Forra del Cellina

Forra di Cellina is a fantastic gorge cut through dolomite rock by Fiume Cellina. Long ago the main road from Barcis to Montereale Valcellina was built hanging from the cliffs through the Forra and then continuing through the canyon to Ravedis, near Montereale. More recently a 4 km bypass tunnel was built through a nearby mountain, and the old road was abandoned. It fell into disrepair, with lots of fallen boulders, landslides, roadway slumping off of cliffs, etc. It was still possible to ride it (dismounting frequently) as recently as 2001, but required jumping a fence at either end.

Luckily, the government has restored a section from Barcis through the Forra, and opened it to pedestrians and bikes. Lots of families out walking, with dogs, babies in strollers this morning.

A beautiful place- if you are in the area go for a visit.

For more info see: http://www.riservaforracellina.it/la-riserva/SLIV100N/

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Natural arch, lower center, carved by water

Fiume Cellina, winding through the cliffs it created

This is a rock the size of an office building balanced above the river

Fissures in the cliffs speed erosion

Rushing water below the outlet of the old dam

Craters carved into the cliff face by swirling water

Close up of the craters

The even-narrower gorge of Torrente Molassa where it joins the Cellina

Eroded dolomite formations along the cliff-face