Orrido di Sant'Anna, Natural gorge in Cannobio, Italy.
The Orrido di Sant'Anna is a narrow gorge in Cannobio carved from limestone with steep vertical walls on both sides. The water has shaped deep channels and natural pools where small cascades flow over the rock face.
The gorge served as a pilgrimage route since medieval times, with people traveling to reach the chapel nestled within its rocky walls. Over centuries, it became an established destination for religious journeys in the region.
The name comes from Saint Anna, and locals hold this place as spiritually important for their community. You can feel how the natural setting and the small chapel blend together in people's daily devotion.
You can explore the gorge using accessible pathways that start from Cannobio and offer several viewing points along the way. Wear comfortable shoes and be careful on wet stones, especially near the water.
The Cannobino River flows continuously through the gorge and has carved distinctive patterns into the rock walls over thousands of years. These geological features show clearly how water shapes stone with patience and persistence.
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