The Orridi di Uriezzo (Uriezzo Gorges) in the heart of Antigorio Valley, are a tangible proof of the erosive effect of the ancient glaciers and of the water that flowed beneath them, over thousands of years in the Ossola Valley plain. Without a doubt, they are some of the most fascinating and spectacular natural sights in the whole alpine range, a series of sub-circular huge cavities separated by narrow tunnels where it is now possible to walk through safe passageways.
These magnificent natural formations are the result of centuries of erosion by the torrents flowing at the base of the glacier that long ago covered the floor of Ossola Valley. Now the glacier has withdrawn, the torrent that formed the Orridi di Uriezzo now no longer flows through these narrow gorges and therefore they are easy to walk through, also due to a system of steps and iron walkways that make the entire route totally safe.
The rock faces are smoothed, with niches and furrows sculpted by the whirling motion of the waterfalls. A truly unique setting, where light effects filtering from above make these natural marvels even more fascinating.
There are three Uriezzo Gorges open for visits: the Orrido Sud (South Gorge), the most spectacular one, about 200 metres long and from 20 to 30 metres deep; the Orrido Nord-Est (North-East Gorge), around 100 metres long and ten or so metres deep, and lastly the Orrido Ovest (West Gorge), made up of two separate sections, certainly the least remarkable of the three.
They can be visited without expert guidance, as long as you keep to the signposted route, carefully following the instructions provided on site and choosing the most favourable seasons (wet and/or icy surfaces may be extremely dangerous), or accompanied by nature or hiking guides, who periodically organise guided tours and group hikes.
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