Leventina Airolo-Nante-Giof-Cassin-Tremorgio-Rodi Fiesso Airolo-Nante-Alpe di Ravina-Zemblasca-Pian Taioei-(Cassin)-Gioett-Ambri Sopra Airolo-Alpe di Cristallina-AllAcqua (Bedretto Valley) Strada alta, Strada bassa, Strada degli alpi This are very popular hiking tours on the southern side of the alps. Although it's a different world, it's only 1.5 hrs from Zug by train. A train ride through "Gotthard" should not be missed, it's quite an amazing train route.  There are many lovely old little villages along the Leventina tracks and across the Bedretto valley (on the Nufenen Pass road).   Airolo-Faido (Leventina): The comfortable route and some alternatives. Faido-Mairengo-Anzonico-Lavorgo (Leventina): The route in between. Biasca-Lavorgo (Leventina): My favorite Pollegio-Sobrio-Giornico A bit shorter. Biasca, Petronilla chapel: walk to the head of the waterfall across railway station. Airolo-Ronco (Bedretto valley): The "other" Strada alta. Airolo-Tremorgio: The less known route. Tremorgio-Dalpe: To Pso.Vanit, Lago Leit, Pso.di Leit, Piano di Lei, Alpe di Croslina, Piomogna, Dalpe. Rodi-Piottino Gorge-Faido-Giornico. Visit the Gorge at Rodi and the waterfalls at Faido, walk on the lower track. Airolo-Lago Ritom-Lurengo: A lovely track into a lake region on 2000 m. Piora: Hike from the Ritom-Dam to Pinett, then along lakes Cadagno and Ritom back to the Funicular. Airolo-Lucomagno: From Leventina valley to Blenio valley, Surselva (Grison)

Strada alta The whole route is often split into three parts, e.g. Airolo-Osco (5 hrs), then Osco-Anzonico (3.5 hrs) and finally Anzonico-Biasca (5 hrs). Result is reasonable distances and some time for a break and/or a visit in one of the Restaurants along the way. In addition to the “classical” “Strada alta”, many more attractive hiking path are on hand.   Airolo - Faido  Airolo-Faido (Leventina) km  Std.  Zug-Airolo (train)     Airolo-Deggio-Cato-Osco-Mairengo-Faido 20 5.5 Faido-Airolo (train/Bus)     Airolo-Zug (train)     This is the convenient route. From the railway station the track is more or less flat and there are no major ups and downs until at the end with the descent from Osco down to Faido (bus service available). An interesting alternative is the hike to Lake Ritom.   Airolo-Lurengo-(Varenzo)-Osco Interactive map: http://map.search.ch/d/ja4odc1og GPS-routes: GPS_Data/GPX-Lurengo-3Routen.zip   Below, the route is split into two parts, and you’ll find the mountain tour from Osco by Predelp to Lurengo: Airolo-Lurengo-Catto-Varenzo Paese hrs  Zug-Airolo (train)   Airolo-Valle-Madrano-Brugnasco-Altanca- Ronco-Deggio-Lurengo 3.5 Lurengo-Catto-Varenzo Paese 1.0 Varenzo Paese - Airolo (Bus)   Airolo-Zug (train)   Varenzo Paese-Bosco d'Öss-Freggio-Osco hrs  Zug-Airolo (train)   Airolo-Varenzo Paese (Bus)   Varenzo Paese-Catto 1.0 Catto (or Lurengo)-Bosco d'Öss-Freggio-Osco 2.0 Osco-Faido (Bus)   Faido - Zug (train)   Osco-Predelp-Lurengo hrs  Faido-Osco (Bus)     Osco-Predelp 1.5 Predelp-Modione-Cassinella-Boscaiöu- Cassine di Catto-Lurengo 2.5 Lurengo-Piotta Nord and  Piotta Nord-Airolo (Bus)   Zug-Faido (train)     Airolo-Zug (train)     Postauto schedule: Since just a few Bus-tours are serving the mountain villages, the schedules should be consulted before starting the hike.  The Bus stop at Varenzo Paese is quite lonely near the Autobahn Exit Quinto. The route “Strada bassa” is also passing this place. Airolo-Lurengo-Catto-Varenzo Paese Comfortably, partly on Bitumen road, without much changes in the altitude, the road brings us to Lurengo. Sometimes a lovely hiking track is provided, usually running near the driveway. Outside Lurengo, a road zigzags by Catto down to Varenzo Paese. The road is quite comfortable and not steep. For those who’d want to proceed along the Strada alta towards Osco; they don’t have to descend to Catto. A marker shows the road. After some 800 m the road from Catto and Lurengo merge. A different option is the one to the higher (1800 m) track by Cassino di Catto, Boscaioeu, Cassinella, Predelp, to Catto, see below. Varenzo-Catto-Osco The second leg is on the mentioned road. From the Bus stop in Varenzo Paese it is subtly ascending to Catto, where we leave the woods. then we proceed on the Strada alta towards Bosco d’Oess. Here we’re now on a mountain trail, descending quite a bit into the valley and up the other side towards Freggio.  