of these connections for your journey or onward travel, check the timetable with the operator.

Orrido di Bellano and Ca’ del Diavol

The Orrido di Bellano is a natural gorge formed 1.5 million years ago by erosion from the River Pioverna and the Adda Glacier. The route through the gorge includes stairs and narrow passages. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are not permitted there—a key restriction to bear in mind when planning your visit.

At the entrance to the Orrido, the Ca’ del Diavol stands above the River Pioverna. The three-storey tower has a pentagonal ground plan. Inside, a VR experience follows the course of the Pioverna back to the Grigna, then crosses Lake Como and returns to the Ca’ del Diavol. The building thus combines a distinctive form with a multimedia depiction of the surrounding landscape.

Church, museums and local history

The Chiesa dei Santi Nazaro e Celso is Bellano’s parish church and was built between 1342 and 1350. Its façade is distinguished by alternating white and black marble stripes. It also features hanging arches, typical of Romanesque architecture. The combination of its date, religious function and easily recognisable façade makes the church a specific point of interest for anyone interested in architectural history.

In Bellano’s historic centre, the Museo Giancarlo Vitali is part of the BAC (Bellano Arte Cultura) trail. A different focus awaits you in the hamlet of Vendrogno: this is where you will find the MUU Museo del Latte e della Storia della Muggiasca, an ethnographic museum. It was founded in 2008 to preserve and pass on artefacts and traditions from the Muggiasca area, particularly those relating to milk processing. The two museums therefore offer different ways to explore cultural history: one forms part of the BAC trail in the historic centre, while the other focuses on Muggiasca and its traditions.

Pesa Vegia and sailing

Pesa Vegia is a tradition held in Bellano every year on 5 January, with a history stretching back more than 400 years. It is most likely dated to around 1605 and associated with the reintroduction of older units of measurement. The date of 5 January is therefore a fixed point in the annual calendar, while the estimated date of origin around 1605 provides the historical context for the custom.

Sailing is another of the activities on offer in the town: Circolo Vela Bellano was founded in 1970. Its activities range from sailing lessons to top-level international competitions. When weighing up the different options, you will find a wide variety of interests represented—from architecture and local history to the geological formation of the Orrido, hiking trails and sailing.

Discover more destinations: Cremeno, Perledo, Taceno, Casargo, Cremella, Torre De' Busi, Arlate, Limonta.

For the full travel overview: Lecco.