Motta Valley Park

The Motta Valley, which extends and branches out for several kilometers towards Chiasso, gives rise to a very special agricultural and forest landscape. A landscape that is not only interesting from an aesthetic point of view but also extraordinarily rich in natural elements. Thanks to its central position and ease of access and walking, it also has high value as a recreational area.

The route starts from Balerna, near the Church of Sant'Antonio. From here, a path descends into the Motta Valley, which can be reached in about 10 minutes (ample parking available). Turn left, heading into the Valley, first advancing through a peaceful agricultural setting along the Roncaglia stream. You soon reach the Daniello Mill, the centerpiece of the Park's educational activities (guided visits can be booked). Today, there is also a museum space and a shop.

Within the park, there are places of interest and great environmental value such as the former clay quarry, the wild bee nest, the educational pond, and the Marmitte Waterfall.

Beyond the Mill, follow the Motta Valley Nature Trail, which runs along the Roncaglia stream and crosses various environments mainly related to water. Along the path, there are numerous naturalistic information boards. The setting is also musical, accompanied by the sound of water and birdsong. The forest is rich in tree species. The hop hornbeam is present, a tree that grows only in the southernmost part of the Canton of Ticino. The area is also renowned for the presence of many amphibians, including the very rare Lataste's Frog, and the river crayfish which, thanks to conservation efforts in recent years, has recovered and now forms a considerable population.