Giro del Castello di Serravalle
Overview
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Distance 6 km
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Duration 2 h 30 min
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Ascent 480 m
Intro
This hike in the lower Blenio valley leads up to the ruins of Selvapiana. Through the ever-changing scenery with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, the trail passes magnificent stone houses, villas and finally the castle of Serravalle.
Description
Malvaglia is in the lower Blenio valley, on the east bank of the Brenno river. The trail starts in the picturesque village centre, first crossing the Brenno river and then through the village of Ludiano. Typical along the route are the rustic “grottos”, or caves, usually located in the shade and a bit off the beaten path. They once were used to store cheese, meat and wine, but nowadays, they are restaurants where local products or a glass of wine are offered. The path heads up through chestnut trees to the ruins of the Selvapiana settlement, which was left to deteriorate in the 20th century. Surprisingly, the village contains some large buildings, in addition to the characteristic Ticino homes. In the Middle Ages, Selvapiana was one of the most important settlements in the entire valley. Around 1900 the population is said to have been almost 300. The ruins of the once thriving village leave a morbid sort of charm.
The route continues to the mountain hamlet of Navone. This is where the oratory of S. Maria Bambina is located, an octagonal baroque construction built around a votive chapel. From the highest point of the route the path continues downhill past the magnificent stone houses of Scarp and leading directly to the village of Semione. The villas here are a testimony to past emigration. After returning home, the emigrants, primarily occupied in commerce and the hospitality industry, built their stately homes along the cantonal road.
Before returning to Malvaglia a visit to the ruins of Serravalle castle is well worth it. They are located on a broad rocky ridge north of Semione. Trade and traffic across the Lukmanier Pass were controlled from the once impressive castle. According to archaeological findings, the castle was founded as early as around 900. Surrounded by vineyards, trees and meadows, the path briefly climbs uphill after the ruins before returning to the starting point by the same route.
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 |
Malvaglia, Rongie
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Malvaglia, Rongie
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| Ascent |
480 m
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| Descent |
480 m
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| Distance |
6 km
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| Duration |
2 h 30 min
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| Duration back |
2 h 30 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
Along castles
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo, InfoPoint Valle di Blenio
Via Lavorceno 1
InfoPoint Valle di Blenio
6718
Olivone
Phone
+41 (0)91 872 14 87
blenio@bellinzonese-altoticino.ch
bellinzonese-altoticino.ch
Quick Facts
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