Bellano is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, in the Italian region of Lombardy, within the Province of Lecco. The village has a population of around 3,400 inhabitants and stretches from the lakeshore to the slopes of Monte Muggio. In the surrounding hills, several small hamlets add to the area’s rural character. Bellano developed where the Pioverna River flows into Lake Como, a strategic location that has shaped the village’s history for centuries.

Voor veel bezoekers ligt Bellano niet meteen op de klassieke route rond het Comomeer. Vanuit Bellagio, Menaggio of Cadenabbia bereik je het dorp het eenvoudigst via de ferry naar Varenna, gevolgd door een korte rit of treinverbinding. Vanuit Como of Lecco is Bellano ook met de wagen bereikbaar, al vraagt dat een langere rit langs het meer. Daardoor is Bellano ideaal te combineren met een bezoek aan het nabijgelegen Varenna.

Modern Bellano is clearly divided into two distinct areas. On the left bank of the Pioverna lie the railway station, bus services and most of the village’s modern facilities. On the right bank is the historic centre, a maze of narrow alleyways and small squares with a distinctly medieval atmosphere. At its heart stands the Chiesa dei Santi Nazzaro e Celso, an impressive church featuring a striking black and white Gothic marble façade and beautiful frescoes. Around the church you’ll find elegant palazzi, charming courtyards and a pleasant lakeside promenade, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Bellano’s origins date back to Roman times. During the Middle Ages, its strategic location helped it grow into an important trading centre, although it frequently changed hands between competing powers. In the nineteenth century, the power of the Pioverna River fuelled the village’s industrial development, driving the machinery of the Cotonificio Cantoni, a major cotton mill that became one of Italy’s leading cotton producers. This earned Bellano the nickname the Manchester of Italy. Today, however, the village is better known as the Paese degli Artisti , a title that reflects its long tradition of writers, painters, sculptors, photographers and musicians, a creative spirit that continues to thrive to this day.

The village’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Orrido di Bellano. Carved over millions of years by the rushing waters of the Pioverna River, this spectacular gorge is one of Lake Como’s most impressive natural wonders. A network of suspended walkways allows visitors to explore the narrow canyon, passing dramatic rock walls, waterfalls and hidden caves along the way.

For hiking enthusiasts, Bellano is also the perfect starting point for the Sentiero del Viandante, an ancient trail that follows the entire eastern shore of Lake Como. The route winds through forests, olive groves, historic hamlets and small chapels, rewarding walkers with breathtaking views over the lake along the way.

Bellano proves that Lake Como has much more to offer than its famous hotspots. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy morning in Varenna, stroll through its charming streets, enjoy a drink on a terrace or simply relax by the lakeshore and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.