On the way to Freggio, enjoying the view, we may be amazed by the way the Piottino gorge was mastered. There is the Autobahn (tunnel), railway (a system of tunnels), the main road (tunnel), the river Ticino, the hiking track along the river. Of a train, entering the full circle tunnel, you can see the front and the end at the same time. Osco-Predelp-Lurengo. The above mentioned alternative route is a mountain trail ascending to 1800 m. Some Bus tours are serving Predelp from Faido. Predelp is an Alp with pastures stretching out. A few Weekend homes are nestling along some slopes. A Restaurant is inviting guests (Mondays closed (Aug 2010)). Leaving Predelp we’re on a driveway that slowly ascends to Modione. There, a hiking track to the left crosses pastures and is leading into the wooded area. It’s a narrow track and one may enjoy the flora and the vistas into the valley and across into the Ticino mountains. Finally here too, a descent follows. We’re mostly in the woods in that part of the trail. In Lurengo a few Bus tours down to Piora Nord with connections to Airolo and Faido are available.

 

	The Bedretto Hike. A beautiful route, it passes some alps and is more rural and less "crowded" than the Leventina route.
	On my hike end of June 2000 I only met a few locals making preparations for the cattle that would be arriving in the next days.
	The track passes large patches of blueberry bushes among larch trees.
	The last part, towards Ronco, All Aqua.

Top of page Rodi-Piottino Gorge-Faido-Giornico This tour is a bit different: the trail will often run very close to the Autobahn (A2/N2/E35). The noise can get a bit annoying! Rodi-Gola di Piottino-Faido-Giornico km Hrs Zug - Airolo (train) Airolo - Rodi /Dazio Grande (Postauto)     Dazio Grande-Gola di Piottino-Ponte di Mezzo-Ponte di Vicchinanza-Polmengio di sopra-Faido or Dazio Grande-Gola di Pittino-Ponte di Mezzo-Strada Romana (Monte Piottino passo)-Monte Piottino Domo-Mondella Ponte-Cascata Piomogna-Faido   3   3.5   Faido-Nivo 6 1.3 Nivo-Chironico-Altirolo-Giornico   2 Giornico - Biasca (Postauto) Biasca - Zug (train)     The hike begins at Dazio Grande (www.daziogrande.ch/), a former toll station. The old "Sust" (house providing storage rooms and services for transporters) has been completely renovated and is housing a Tourist center, a Museum a Restaurant with and Hotel rooms. (Opening hours corresponding with Museum hours)  July, August open daily Sept, Oct Mondays closed Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb closed If you want to be sure: call, Phone Number in their Website www.daziogrande.ch (Aug 2005) Although the "old Swiss" on the Northern side of Gotthard were fighting obstinately  for freedom and independence, they found nothing wrong in acting as Thanes over the Leventina region. (Won after battles against the dukes of Milan)! The Dazio Grande was for some time a source of income for Uri. Short tour (Circuitto Piottino) To the gorge (starting from Dazio Grande) it's a 10 Minutes return, easy walk!   