A visit to Giornico
Overview
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Intro
This little village in the heart of the Leventina valley is rich in historical monuments. Surrounded by vineyards the small village has seven churches running the length of the town as well as countless historic bridges and buildings. On your guided tour of the village you will learn about Giornico's fascinating history.
Giornico is known for the Battle of Giornico (Battaglia di Sassi Grossi, literally the Battle of Large Boulders) that took place in 1478. By winning the battle, the Old Swiss Confederacy wrested control of the Gotthard Pass from the Milanese. There is a monument at the northern entrance to the village commemorating the battle. Today this little village is a true open-air museum. There are some impressive buildings to admire as you stroll through the village streets. Casa Stanga, whose facade is painted with over 50 coats of arms dating 1589, is home to the Museum of Leventina. The museum contains a very interesting collection of treasures from all around the valley.
Not far from the museum are two ancient arched bridges. The bridges afford a nice view of the little inhabited island formed by a fork in the river. The Church of San Nicola is a little ways outside of the village. It towers over the vineyards and is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture. The pretty church of Santa Maria del Castello is also worth a look. The northern chancel is has some very fine frescoes from 1448.
On the north side of the village is a modern building designed by architect Peter Märkli to house the Museum La Congiunta. The museum holds some of the reliefs and sculptures by Zurich sculptor Hans Josephsohn. The museum is open to visitors all year round. You can borrow the key at the osteria.
The area around Giornico is also known for its superb wines. It is well worth your while to visit the Vini Bettoni vineyard and taste of flight of local wines. The Fattoria Lucchini has a variety of aged cheeses for sale as well as yogurt with over 30 different flavours.
Getting there: take the bus from Biasca Stazione to Giornico Paese.
Discover the surroundings
Contact
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Via Stazione 22
6780
Airolo
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)91 869 15 33
leventina@bellinzonaevalli.ch
bellinzonaevalli.ch
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