21 Giu Bellano: what to see in the small town on Lake Como

Do you want to find out what to see in Bellano, a wonderful village set in the frame of Lake Como? Buckle up because we are about to list some good reasons to choose a lake vacation.

The town and the lake

Bellano lies on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The small village, which has just over 3,000 inhabitants, borders the municipality of Dervio to the north, Valvarrone and Casargo to the east, and Taceno, Parlasco, and Perledo to the south. The western side, on the other hand, is the one entirely bathed by Lake Como.

It is a small but very picturesque town, a small fishing village that stands on the shores of one of Italy’s most famous lakes also sung about by the great poets. The narrow streets of Bellano’s historic center and its colorful buildings make this a popular town. Bellano’s marina is also interesting, allowing a perfect view of other towns overlooking Lake Como. We are talking about Bellagio, Menaggio, and Lario, which are certainly better known but also more touristy and frequented.

What to see in Bellano

The town, however, is not only known for the presence of the lake but also and especially for the so-called Orrido di Bellano (Bellano Gorge). The name might be misleading because in reality it is absolutely not something bad.

The Orrido is a canyon created by the force of the icy Pioverna stream, which for millennia has carved the rock to create this spectacular result. When you come to this area you come in contact with the force of nature that was able to create this canyon. The continuous roaring of the water also makes the experience even stronger and more intense.

The canyon was created 15 million years ago and can be visited through a series of footbridges that have been anchored to the walls, overlooking the sea. A spectacle for those who love this kind of adventure, but in any case the venture does not require any special physical preparation and is therefore accessible to many people.

What strikes the eye, in addition to the scenic beauty, are the plays of light created by the water being reflected on the rocks. The sound of the waterfall and the peculiar vegetation complete the setting.

Bellano, however, also has many other gems to discover. Among them is the church of Santi Nazaro e Celso, which was erected in 1348 and is of national interest being in perfect late Romanesque style. Inside, some frescoes dating back to the 16th century stand out. Also very interesting is the Church of Santa Marta, which, on the other hand, dates back to the 14th century. The Sanctuary Madonna delle Lacrime located in Lezzeno and in Baroque style is also worth a visit.

Bellano is perfect for those who want to visit Lake Como while staying away from the most touristic and well-known centers. Here you can breathe in the most authentic nature of the lake without losing sight of its beauty. A purely relaxing experience for those who love summer vacations by the lake and for those who want to discover these small towns.