The wait is over: Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March the Sellano Tibetan Bridge, the tallest in Europe, will open to the public.
The event, which kicks off on Saturday with a press conference in the presence of political and local authorities, continues throughout the weekend with the opening of the Tibetan Bridge to the public, with workshops for children and gastronomic events to discover the traditional flavours of the Valnerina.
It will be a real party to celebrate the opening of the bridge and the relaunch of an area rich in history, culture, traditions and nature. It will be possible to appreciate the beauty of this location by strolling suspended in the air from Sellano to Montesanto, visiting the historical centre of the two villages or going on a trek that will let you discover the Rote waterfalls and the surrounding natural environment. A discovery that also passes through excellent food. Tasting typical produce brings the senses and heart even closer to the true essence of this territory, a treasure chest of unique and still little-known treasures.
SATURDAY 23rd PROGRAMME
📌 10:00 a.m. - Press conference at the Auditorium
Participants:
- ATTILIO GUBBIOTTI
Mayor of Sellano - PAOLO BORROI
Destination manager Visit Sellano - MARCO BALDUCCI
Head Engineer of the bridge design - PAOLA AGABITI
Regional Administration Councillor, Tourism - BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
Businessman, stylist - GUIDO CASTELLI
Commissioner for reconstruction - MARCO SQUARTA
President Legislative Assembly Umbria Region
📌 11:00 a.m. - Ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the crossing of the bridge by the political and local authorities and the lucky residents who managed to secure a free ticket (obtainable at the ticket office on site, upon presentation of ID).
⚠️ Priority admission will be given to residents.
From Sunday 24th, the bridge will be regularly open to the paying public, according to the capacity indicated at the time of purchase. Fares can already be viewed on the online shop, which should be active for the purchase of admission tickets by Tuesday 19th March.
📌 12:00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. - Village “Lands and taste of the Valnerina" – Sala polivalente (behind the Infopoint)
Food stalls, arts and crafts – Sellano historical centre
📌 12:30 p.m. - Free tasting of typical local food produce – Sala polivalente (behind the Infopoint)
In cooperation with Pro Loco Sellano the local businesses: Ristorante Lochness, Ristorante il Casaletto, Home restaurant Le rose di Sesta, Osteria da Elena, Stella Cafè e with the precious cooperation of the Istituto Professionale di Stato per l’Enogastronomia, l’Ospitalità Alberghiera ed i Servizi Commerciali di Spoleto “Giancarlo De Carolis”.
📌 14:30 p.m.- Guided trekking - Starting point: Lake Vigi car park
A loop tour, which starts from the lake along the valley floor path and reaches the second, most spectacular section of the Cascate delle Rote waterfalls. From here, climbing first along a forest path and then a cart track, we reach the medieval village of Montesanto.
There is a spectacular view of the Vigi Valley below over Sellano and the brand-new facility connecting Sellano and Montesanto: the Tibetan Bridge.
Difficulty: E (Excursion)
Duration: 2 hours excluding breaks
Height difference: 250 m. approx.
Length: 7.2 km
Coverage: 70%
Surface: paths and cart tracks crossing streams and watercourses.
📌 3:30 p.m. - Children's creative workshop “Make your Tibetan flag”
The legend of Tibetan flags says that the wind is capable of carrying the words and thus the intentions written on them.
A creative and educational experience suitable for all children from 6 to 12 years.
Recycled materials will be used. Duration 2 hours.
On Saturday, in addition to the political and local authorities, residents of Sellano will also be able to walk the Tibetan Bridge, collecting their free ticket at the local infopoint. Interested non-residents can purchase a ticket, also on site, according to availability. On Sunday 24th, the excitement continues with the official opening of the attraction to the public. The ticket can be purchased at the local ticket office, or via the web shop on our website (recommended option). The online ticket purchase option will be active in the next few days.
PROGRAMMA DOMENICA 24 MARZO
📌 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Village “Lands and taste of the Valnerina" – Sala polivalente (behind the Infopoint)
Food stalls, arts and crafts – Sellano historical centre
📌 10:30 a.m. - Guided trekking - Starting point: Lake Vigi car park
A loop tour, which starts from the lake along the valley floor path and reaches the second, most spectacular section of the Cascate delle Rote waterfalls. From here, climbing first along a forest path and then a cart track, we reach the medieval village of Montesanto.
There is a spectacular view of the Vigi Valley below over Sellano and the brand-new facility connecting Sellano and Montesanto: the Tibetan Bridge.
Difficulty: E (Excursion)
Duration: 2 hours excluding breaks
Height difference: 250 m. approx.
Length: 7.2 km
Coverage: 70%
Surface: paths and cart tracks crossing streams and watercourses.
📌 12:30 p.m. -
Free tasting of typical local food produce – Sala polivalente (behind the Infopoint)
In cooperation with Pro Loco Sellano
The party continues throughout the day with the opening of the Tibetan bridge to the public. Get ready to experience an exciting journey, where the adrenaline of heights is mixed with the peace and silence of the surrounding nature.
Useful hints for the trekking
✅️ What to wearHiking boots or shoes a must‼️
- Long trousers
- Lightweight technical jersey
- Trekking poles (useful)
- Windproof rain jacket (keep in rucksack)
- Micro fleece or sweatshirt (keep in rucksack)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Light gloves to keep in backpack
✅️ What to bring
- Something to eat during the trip:
Bars, dried fruit, bananas, mineral salts. - Water at least one litre.
- All personal medical necessities.
✅️ Can kids participate?
Yes, from the age of ten and upwards, used to walking even on paths with a surface that is not always optimal (see technical notes of the
route)
✅️ Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash.
175 metres of thrill: 3...2...1...go!
The Sellano Tibetan Bridge is an extraordinary feat of engineering for thrill-seekers. You will walk over 1023 steps with discontinuous treads (this means that there is a void between one and the other!), on a 517.5-metre long journey lasting 30-45 minutes. But the most amazing thing is that you will be suspended 175 metres above the Vigi river valley. An experience for intrepid hearts, amidst breathtaking views and glimpses of pristine beauty.
The walk is one-way with departure from Sellano and is suitable for everyone: sportsmen, hiking enthusiasts, groups of friends but also families with children (at least 120 cm tall). The exciting high-altitude walk opens up over a wonderful natural scenery: centuries-old forests of beeches, maples and holm oaks, the rustle of the wind and the chirping of a thousand birds. Below you, the Vigi river and its valley offer suggestive views until you reach Montesanto. Once there, you can return to Sellano on foot, via two paths taking about 30 minutes. Or, if you love walking in nature, you can decide to follow numerous paths to discover one of the few still intact areas of Umbria.
