La Via del Mercato
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Duration 4 h 15 min
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Ascent 680 m
Intro
Despite its name, there are no market stands on this trail. The farmers once took their goods across the mule trail in the Centovalli to Locarno. It leads through a mill park with the remains of a farming community. Verdasio features impressive mansions while the Ticino’s highest bell tower is located in Intragna.
Description
Before a passable road was built in the second half of the 19th century, the only way to get to Locarno from the upper Centovalli was by Via del Mercato (Market Street). The old mule trail was part of the international connection between Domodossola, Valle Vigezzo and the Lago Maggiore. At that time, it was used by mountain dwellers and mules and now it is a popular hiking trail in the Locarno region. It has much to offer as far as scenery and cultural history are concerned.
Just getting to the start of the hike is a highlight: coming from Locarno, take the famous Centovalli railway to Camedo. Then follow the main road up to Borgnone. Parco dei Mulini (Mill Park) is above the residential area where interesting witnesses of rural life are found: the remainders of a hammer mill, a washing trough on the creek, the ruins of some mills and an old bread-baking oven from 1884. Other than the typical country-style cottages, the historic Palazzo Tondù stands out near Lionza. It consists of several buildings and features beautiful chimneys and wooden ceilings, with ornaments and floral patterns on the walls.
Through the Gaggio forest, we reach Verdasio (711 m) with its typical patrician homes. A bit further down are the cable cars to Rasa and Monte Comino. Passing underneath, the route continues on the high trail to Slögna. Before Calezzo there is an opportunity to take a gondola down to Intragna at 376 m, offering magnificent views of the Lago Maggiore and Pedemonte regions. But it’s not far to walk. The Centovalli regional museum and the highest bell tower of the Ticino at 65 m are located in Intragna. One hundred sixty-six granite steps lead up to a viewing platform. The sight of the village centre of Intragna and the panoramic views of the Centovalli and the Pedemonte regions are hard to beat. The village has a historic centre. The buildings are surrounding a charming village square with a fountain. Intragna is a marvellous and authentic part of the Ticino.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Camedo
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Intragna
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| Ascent |
680 m
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| Descent |
900 m
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| Distance |
12 km
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| Duration |
4 h 15 min
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| Duration back |
4 h 30 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Quick Facts
Route number
