Mario Botta Church in Mogno
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
In the furthest reaches of the Maggia Valley in Ticino stands an architectural masterpiece: The Mario Botta Church in Mogno combines modern architecture with regional materials. Discover Mario Botta's famous structure at 1180 meters.
The Mario Botta Church in Mogno at a glance
The 17-metre-high church was built between 1992 and 1996 according to plans by the Ticino architect Mario Botta. It replaces the previous building from the 17th century, which was destroyed by an avalanche in 1986. The cylindrical shape with the sloping glass roof and the striped pattern of marble and the natural stone gneiss make it a landmark of modern sacred architecture.
What to experience
Visit the church (20-30 minutes)
Enter the windowless interior, which is lit only by the 45-degree inclined glass roof. The alternating layers of light Peccia marble and dark Maggia Valley gneiss create an intriguing stripe pattern on the walls and floor. In front of the altar, a stepped portal leads to the sacristy.
- Good to know: The two bells from 1746 still come from the old church.
- Tip: Take the B 334 bus comfortably from Locarno via Bignasco to Mogno/Paese.
Circular hike to Fusio (1–1.5 hours)
Start at the church in Mogno and follow the hiking trail uphill through the forest to Fusio. After crossing the Maggia, the way back leads on the opposite side of the valley along narrow paths high above the riverbed. The circular hike ends on the flat grassy Piano della Reisa back in Mogno.
- Good to know: The hike requires sturdy shoes.
- Tip: In Fusio there are restaurants and shops.
Hike to Lago del Sambuco (2-3 hours)
From Fusio, a hiking trail leads up to the Lago del Sambuco reservoir at around 1460 metres. The lake, which is about 3 kilometres long and 500 meters wide, is nestled between snow-capped peaks. At the dam wall, an inn offers catering with a view of the mountains of the upper Maggia Valley.
- Good to know: The hike is also suitable for families.
General information
| Season |
All year
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Via Vallemaggia 10
6670
Avegno
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)84 809 10 91
info@ascona-locarno.com
ascona-locarno.com
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