Dazio Grande - Dazio Vecchio - Monte Piottino Passo (1038 m) - Lookout - Strada Romana - Ponte di Mezzo - Gola del Piottino - Dazio Grande (or vice versa) 90 Minutes  Top of page Rodi - Piottino gorge - Ponte di Mezza - Faido See www.promedialeventina.ch for information, maps about this attractve place. To the Ponte di Mezzo and therefore through the Gorge "Gola del Piottino" it's hardly more then 15 Minutes. The track is excellent and mountain boots are not required. Probably you'll add some Minutes for enjoying the natural wonder. Fortunately there wasn't space enough, neither for railway nor road: we meet unspoiled nature (plus a walk way). - And the traffic noise is being drown out by the young Ticino river. At the other end of the gorge we hit Ponte di Mezzo. Now we have two alternatives, but facts for both tracks are: Strada bassa doesn't mean flat! Additionally in fall there are lots of fallen leaves and chestnuts that make it sometimes a bit hard to find the track. Generally though the markings are exceptional (yellow rhombus in black frame). The tracks are mostly narrow, stony, but marvelous for hiking.    To the left, towards Mairengo - Faido by Strada bassa: This side is much more quiet. After crossing Ticino and railway line we're on the old Kantonssstrasse.  We're crossing that road as well. After some 30 meter to the left a narrow track is ascending up the hill. After about 30 Minutes we're at a small stable. The track is still going up. Soon we reach the highest point of our route. Now chestnut are the dominating trees and pines are diminishing. Before reaching Polmengio di sopra (755 m) on a small road, we pass four giant chestnut trees. From here it's hardly 15 Minutes to Faido.    To the right towards Monte Piottino passo. The track to Faido will frequently get close to- above- or below the Autobahn: amazement for technicians, horror for nature friends.  First it's a steep climb on a rocky path. After some 10 Minutes we're at the sign "Strada Romana, 948 m". Later on we'll be taking the road to the left (sentiero via sponda destra). But first let's take a worthwhile detour:  We're ascending towards the pass. After some 10 Minutes we're at a fantastic lookout. Down below and across the valley are Entrance and Exit of a circular railway tunnel, in between the main road and the Ticino river. But it's not only roads and rail: atop on the mountain slopes are protections against rock falls, avalanches. The Autobahn is beneath in a Tunnel.  - Energetic's and/or Geology fans will extend the walk: through the landslip area to the pass and on to Dazio Vecchia, a lovely rest area at the ruins of an old Sust, not far from Dazio Grande.  But now back to the Strada Romana board! We choose the narrow track to the left, along the hill slope. After some 30 Minutes we reach the highest point of our tour: Monte Piottino Domo (1038 m).  Before we reach Faide we have again two options: a short detour to the upper Piumogna falls with pretty lookout, or the shorter walk to the lower falls and the little lake and park. Faido waterfalls - Nivo - Chironico - Giornico After a stop in Faido, perhaps at the falls, you may take the Postauto for Lavorgo. (From Lavorgo to Nivo it's about 15 Minutes). The track from Faido is almost flat on Bitumen and runs along the conveyor belt of the NEAT construction site. Nearby traffic on the Autobahn is roaring by, the Ticino river not far to the right can not be heard and it is very noisy until we've reached Nivo. From Nivo the route is getting more interesting. The narrow track ascends until we reach the charming village Chironico with the old San Pedrino tower. At the southern end of the village we cross the Ticinetto river, which has dug a deep bed.  Passing the typical Ticino style church we proceed to the chapel San Pellegrino and on to Altirolo. Here we come upon the first vines. On the way down to Giornico we're walking mostly in a chestnut forest. Giornico is historically significant (It was in the 15th century, in a bloody battle here that Uri won back Leventina and kept it until 1798). The two old churches, Museums and the bow bridges crossing the Ticino river may give some ideas for closer inspections.

