Villa d'Adda
Let's discover the Adda River
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk about the Adda River, a river that flows entirely in Lombardy and has great historical and environmental importance. Here I am with some information to discover it together!
Where the Adda river originates
The Adda River originates in Val Alpisella, in the Rhaetian Alps, at an altitude of 2122 meters. During its course, it crosses the provinces of Sondrio, Como, Lecco, Bergamo, Monza, Milan, Cremona, and Lodi, until it flows into the Po River at Castelnuovo Bocca d'Adda. Along its path, the Adda River passes through places of great natural and cultural interest, such as the Stelvio National Park, regional parks, and the Adda Leonardo Ecomuseum.
The river of Valtellina
After crossing the Valle di Fraele and receiving the waters of the Valle del Braulio stream, the Adda River arrives in Bormio, where it collects the waters of the Bormina and Frodolfo streams. It then continues south towards Tirano, and then west through the lower Valtellina, where it has undergone several modifications over the centuries. With an average flow of 258 m³/s, the Adda River is the main tributary of Lake Como.
The Adda River and Lake Como
The river flows into Lake Como, where the Mera and other smaller tributaries also flow. South of Lecco, the Adda River continues as the only emissary with a flow rate of about 100 m³/s, forming two small lake basins, Lake Garlate and Lake Olginate.
Through the gorges
After leaving Lake Como, the Adda River flows through deep gorges that separate the province of Bergamo from the neighboring provinces of Lecco and Monza and Brianza. This stretch is rich in industrial archaeology masterpieces, such as the San Michele Bridge, and is included in the Adda Nord Park. At Crespi d'Adda, the river collects the waters of the Brembo River, then flowing into increasingly flat territory.
The final stretch
The Adda River continues to flow in flat territory and receives the waters of the Serio River before flowing into the Po River at Castelnuovo Bocca d'Adda. This last stretch is included in the Adda Sud Park. The river has an alpine regime, and its average monthly flow rate is 258 m³/s.
In conclusion
The Adda River has many facets and is definitely worth a visit to discover the beauty of the landscapes it crosses and its historical and cultural importance. At every point of its course, the Adda River reserves surprises and breathtaking views. I hope that the information I have given you can be useful in organizing a visit to this wonderful river. See you soon!
