Bellano

Orrido di Bellano.
Bellano (Comasco: ) is a ''comune'' (municipality) and historic small town on the eastern shore of Lake Como in the Province of Lecco in the Italian region Lombardy, located at northern outlet of the Valsassina.

Geography

Bellano is positioned at the foot of the Grigna mountains and features stunning views of the surrounding lakes and hills. The village is part of the Valsassina Valley, which offers a variety of natural attractions and hiking trails, including the 68 km , an ancient road now used as a hiking trail on the eastern shore of Lake Como. A section of this route connects Bellano to Varenna via the Castello di Vezio.

The town's main attraction is the '' Orrido'' ("gorge" or small canyon), which was formed through erosion by the river Pioverna. The erosion started 15 million years ago. The town boasts a beach and a port which connects it to other towns on Lake Como by ferry. In addition to the train connections to Sondrio in the north and Milan in the south. Bellano is accessible via the main highway or Strada Provincial along the lakeside route from Lecco.

Culture

Bellano is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").
Bellano hosts several cultural events throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and community spirit. The town is also known for its culinary offerings, featuring traditional Italian dishes and local specialities. The ''Pesa Vegia'' festival is held in the town during Epiphany. The people of Bellano have celebrated it annually for more than four centuries.

Cultural History of Bellano

Bellano is the birthplace of the 17th-century writer and poet Sigismondo Boldoni and has been an inspiration to several notable authors throughout its history. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its rich cultural heritage, has significantly influenced their works.

Antonio Fogazzaro (1842-1911)

Antonio Fogazzaro was an important Italian novelist and a prominent figure in the literary scene of late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although he was not born in Bellano, Fogazzaro spent a considerable amount of time in the Lake Como region, where he drew inspiration for his works.
His novels often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. Works such as Malombra and Il mistero del poeta are recognized for their vivid descriptions of the natural landscape, reflecting the idyllic settings of Bellano and its surroundings.

Tommaso Grossi (1790-1853)

Tommaso Grossi was an Italian poet and novelist known for his romantic themes and historical narratives. He is famous for his epic poem La Fattoria, which explores rural life in Lombardy. Grossi had strong ties to the Lake Como region, and Bellano's landscapes often provided inspiration for his writings.

Andrea Vitali (b. 1956)

Andrea Vitali is a contemporary Italian author and physician known for his novels that often take place in the Lake Como region, including Bellano. His works frequently blend humor and drama, focusing on the everyday lives of the townsfolk. Vitali's storytelling is characterized by its vivid descriptions of local culture, landscapes, and eccentric characters.
Notable works include La verità del nostro tempo and Una vita in vacanza, which exhibit his deep connection to the region and its people.

Julius Evola (1898-1974)

Julius Evola was an Italian philosopher, esotericist, and writer whose works touched upon themes of spirituality, tradition, and metaphysics. Although he was not from Bellano, Evola often travelled to northern Italy and found inspiration in the region's landscapes and cultural nuances.
His book Revolt Against the Modern World reflects his philosophical insights shaped by the beauty and traditions of places like Bellano. The local culture and scenery provided a backdrop for his exploration of deeper philosophical questions.

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375)

Giovanni Boccaccio, a seminal figure of the Italian Renaissance, is best known for his work The Decameron. While Boccaccio was not a resident of Bellano, his connections to the Lake Como region through his travels and interactions with local nobility influenced his writings.
The natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of the area, including towns like Bellano, are thought to have influenced his narrative style and thematic choices, showcasing the important role the region played in Italian literature.

Giancarlo Vitali

Giancarlo Vitali (born 1943) is an acclaimed Italian painter and artist known for his expressionistic style and vibrant use of color. He has strong ties to Bellano, which serves as both his home and a primary source of inspiration for his artwork. Vitali’s work is characterized by a strong sense of color and a distinctive expressive style. He often depicts scenes of Bellano and Lake Como, presenting them through a lens of personal emotion and vivid imagery. The town is home to a museum dedicated to his work .

Major Themes

* Landscape: Vitali frequently incorporates the natural beauty of Lake Como into his works, showcasing its lakeside vistas.
* Local Culture: His art often reflects the daily life and traditions of the people in Bellano, depicting local festivals, markets, and gatherings.
* Emotion: Vitali's expressive use of color and form evokes a sense of emotion, inviting viewers to experience the essence of the place.

Architectural History

The history of Bellano dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlements in the area from the Roman period. The town has retained much of its historical charm, with several notable structures, including ancient churches and traditional stone houses.

Church of San Giovanni Battista

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the most important religious buildings in Bellano. Built in the 12th century, it showcases a Romanesque architectural style with elements typical of medieval ecclesiastical buildings. The church is adorned with frescoes and a beautiful altar that highlight biblical narratives and local saints.

Features

* Architecture: Romanesque style with a simple yet elegant façade.
* Interior: Features historical frescoes, including works from the late medieval period.
* Location: Centrally located, it serves as a focal point for the local community.

Church of San Rocco

The Church of San Rocco is dedicated to Saint Roch, a popular saint in Italy associated with healing and protection from plagues. Built in the 17th century, this church features Baroque elements that reflect the artistic trends of the era. Its altar and decorations are notable for their intricate designs and religious symbolism.

Features

* Architecture: Baroque style with opulent details.
* Artworks: The church contains several fine paintings and sculptures depicting saints and religious scenes.
* Community Role: Acts as a venue for local festivals and spiritual gatherings.

Church of Santa Marta

The Church of Santa Marta is a smaller but historically significant church located in Bellano. Dedicated to Saint Martha, this church has elements of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It serves as a reminder of the town's spiritual legacy and local traditions.

Features

* Architecture: A blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
* Interior: Simple yet charming, with a focus on community and worship.
* Historical Significance: Represents the local devotion and cultural history of the region.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The churches of Bellano are not only places of worship but also serve as cultural and historical landmarks. They reflect the architectural evolution of the region and are vital to understanding the spiritual life of the local community. The churches frequently host religious ceremonies, community events, and cultural festivals, making them an integral part of Bellano's identity.

Little Manchester on the Lario

In Bellano's industrial past, it was called "little Manchester on the Lario”. In 1859, the Badoni family of industrialists from Lecco had a rolling mill built near the mouth of the stream, a site for ironworks. In 1866, the Cantoni family took over the structure to start a textile plant, which later became the large Cotonificio Cantoni cotton mill, still clearly visible in Bellano but no longer in use. however, the main industry today is tourism.

References

Further reading

* Bonfantini, Anna. Antonio Fogazzaro e il Lago di Como. Como: Edizioni Culturali, 2013.
* Tiziani, Lorella. Tommaso Grossi: Poeta e Romanziere. Milano: Edizioni Riccardo, 2005.
* Vitali, Andrea. La verità del nostro tempo. Garzanti, 2012.
* Evola, Julius. Revolt Against the Modern World. Inner Traditions, 1995.

External links

*

Bellano - LarioOrientale.eu

Museo Giancarl Vitali





Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path)

Cities and towns in Lombardy
Valsassina
Borghi più belli d'Italia

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