Top of page Airolo-Lago Ritom-Lurengo Val Piora with its lakes rests on 2000 m. The Lago Ritom is a dammed lake.  From Piotta the worlds steepest funicular is connecting the area.    Airolo-Lago Ritom-Lurengo km hrs Zug - Airolo (train)     Airolo-Valle-Madrano-Buco di Ce-Ce di Fuori-(Pian Toei)- Bochetta di Foeise-Lago Ritom Lago Ritom-Paso Forca-Camin di Deggio-di Quinto-di Cato- Sopra Lurengo-Lurengo 6 4 4 3 Lurengo - Piotta (bus) Piotta - Airolo (Postauto) Airolo - Zug (train)     For the main part of this trail a pleasant track is leading up to the alp on 1900 m. Reaching the fork shortly after entering the forest track we'll proceed on the left (eastern) part. The path is running on the side of the Val Canaria valley.  At Buco di Ce, high up with undisturbed view over Airolo we come across some houses and an alp hut.  We're proceeding towards Pian Toei. Instead of choosing the more comfortable route to the upper station of the funicular Ambri-Piora we turn left for the slope of the Foeisc mountain. Where tracks are not visible, sticks with the typical white/red/white marks are provided for a general direction up the crest. There finally we're rewarded with a superb view over lake Ritom below. In the distance another lake, Lago di Tom can be seen. After the short descent to the dam we continue the trail for Lurengo.   View back to the crossing above Lago Ritom. First there is another climb to the Paso Forca on 2235 m. From there it's a steady descent on a good track until Lurengo. From Lurengo we catch the small bus that connects the little mountain villages between Lurengo and Altanca with Piotta. Alternative: From Lago Ritom, along the eastern shore by Cadagno, Alpe Piora Passo dell'Uomo to Passo Lucomagno, or Lukmanier (3 hrs). From there by Postauto to Biasca (train station). Check time table before you start: Postauto service only during summer! Piora-Altanca Active map Airolo-Piora-Altanca: http://map.search.ch/d/taxotiyng GPS-route: GPS_Data/GPX-Airolo-Ritom-Altanca.zip   (50 Min). Most of the hikers will choose the funicular to Piotta for the descent. Although there is an old mule track to Altanca, passing Valle di sopra. The track is laid out typically with stones and its a very impressive hike down the right side of the gorge. The hamlet Valle seems to be unreal on the steep shoulder.  In Altanca there is Postauto connection to Piotta. Two Restaurants make waiting a welcome sport. As an alternative, walk to the half-way stop of the funicular for Piotta (10 Min).  Top of page   Piora Here a shorter hike in the Lago Ritom region. active map: http://map.search.ch/d/2zmm2vkmg GPX-route: GPS_Data/GPX-Piora.zip   Piora hrs Zug-Airolo (SBB)   Airolo-Piotta Funicolare (Postauto towards Dalpe) or Airolo-Piotta Nord (Postauto towards Bellinzona) plus 15 Minutes walk to the Funicolare   End station of Funicular-Dam-Pinett-Lago Cadagno-Lago Ritom-Dam-Funicular Extension: At Cadagno up towards Cadlimo Hut, then to Lago di Tom and down to Lago Ritom 4 +0.5 Piotta funicolare (Postauto towards Airolo)-Airolo or 15 Minutes walk to Bus stop Piotta Nord    Airolo-Zug (SBB)   The Funicolare del Ritom is in operation between May and October. www.ritom.ch  From the Railway station the "Centrale", the power station with the steep little train, is (at times) served directly by Postauto (5 Minutes). If not, the walk from the normal Bus stop "Piotta Nord" on the main road Faido-Airolo takes  about 15 Minutes. From the station at the top, the walk along the Bitumen road up to the Dam is about 25 Minutes. Then across the Dam towards the Restaurant. The track there heads upwards through bush and Larch pines. It's a lovely mountain trail, with stone-paved patches in some places. A quiet and peaceful hike, not too steep.  At Pinett the trail to the right would lead towards Lurengo, as mentioned above. The highest pint of about 2070 m is almost reached. The track to the left leads to Cadagno. Below, part of Lago Ritom is glinting, the much smaller Lago Cadagno some way up.  