The fortified hills of Bellinzona

Prada, a hamlet steeped in history and art nestling in the woods above Ravecchia, is one of Bellinzona's hidden treasures; although off the beaten track and still little known, it can be easily reached on foot taking three different routes. From the train station, for example, you walk to Ravecchia and from Pedevilla take a steep but well kept path that has some stretches of steps. After 40 minutes you come to Scarpapè (signposted) and then the archaeological site of Prada. Abandoned during the so called "Borromeo plague" (1629-1630), the hamlet comprises around 60 remains of rustic dwellings and barns. On leaving Prada you can then walk on to Sasso Corbaro Castle over Artore (and vice versa): just where this stretch of path begins you can make out the remains of masonry from the ancient dwellings hidden amidst the tree trunks. The site can be also reached by the path (steps) which starts at the San Giovanni hospital as well as from Scarpapè.