With its dark, narrow and steep medieval alleyways, tranquil Bellano can appear a bit spooky on a foggy day, but on sunny days, the pretty courtyards with little fountains and picturesque facades look a lot brighter. Bellano is located 35 mi/57 km from Como via Lecco.
Take a stroll along the lakeshore promenade with its chestnut trees, and also have look at the 14th-century church Santi Nazaro e Celso with its late Romanesque and Gothic black-and-white facade, rose window and interesting frescoes. It was supposedly built by Giovanni di Campione on the ruins of a much older church, but was altered in the mid-16th century.
Nearby is the entrance to Bellano's major attraction, the spectacular Orrido di Bellano, a steep, romantic gorge formed by the noisy Pioverna torrent. Several walkways carved into the rocks lead to a viewing platform, a great place for a picnic. The strange tower on a rock in the Pioverna is called the Devil's House (Ca del Diavolo).
For a beautiful lake view, walk up the stairs from the church to the beautifully situated cemetery. Bellano has a yacht harbor very popular with sailors, as the wind conditions are excellent. Walkers use Bellano as the starting point for excursion into the Valsassina Valley. An easy walk with beautiful views of Bellagio and Menaggio on the other side of the lake leads to Varenna (three hours). Market day in Bellano is Thursday morning. http://www.comune.bellano.lc.it.
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