Stories from Lake Como
Nesso and Ponte della Civera
In Nesso, the waters of the Tuf and Nosè streams meet in a deep gorge and descend towards the lake. Ponte della Civera crosses the last section of the Orrido.
The correct name and history
The bridge is called Ponte della Civera, not Ponte della Civetta. Its stone silhouette connects the hamlets of Coatesa and Riva del Castello and echoes medieval forms on a passage of older origin.
The force of the water powered mills, paper mills, and spinning mills for centuries. Leonardo da Vinci mentioned Nesso in the Codex Atlanticus, describing a river that falls with great impetus into a mountain crevice.
The viewpoint from the lake
A long staircase descends from the road to the bridge. From the water, however, the stone arch, the houses, and the waterfall align in one of the most recognizable images of the Lario.
The waterfall's flow changes with rainfall. Approach and stop must respect water conditions, other boats, and the skipper's instructions.