To the hut Cadagno or the Lake, the track is over grass land. Before hitting the road to the Hut, the bow bridge over river Murinascia has to be crossed. After circumventing Lago Cadagno and reaching the Restaurant, a track towards Cadlimo hut offers a detour to Lago di Tom. If there are too many cars driving along Lake Ritom, the plus 30 Minute's detour is the better choice then walking along the gravel road. Top of page Airolo to Lucomagno Because mainly of connections with public transport I chose the reverse direction, Lucomagno (Lukmanier) to Airolo. Lucomagno - Piora - Airolo hrs Zug-Biasca (train) Biasca-Lucomagno (Bus, Postauto)   Lucomagno-Val Termine-Pso dell'Uomo-Segna-Val Piora-Alpe di Piora-Croce-Cadagna di Fuori-Laghetto-Bocchetta di Foeisc-Pian Toei-Buco di Ce-Ce di Fuori-Madrano-Valle-Airolo 7 Airolo-Zug (train)   Postauto: check! usually only in operation during Summer months! Passing along the picturesque Blenio valley we're welcomed by a couple of small charming Ticino hamlets. In the small town Olivone a larger group of vacationers are joining the green Bus of the "Auto Bleinesi". Arriving the summit with Hotel/Restaurant we're at the opening to the Grison (Graubuenden) region with Val Medel. If you listen carefully, you'll recognize that locals among themselves speak neither Italian nor German: it's the fourth official language in Switzerland, Rumantsch. The trail begins right at the Hotel, down to the lake (Lai da Sontga Maria) and for a short while along the western shore. Then a rocky road is leading upwards in a steady pace. After some 30 Minutes the turnoff for a alternative route to Piora is reached: the one by Cadlimo hut (+ 2 hrs).   Our route is straight on, and after another 40 Minutes we're at the Summit: Passo dell'Uomo on 2200 m. We're now entering the Piora valley and soon we're  following the rim of a deep gorge. In the proximity of Cadagno hut, Lake Cadagno and dwellings on Alpe di Piora are inviting. Here the trail to Paso Forca offers another alternative: a descent to Lurengo (see Airolo-Lago Ritom-Lurengo). Passing that lake we proceed down to Lago Ritom. On a gravel road along the shore the dam and Hotel/Restaurant Piora can be reached. From the dam its about 25 Minutes to the funicular to Piotta (and from there by Bus to Airolo).  For the more ambitious: Just before getting to the dam, a small steep track to the right is ascending to Foeisc.  It's the same lovely route mentioned above in the first part of the route Airolo-Lago Ritom-Lurengo. The climb is up to the altitude of about 2100 m, the descent to Airolo (1000 m lower) is for the last part on a fairly steep forest track. Top of page Tremorgio Lago Tremorgio on 1830 m is a pretty (dammed) lake surrounded by mountains. Thanks to the use of the water, during summer cable car and Restaurant are open to the public. Info cable car Tremorgio, Restaurant (it): www.capannatremorgio.ch/   Airolo-Tremorgio-Rodi, lower route hrs Zug-Airolo (train)   Airolo-Nante-Giof-Cassin-Pian Mott-Lago Tremorgio Tremorgio-Rodi (option: cable car Tremorgio-Rodi) 5.5 1.75 0.3 Rodi (Posta) -Airolo (Postauto) Airolo-Zug (train)   The first part of this tour is the same as for the Bedretto valley. In a wide circle we reach the cable car station to Alpe Pesciuem.  The cable car service is discontinued during the summer term. In the winter it will bring the skiers into the ski arena. When the grass is high, the track zigzagging up to Nante is not always clearly visible, although there are frequently marks on trees and other suitable posts. In Nante the Tremorgio track then turns off to the left. For a longer part, the road will now be almost flat. Option: there is a higher track running from Alpe Pesciuem by Alpe di Ravina to the crossings near Cassin. Having passed Nante there are two tracks to choose: I picked the left one (for some parts a Bitumen road).  