The Via del Ferro - Morobbia Valley

The thematic route starts from Piazza della Via del Ferro in Carena, home to a commemorative statue and the first information panels. The route includes all the points of interest related to the extraction and processing of iron that developed in the upper valley during the second half of the 15th century and again between the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the ruins of the Maglio and the Fornace in Carena, brought to light after almost two centuries of neglect, the two mines in Valletta rediscovered in 2005 (the interior of the mines can be visited only as part of a guided tour) and the reconstruction of a charcoal pile.

In addition to learning more about these historical industries thanks to the information panels positioned along the route, this excursion is located in the striking alpine landscape of the upper valley, offering direct contact with beekeeping on Alpe Giumello and the reforestation that took place in the Giggio area during the first half of the last century. Climbing up after Giumello, an enchanting view opens up to the west over the Piano di Magadino, the Verbano with its mountains and Monte Rosa on the horizon.

At Bocchetta di Sommafiume the route divides into two parts: on one side, climbing the Motto della Tappa (or Cima Verta), you reach the Cavargna Valley and Ceresio, and on the other you descend the Albano Valley to Dongo on the Lario.

These valleys also preserve important traces of the ancient iron and steel industry, highlighted by thematic panels: settlements, charcoal pits, post stations, connection routes between extraction areas (quarries, mines), processing areas (blast furnaces, forges, water hammers) and product sales.