When childhood dreams become a reality… At the falconry centre in Locarno, Pio Nesa lives his dream as a falconer.

2,300 hours of sunshine a year and a church whose founding dates back to an apparition of the Virgin Mary – this is Locarno, the warmest city in Switzerland. It can be found on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore.

Realising this dream proved difficult, since his family expected him to take over the family business. Friends and acquaintances found it hard to understand his desire to become a falconer. But Pio was serious about this career choice and against all odds trained in the profession of falconer. Today, it is he who inspires children to learn about falconry and the birds.

The profession of falconry is an age-old art of hunting, which goes back to ancient times. It originated in the high plains of the steppes of Asia around 4,000 years ago. On horseback and together with their birds of prey, falconers went hunting for foxes, hares and wolves.

In 2007, Pio opened his own falconry centre in Locarno. This has now grown into a magnificent park covering an impressive 7,000 square metres. From the moment you first enter, you will find yourself in an oasis of towering trees and lush shrubs.

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As soon as you’ve passed the ticket desk, you’ll find yourself in a densely planted bamboo avenue and the first aviaries begin. Here, the birds of prey watch you curiously, while information signs help you to learn more about each animal.

The Falconeria is a family-run business that takes care of its animals with much love and care. Working with animals requires a lot of patience and perseverance, because Pio responds to the whims and peculiarities of his birds. During the show, if he realises a bird isn’t enjoying it, he will cut its performance short. That’s simply par for the course, since his animals are his family. And family is very important to him.

The show is held daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. The highlight of any visit and guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience: hawks, eagles and owls fly just over the spectators’ heads. You will hardly ever get this close to birds of prey. The show is varied, interesting and exciting. You never know where the next bird will come flying from. Pio hosts the show in Italian and German. After the show, children get to ride the pony and hold an owl. 

Pio Nesa has managed something that many of us do not dare to do: to take his childhood dream into adulthood and then make it a reality.