Fiumelatte
Fiumelatte: a unique river
Fiumelatte is a river that flows for only 250 meters and originates from the mountains of Lierna. It is unique for its seasonality, as it flows from March to October, and for the brevity of its course. It was studied by Leonardo da Vinci, who mentioned it in the Codex Atlanticus, as well as by other figures such as Pliny the Elder and Lazzaro Spallanzani.
It was also one of the most interesting attractions of the Grand Tour, a long journey through continental Europe undertaken by the wealthy European aristocracy starting from the 17th century in order to refine their knowledge. For this reason, there are many valuable and high-quality prints depicting this river, which was once referred to as "the shortest river in the world".
The Grotto of Fiumelatte and its legends
Connected to it is the Grotto of Fiumelatte, which has numerous legends associated with it. The cave at the source of Fiumelatte and the suggestive environment where it flows have given rise to some mysterious stories.
The source of the river can be reached by starting from the cemetery of Varenna, where the road to the Grotto is indicated. Here one can admire the entrance to the cave and the suggestive atmosphere surrounding it.
Coloration and the discovery of the connection in 1992
In 1992, fluorescein coloration demonstrated the connection between Fiumelatte and the karst cavities of Grignone. Fluorescein is a non-toxic dye that was poured along the Cresta di Piancaformia in the Grotto del Lago di Como.
This discovery has allowed us to better understand the characteristics of the river and their origin.
Fiumelatte and its name
The name Fiumelatte derives from the Lecco dialect "Fiumlacc" and the fact that its color resembles that of milk. The river was also called "Fiumelaccio" in Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus.
Fiumelatte and toponymy
Fiumelatte is also the name of a village in Varenna, located at the foot of Mount Fopp and crowned by the ruins of Vezio Castle. The houses in this village are bordered by the small Fiumelatte that flows nearby.
Conclusions
In summary, Fiumelatte is a unique river that has attracted the attention of numerous figures throughout history. The Grotto of Fiumelatte and the legends surrounding it make it a fascinating tourist destination to visit. The discovery of the connection with the karst cavities has allowed us to better understand its characteristics. Finally, the toponymy associated with the name Fiumelatte also includes the village of Varenna that it flows through.
