L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 9 Bellano: A perfect day trip on the lesser-known side of Lake Como Beautifully located on the northeast shore of Lake Como, t h e s m a l l t o w n o f B e l l a n o strikes a chord with those who enjoy the picturesque charm of lake side villages. Although linked by ferry boat to famous towns like Bellagio, Cernobbio and Como itself, Bellano retains a quieter, small village atmos- phere and is much less crowded by tourists even during high season. The best way to reach it is indeed by boat, with a battel- l o o f t h e C o m p a g n i a d i Navigazione Lago di Como (for t i c k e t s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/c_ill ago.html): a short ride from nearby Varenna, it's the perfect way to arrive in Bellano on a sunny day. As soon as you step foot on land, you'll feel as if time has stopped and you'll be drawn by the timeless elegance of Piazza Grossi, the lake front square lined by lush trees and named after local famous poet Tommaso Grossi. A statue of the author stands in the middle of the piazza, surrounded by benches where locals sit reading newspapers. Behind the piazza, across the street from the lake, t h e o l d v i l l a g e c a n b e b e s t explored by foot, as the narrow a l l e y s a r e p e d e s t r i a n - o n l y . Ancient stone houses give way to unexpected green courtyards, small mom-and-pop stores and wine bars. Stop by La Ca' di Radio Vecc for a free trip back i n t i m e : t h i s a m a z i n g s m a l l museum features an incredible c o l l e c t i o n o f o l d r a d i o s a n d gramophones, lovingly kept by Giampaolo, the museum/store owner. Not far from here, fol- lowing the signs, you will find y o u r s e l f i n a h i d d e n p i a z z a , Piazza San Giorgio, where the b e a u t i f u l c h u r c h o f S a n t i Nazaro e Celso sits in all its glory. Dating back to the 13th century, the ancient church was partially destroyed by the flood- i n g o f t h e r i v e r P i o v e r n a i n 1 3 4 1 , a n d t h e n r e b u i l t i n Romanic style, with a stunning white and black marble facade. Inside the church beautiful fres- cos, carved wooden statues and a marble baptistry embellish the building. Bellano is famous in the area f o r i t s r a v i n e , t h e O r r i d o d i Bellano. This imposing natural gorge was formed over 15 mil- lion years ago by the waters of the Pioverna creek, which dug a deep ravine between Taceno, Valsassina and Bellano itself. What makes this ravine special is the chance of exploring it thanks to the numerous foot- bridges attached to the rocks. The route, among waterfalls and natural caves, is strikingly beau- tiful, as are the breathtaking views of the canyons and the lush vegetation. Guarding the Ravine, on a crag of the river stands the Devil's House, a curi- ous little tower - neither the ori- gin nor function of which is known. The tower rises up four levels as an irregular hexagon connected by a spiral staircase: legend has it that licentious par- ties were held inside it, accom- panied by evocations of evil. Its CHIARA ASSI name is tied to mythological figures, among which a Satyr that decorates the façade of the towers top floor. The Orrido di B e l l a n o i s o p e n d a i l y f r o m A p r i l t o S e p t e m b e r , a n d o n w e e k e n d s f r o m O c t o b e r t o March. For more information contact The Bellano Tourism Office at (+39) 0341 810303. R i g h t a b o v e B e l l a n o , t h e fraction of Lezzeno features a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna Addolorata -Our Lady of Sorrows- built in 1704 in elegant Baroque style. The stunning altars and frescos and the beautiful view make a trip up to Lezzeno definitely worth the walk. From Bellano follow the signs from the main square to Ombriaco and Lezzeno. To reward yourself after the walk, the Ristorante Cavallo Bianco, right on the lake shore, features a nice terrace over- l o o k i n g t h e w a t e r s o f L a k e Como and good traditional cui- sine. Try local favorites such as risotto and lake fish such as perch and pike cooked in abun- dant butter. For a sweet treat, stop by the Pasticceria Lorla in Piazza Santa Marta: their deca- dent pastries are famous in the area for being absolutely the best. Bellano can be reached by car from Milan by taking the Milano - Lecco road and then t h e s t r a d a p r o v i n c i a l e 7 2 , a scenic route that follows the lake shore. Otherwise, it can be reached by train in about one h o u r f r o m M i l a n ' s C e n t r a l Station or by ferry boat from Como, Bellagio and Lecco. For d e t a i l e d i n f o v i s i t : http://www.lakecomoitaly.org.u k/bellano-how-to-get-there/ Bellano, on Lake Como, still retains a quieter, small village atmosphere and is less crowded by tourists The ravine is a natural canyon created by the river Pioverna

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