The other, a hiking path, would carry over a hill towards Alpe di Ravina and merge again near the river Calcascia. On the rather flat road we're passing a small marsh with a little lake. Leaving the little hamlet Giof the road is ascending and after Pian Mott we're on the "real" ascent to the highest point of the tour, "altitude 2040 m". There, we're rewarded with a fantastic vista. During the tour, we've crossed quiet alpine meadows, then walked  along steep rock walls. Sometimes we got a view into the Leventina valley where the noise is penetrating our peaceful world. The road is also a service road for securing the safety of the traffic lines deep below against slides and falling rocks. A more direct contrast is given by the tour Piottino gorge to Faido. To the lake and the Alp it's a 20 Minutes descent passing alpine flora. For Rodi-Fiesso there is a "short cut" by cable car. It seems, most of the hikers prefer the cable car ride; although the track is well kept and for the most part the trees provide lovely shadow.  As an additional option, after some 1000 m down the track there is a turnoff for Mascengo, Prato and consequently on to Rodi or the Dazio Grande (all have bus stops). If you're too early in Rodi (and don't care for the nearby Restaurants), walk the 15 Minutes South to the Dazio Grande Museo/Ristorante and the nearby Piottino gorge.  Upper Route   Airolo-Tremorgio-Rodi hrs Zug-Airolo (train)   Airolo-Nante-Alpe di Ravina-Zemblasca- Pian Taioei-(Cassin)-Gioett-Ambri Sopra Higher Route (Nante-Cassin) to Tremorgio tour 5.5 Ambri (Posta) -Airolo (Postauto) Airolo-Zug (train)   This track may be used as an alternative route between Nante and Cassin. Although it's a detour with a climb to the Alpe di Ravina and a descent down to Cassin and the lower Tremorgio route (about 400 m up and down, perhaps plus 1 hr): the track is lovely and for a good part a footpath, crossing tranquil alpine vegetation. The first part is exactly the same as mentioned in the above notes. From Nante the ascent continues: not really steep but steady. Having reached the ski area on Ravina the track runs on more or less the same altitude, across meadows, blueberry shrubs, light Larch-forest. It's a lovely, very quiet area. After Zemblasca a road leads down into the vicinity of Cassin, where we hit the lower route.   Tremorgio-Dalpe Active map: http://map.search.ch/d/mvlowe1nj GPS-route: GPS_Data/GPX-Tremorgio-Dalpe.zip    6 hrs.  Lago Tremorgio - Alpe Camp0lungo - Passo Vanit - Cap.Leit - Pt.2431 - Alpe Lei di Cima - Cap.Campo Tencia - Alpe di Croslina - Sgnoi - Piumogna - Dalpe. From Postauto stop "Rodi Posta" it's a short walk to the power plant. There, on the left side, a walking track leads to the small cable car station that is somewhat hidden behind the power station. On top, passing the Restaurant, the track is heading to the left and it's all the time uphill. There are many pretty sights down to the lake and over to the surrounding mountain chain. At Alpe Campolungo white sandy patches attract the view. Across on the mountain walls, white areas show gypsum, not snow. - That type of material has been causing a lot of thinking for the Engineers who were planning the new train tunnel (NEAT). The area called "Piotta Mulde" (trough) had to be detoured, because the tons of fine white sand would have been a huge problem. As of Aug 2009 over 90% of the whole tunnel system is now cut and the problem zone had not been touched and is out of the way. After a short climb we're at Passo Vanit, with a first view into Leventina valley. Proceeding along the track above the alpine valley we reach the ascent to the "capana di Leit SAT", a welcome stop. The next part is first along the little lake. The track is ascending to the point 2431, with a marvelous view. The passage across to Lei di Cima is perhaps not to everybody's liking. We walk along a sheer drop, although the track itself is no problem. Finally we're reaching the "cap. Campo Tencia". A wide view into the valley tells about the stretch to be done down to Dalpe. The tour is often done as a two day hike.   Biasca, Petronilla chapel Biasca Directly at the Railway station Biasca a waterfall is tumbling down. When the Chestnut trees have lost their leaves, the little chapel is visible too. The chapel is devoted to Santa Petronilla, the patroness of the city of Rom. The short walk up there is worthwhile (1.5 hrs return).   