From the main road
The best-known staircase starts just beside the bus stop and GiaDi Market on the main road. Follow the stone steps down between the houses to Ponte della Civera and the waterfront.
Home / Orrido di Nesso & Ponte della Civera
THE LANDMARK · INSIDER GUIDE
Orrido di Nesso & Ponte della Civera
The famous waterfall is only the beginning. Find your way to the waterfront, discover the bridge’s cinematic history and enjoy the quieter corners of Nesso.
WATERFALL · BRIDGE · VILLAGE
WORTH MORE THAN A PHOTO STOPFollow the sound
Follow the sound
of the water.
The Orrido is where the Tuf and Nosè streams tumble through a rocky gorge on their way to Lake Como. At the bottom sits Ponte della Civera, the little stone bridge that has become Nesso’s best-known view.
Look down from Piazza Castello for a first glimpse, then follow the steps toward the lake to see the bridge and the gorge up close. There’s no ticket to see the landmark, though access may be affected by conditions.
THE LOCAL WAY DOWNThree ways to reach
Three ways to reach
the waterfront.
One of the nicest discoveries about Nesso is that you do not have to return by the same steps you came down. There are multiple pedestrian stairway approaches between the higher village and the lakeside.
Across the bridge
On the far side of Ponte della Civera, another staircase winds upward between houses through a particularly charming part of the village. You can also find its upper entrance at street level, a few hundred steps along from the main staircase beside GiaDi. It makes a lovely alternative for the return climb.
By the pharmacy
Another staircase approach comes up by Farmacia Tagliavini on Via Borgonuovo, 6. Just next door is Bar L’insolito Posto—useful for a coffee break after the climb.
Good to know: These are local orientation tips, not turn-by-turn directions. Stairway entrances can be easy to miss, and some paths look like private entries. Stay on public routes, follow signs and allow extra time for the steep, uneven climb. None of these approaches is step-free.
THE BRIDGE THAT CAUGHT A DIRECTOR’S EYENESSO IN THE MOVIESAlfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock
was here.
Long before Nesso became an Instagram favorite, it attracted the attention of a young Alfred Hitchcock. Parts of his first feature film, The Pleasure Garden, were shot in Nesso in 1925, including at Ponte della Civera, according to an interview published by Como 1907.
The film was released in 1926. It is a lovely detail to remember while you stand on the same bridge nearly a century later.
Read the Hitchcock story ↗SLEEP BESIDE THE LANDMARKA terrace above
A terrace above
the waterfall.
For a very different way to experience the Orrido, Terrace on Orrido di Nesso Waterfall is a rentable apartment with its own private terrace overlooking the gorge and Lake Como. The property has three bedrooms and accommodates up to six guests.
Imagine taking in the view early in the morning, before the first day-trippers reach the bridge. Check dates, details and pricing directly with the property manager.
See the apartment ↗The image alongside is original Nesso scenery, not a photograph of the rental property.
BEFORE YOU GOEnjoy the views.
Enjoy the views.
Mind the steps.
A little natural history
The streams descend through a deep rocky channel. For centuries, their power helped run mills, paper works and other local industries, long before the waterfall became a visitor landmark.
Can you swim?
You may see swimmers near the lakeside. Do not assume swimming or jumping from the bridge is safe or permitted: rocks, changing currents, boat traffic and local rules all matter. Check posted notices and current conditions.
The practical details
The municipality lists the attraction as free to access. Bring shoes suited to stone steps, stay clear of private entrances and check the parking guide or public transport page before setting off.
Learn more: Comune di Nesso’s landmark guide ↗ · BFI on The Pleasure Garden ↗