In the heart of Valnerina, a spectacular 517-metre-long route connects the village of Sellano with the castle of Montesanto.
The Tibetan Bridge is the latest attraction in Valnerina. With an estimated crossing time of 50 minutes, the bridge stretches across the valley of the Vigi River at a maximum height of 175 metres, making it one of the highest suspension footbridges in Europe, alongside the Arouca 516 bridge in Portugal. The single-span bridge features 1,023 steps with discontinuous treads (meaning there is a gap between each step, adding an extra dose of adrenaline to the experience) and a 68-metre difference in elevation between the two stations. To cross the bridge, visitors must be at least 120 cm tall, in good physical and mental health and, of course, comfortable with heights. Animals are not permitted. Visitors are provided with a helmet, harness connected to the safety cable and gloves. The bridge is expected to be open for 8 hours a day, with a maximum capacity of 100 people at any one time. The bridge was built at a cost of €1.4 million, funded through the complementary fund to Italy’s PNRR dedicated to areas affected by the earthquakes in central Italy.
🙂 SELLANO
Located in the province of Perugia at an altitude of 640 metres above sea level, Sellano is officially recognised as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Thanks to its strategic position, the village enjoys spectacular views over the valley of the Vigi stream. Surrounded by the unspoilt nature of Valnerina, Sellano is a charming medieval village perched on a predominantly clay-rich hill, in a landscape characteristic of the Umbrian Sub-Apennines. The Menotre River rises within its territory and, in the Foligno hamlet of Altolina, flows into the Topino River. Sellano is also home to numerous natural springs, including the source used by the Fonte Tullia brand and another that supplies water to the city of Spoleto. Among the places worth visiting are the Church of San Francesco (also known as the Church of Madonna della Croce, dating back to 1538) and Lake Vigi, just a few hundred metres away.
🙂 MONTESANTO
Montesanto is one of the most distinctive castles in the Vigi Valley. Standing at 743 metres above sea level, it boasts a long and fascinating history shaped by important events, prominent figures and illustrious families. The village is home to a number of fascinating religious buildings and elegant historic palaces, many of considerable architectural interest. One of the highlights is the beautiful Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the centre of the village on a charming little square overlooked by the Town Hall. Originally built in the 12th century, the church was extensively remodelled in 1545, when it was enlarged to three naves at the expense of the local community.
😎 USEFUL INFORMATION
The bridge was officially inaugurated on 23 March 2024. A one-way ticket to cross the bridge costs €25. Online booking is mandatory and non-refundable, both for the selected date and time slot; you can also purchase an open-date ticket, making it a unique and original gift idea. Tickets purchased on site cost €30. Access is permitted to adults and children over 120 cm tall. Minors must be accompanied by one of their parents. Animals are not allowed. The bridge can only be crossed in one direction, from Sellano to Montesanto. The access point in Sellano, near the old Town Hall, can only be reached on foot. For the return journey, you can either walk back through a scenic woodland route (approximately 9 km, taking around 2 hours) or use the convenient shuttle service, available for an additional €5. The shuttle can be booked directly when purchasing your bridge ticket.For the latest updates and further information, fill out the form BY CLICKING HERE.
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