Cascata della Donnaiola, Waterfall in Quiliano, Italy

The Cascata della Donnaiola is a waterfall formed by the Danè stream that plunges approximately 7 meters over smooth rock face, surrounded by dense vegetation and moss-covered stones. The water collects in a natural basin at the base before flowing onward.

The waterfall's name comes from a legend about Usanna, a young woman from Viarasca (today Montagna) who loved the farmer Pellegrino. Arrested for refusing to pay taxes to the lord Anselmo, Pellegrino was led in chains along the Danè stream toward Pomo castle. Usanna climbed a boulder below the Danea mill to see him, fell, and a jet of water sprang from the rock, saving her. The place was then called the Donaiola waterfall.

The name comes from a legend: Usanna, a girl from Viarasca (today Montagna), loved the farmer Pellegrino, arrested in chains for refusing to pay taxes to the castellan Anselmo. Leaning from a boulder below the Danea mill to see him, she fell, and water gushed from the rock, saving her. The spot was then called the Donnaiola waterfall.

The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail that starts from Mulini and follows the Danè stream. Wear sturdy footwear and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the path can be steep, wet, and slippery in places.

The waterfall takes its name from Usanna, the girl in the local legend who fell from a boulder below the Danea mill; the rock opened and a jet of water saved her. The leap itself is only 6 to 7 metres, dropping from a crevice in the rock face into a small pool.