Not for the faint-hearted, Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge has opened in Sellano, Umbria.
Umbria, often referred to as the green heart of Italy, is poised to become the pulsating centre of the country with its latest tourist attraction.
Suspended over a ravine, a new pedestrian footbridge is the tallest of its kind in Europe, soaring 175 meters (574 feet) above the void.
Linking the medieval village of Sellano, situated roughly an hour southeast of the regional capital Perugia, to the picturesque hamlet of Montesanto across the Vigi river in the Valnerina valley, this half-mile-long walk offers a scenic journey that takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.
But the adrenaline rush isn’t just from being suspended over the chasm or traversing the 223-foot incline towards Montesanto. Dubbed the “ponte tibetano” or Tibetan bridge, the structure adds an extra thrill with its discontinuous tread paving slats.
With approximately 1,000 steps to navigate, stepping onto the bridge requires caution. Thankfully, visitors wear harnesses throughout the journey.
Sellano Mayor Attilio Gubbiotti revealed to Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper that the bridge aims to rejuvenate the area and counteract depopulation. Eastern Umbria, home to the bridge, suffered with a series of devastating earthquakes in 2016. The quakes destroyed entirely the village of Castelluccio.
Gubbiotti hopes the bridge will attract new business to the area, offering economic revitalisation.
Tibetan bridge opened at Easter
Opened just in time for the Easter holiday weekend, the Tibetan bridge accommodates a maximum of 90 visitors per hour-long slot, with reservations available until 5th May. Visitors must wear appropriate footwear and be at least 120cm tall (approximately 4 feet). Tickets are available online.
In case of inclement weather, the site may close temporarily. However, Sellano, listed as one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” or most beautiful villages in Italy, offers plenty of alternative activities for visitors to enjoy.
