The Biselli Gorge

To be visited

Localita: Gole di Biselli

The “Stretta/Gole di Biselli”, dominated by the ruins of the Argentigli Tower, is a deep gorge, no wider than 7-8 meters, carved almost vertically for about 175 meters through the mesozoic limestone rock by the crystal clear Corno River which flows at its bottom. 
An obligatory point of passage on the road to Norcia, it preserves traces of bridges built over time, like a 19thcentury one  blown up by the German troops in retreat, and a medieval one, still intact and with a lowered arch. The latter is probably connected to a dam project carried out in 1537 by Cola dell'Amatrice, an architect, engineer and painter who intended to create a lake for trout farming on tbehalf of the Municipality of Norcia.  The project failed miserably with the collapse of the dam before testing (the grooves for one of the dam gates are still visible on the rock wall).

At the gorge, previous to the construction work for the road that was to become the Spoleto - Norcia railway, a sort of  ante-litteram "alternating one way passage" had been established.  Before entering the narrow path with pack animals, it was in fact necessary to warn any wayfarers coming from the opposite side, by ringing a bell placed at the passage entrances.

The Biselli Gorge can be explored with expert  guides from Gaia Rafting Center, gently rafting down the river and marvelling at the millenary  work of the water, the lush vegetation and wild landscape.