Interactive map:  map.search.ch/d/zhimzbiyj GPS-Route:  GPS_Data/GPX-Biasca-Petronilla.zip The first part is along the Railway line (along Via Giovanni), then through the  under crossing to the small square, where Via Nadro turns off to the right. After some 100 m we hit Via Sta. Petronilla, a cobblestone road just wide enough for a car. After the short ascent, the street continues over the bow bridge and over the waterfall. We've reached a little paradise. We're high over Biasca, and to the left a second waterfall is tumbling down. Here the river Froda has become tranquil and there are small pools with cold water. A lovely place for a rest. Across, the Petronilla chapel is attracting the view, beautifully surrounded by Chestnut trees. Already in the 11th Cent. a chapel seems to have been there. Somewhat behind the building, some Ruins are recognizable. - Probably remainders of the former "castello degli Orelli", the then Residents of Biasca. Biasca, some history Biasca, the center of the "Tre Valli" (Leventina, Blenio, Riviera) has experienced a mixed history, and there are some tight connections with the old founder Cantons of Central Switzerland, and with Zug. Between Uri and the Ticino existed good relations. Most interesting though was business: the Milano and the Lombardy market. Comparable with the "old Swiss", the Tre vally people wanted some Freedom and autonomy too. - And it was granted them. The two Valleys Blenio and Leventina cooperated in military and political matters. The memorial stone in front of the bridge refers to the Year 1292, when Biasca was granted the right to elect the worldly Regent (Podestat). The region belonged to the Bishop of Milano (a 984 heirloom from Bishop Atto of Vercelli), until 1888. The administration was left until 14th Cent. in the hands of the Orello family, later in the hands of the visconti's of Milano. Uri was very interested into owning the Leventina and 1403 they conquered the Valley, to the delight of the Biasca people. But then they were considered inferiors and the Swiss were acting as bosses: the Swiss considered themselves conquerors and not liberators. Although hardly 20 years later, in the battle of Arbedo (just north of Bellinzona), the area was lost again and in the Peace of Milano they had to return Biasca and the Blenio valley to the Italians.  In that battle the Standard bearer Peter, Rudolf and Johann Kolin from Zug lost their life. Painted on the wall of the Rathaus in Zug this moment is documented: the Standard is being saved by Johann Landtwing. In the winter 1478 some 10'000 Swiss marched towards Bellinzona. The mayor of the town of Zuerich, Hans Waldmann, born in Baar was one of the leaders. After the retreat to Giornico (10 km N of Biasca) the Swiss were able to defeat the Milano force. As usual in those days, on both sides were Swiss mercenaries. 1480 Leventina was back in the hands of the Swiss, 1501 Blenio Valley and Riviera Valley were added. From 1516 until 1798 (Napoleon) Biasca was Uri's "Vogtei" (kind of colony) with administration in Osogna. Biasca was able to profit from the opening of the Gotthard-route.  1512 a huge landslide off Monte Crenone destroyed the area. River Brenno was blocked by the rubble and a year later the dam broke and the area all the way down to Bellinzona was flooded. "Buzzo die Biasca" is the remaining debris of the landslide. Station of the Cross, old Church From the Petronilla chapel back to the memorial stone. Instead of the cobblestone road we're now on the path to the right, following the Stations of the Cross. Built in 1998 the modern designs are built with Mosaic stone of different colors and material. On a Plexiglas board a reference to biblical text and contemporary thoughts are given. The track takes us to the old church "Santi Pietro e Paolo". The church is a couple of hundred years old: the pictures inside are from 12th to 17th Cent. and are among the oldest in the Ticino. Renovations are still going on (2008). Outside the church is the old cemetery: beautifully situated with a superb view. From the church two roads head down toward the modern church "San Carlo".

 

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