Giro del ponte tibetano (SwitzerlandMobility 628)

A particular point of interest is the Tibetan Bridge Carasc connecting the hills of Monte Carasso and Sementina. This strikingly scenic bridge is 270 metres long and is suspended 130 metres above the valley floor. Crossing it is made easy and safe by a walkway of larch planks, wire mesh at the sides and a handrail along the entire length.

The route starts from the Monte Carasso - Mornera cable car station. Walk along the cantonal road for 5-10 minutes and cross over the river that separates Monte Carasso from Sementina. Then turn right onto Via alla Serta, and follow the trail towards San Defendente (about an hour and a quarter hike). From San Defendente, the trail continues for approximately 40 minutes before reaching the Tibetan Bridge.

After crossing the majestic Tibetan Bridge, it takes 35 minutes to reach the small Romanesque church of San Bernardo which is rich with frescoes. Its origins date back to the late 11th century with an architecturally simple interior, but one rich with frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries covering practically all the walls. Particularly intriguing is the painting of the Last Supper in which the artist depicts local produce such as fresh-water crayfish and cherries on the table.

Only a short walk away, discover the beautiful hamlet of Curzútt, with its stone buildings, vegetable gardens and terraces cultivated with grapevines, which has been magnificently restored in recent years by the Curzútt - San Barnárd Foundation. The project did not aim to create an open-air museum, but rather a living centre that today also houses a hostel and an excellent restaurant. Several buildings, dry stone walls and the ancient mule track have been restored, and a lovely children’s playground has been created.

To return to the starting point, the hike down from Curzútt takes about 35 minutes. Alternatively, take the cable car down. During the high season, it is recommended to book cable car tickets through the website www.mornera.ch.