The gorge
A canyon 800 metres long and up to 50 high, right inside the village. Open to visitors since the mid-1800s.
The Pioverna comes down from the Valsassina and, before it reaches the lake, squeezes into a crack in the rock: the Orrido. Iron walkways bolted to the rock face take you inside, past waterfalls, green pools and the noise of water that drowns out voices.
The route takes half an hour and ends at the Casa del Diavolo, the octagonal tower with its mythological figures, recently reopened with a display on the folklore of the gorge. After rain the water runs higher and louder: that is the best time to see it, if it isn’t closed for high water.
It is one of the few paid experiences on this list: €7, and worth it. The village around it — the lakefront, the stone houses, the bell tower — is free and just as good.
The visit
A one-way route of about 30 minutes, with the Casa del Diavolo at the end.
- EntranceTicket office on the lakefrontBy the bridge over the Pioverna, 3 minutes from the station. Tickets €7, bookable online at weekends.
- First stretchThe walkways over the waterThe iron floor shakes a little and the torrent runs underneath: that is normal. Handrails and mesh all the way.
- The waterfallThe narrowest pointThe walls close to two metres apart and the light comes from above. Everyone takes the photo here.
- Casa del DiavoloThe towerThree floors of installations on the myth of the gorge. Included in the ticket.
- ExitBack on the lakefrontFive minutes on foot and you are at the ferry pier, or at a bar for a beer by the lake.
Getting there
Route on Google MapsBellano is on the Milan–Tirano railway: the train is the simplest way.
What to know before you go
Four things the people who work there take for granted.
More water, more noise, more spray. But in heavy rain the council closes it for safety: check the day before.
The walkways are wet and slippery. No heels, no flip-flops.
The route is safe, but you walk on suspended grating with open air below. Carry small children or hold their hand.
Spray soaks everything at the narrowest point. A plastic bag for your phone is enough.
Around Bellano
The eastern shore of the lake: fishing villages, footpaths and trains.
Nearby, on Twip
If you want the Orrido at night, a family boat or lunch at a fisherman’s house, you book those on Twip.
Frequently asked questions about the Orrido
The things people ask us before they leave.
How much does it cost?
€7 full price, €5 reduced for children, over-65s and groups. The Casa del Diavolo is included.
Is it always open?
Daily from April to October; weekends and public holidays the rest of the year. It closes when the torrent is in spate.
How long does the visit take?
About 30–40 minutes. The route is one-way and you cannot turn back.
What about children and pushchairs?
Children yes, by the hand. Pushchairs no: there are steps and narrow gratings.
Can it be combined with the Viandante?
Yes: the Varenna–Bellano leg ends 3 minutes from the Orrido. It makes the perfect day out.