Parco delle Gole della Breggia

In just one and a half kilometres, the Breggia River uncovers rocks that open a unique window on the Earth's past. It is the geology that makes this Park one of the most important geotopes in Switzerland; but this place is also a treasure trove of biodiversity and a silent witness to the local economic and industrial history.

In fact, a visit to the Park takes you on a journey through 200 million years of geological history and 2000 years of human history.

The itinerary starts on the Castel San Pietro hill, where the remains of the medieval castle and the 14th-century Chiesa Rossa (Red Church) are to be found, which preserves stupendous Gothic frescoes (the church is normally closed. Visits are possible and must be arranged with the Cottarelli-Günther family +41 79 685 26 31 / +41 76 560 19 37).

Walk down the marked path to Punt da Canaa and the remains of the Canaa Mill. The water seems to mark a timeline, slipping and digging out the flinty limestones, the oldest marine sediments in the Park. As you descend southwards, these become richer in clay and fossils (ammonites), change colour and become more recent as you approach the Ghitello Mill.

On reaching the 'Prato delle Streghe' (witches' meadow), a cosy clearing equipped for resting, is the Punt dal Farügin (known as the Devil's Bridge). This passage between the two sides of the valley is the best, as well as the highest, point for observing the gorges carved out by the Breggia river.

At the end of the descent, attention inevitably falls on the imposing structure of the former Saceba cement factory, evidence of an industrial past that today can be explored by taking part in the Percorso del Cemento (Cement Trail), which allows you to visit the interior of the structure and the 5-kilometre-long extraction galleries with an expert guide (upon booking only).

The trail continues to the Ghitello Mill, one of the most complete and best-preserved hydraulic mills in Switzerland. Dating back to 1606, it was in operation until the 1960s and has since been restored. It currently houses two multifunctional spaces, the educational support laboratory, a garden set up as a picnic area and the Corte del Vino Ticino restaurant, which promotes Ticino wine in the local gastronomic culture. A place for meetings, training, events and tastings.

The itinerary ends in Morbio Inferiore, where there is one of the park's car parks, located behind the Breggia shopping centre.

Podcast "The Park of the Breggia Gorges"