Sentiero etnografico Revöira
Overview
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Distance 8 km
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Duration 2 h 50 min
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Ascent 500 m
Intro
This is an easy hike, following one of the many paths of the so-called pastoral migration. Humans and animals kept moving around, depending on the season, always in search of water. The loop trail explores the sophisticated antique irrigation system and ends with the emerald green waters of the Verzasca river.
Description
Thinking of Lavertezzo and the Verzasca Valley conjures up the arched stone bridge spanning the emerald green river. Images of natural swimming pools and an enticing dip arise. It’s hard to believe that this valley once suffered a water shortage. But this is how it was. The old irrigation system with its catch basins, carved into the rocks, is what the easy loop hike along the Verzasca river is all about.
The trail starts near the church of Lavertezzo and climbs up to Sambugaro. Part of it follows the paths of the travelling farmers. These paths were used by semi-nomadic herdsmen to take the cattle to different summer pastures. The huts of Revöira, consisting of five settlement centres, and Ca d Dént were inhabited in spring and fall. Some elements of the old irrigation system are seen here. Visible on the entire slope are 35 hollowed out, vat-like granite blocks holding about 4800 litres of rainwater. Six cisterns collected the groundwater to provide the “blue gold” to households and cattle.
Looking at the steep slopes above the pastures it is difficult to imagine how the grass was cut here. The hay was transported by hay bands. The points of impact can still be seen. The forest in the Verzasca Valley was used far into the 20th century for coal and timber production. When trees were cut, the slopes lost their hold. The forest where the path now leads had to be reforested to protect the road. Back down in the valley, the route continues to the Motta hamlet and shortly thereafter to a bridge crossing the Verzasca river. The path now turns and follows the right side of the river. Mostly in the forest it continues, sometimes over a flight of steps, to Lavertezzo. The crystal-clear, emerald torrent flows through the valley, roaring and foaming at times, quiet and serene at others. The double-arched Ponte dei Salti shortly before the destination is a popular photo spot. The natural bathtubs created by erosion are often used for swimming – a perfect end before the return to the village.
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 |
Lavertezzo
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Lavertezzo
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| Direction |
Round trip
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| Ascent |
500 m
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| Descent |
500 m
|
| Distance |
8 km
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| Duration |
2 h 50 min
|
| Duration back |
2 h 50 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
Along Water
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Quick Facts
Route number
