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Claro e il suo Monastero (SwitzerlandMobility 627)

Hiking Trail recommended route

Claro e il suo Monastero (SwitzerlandMobility 627)

Hiking Trail · Bellinzona and Valleys
Logo Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
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    Founded in 1490, the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Assunta above Claro is the oldest monastery in Ticino.

    Distance 6.4 km
    2:30 h
    506 m
    506 m
    774 m
    298 m

    It stands alone on a rocky outcrop above the town of Claro, surrounded by chestnut woods and set within a truly stunning landscape shrouded in contemplative silence. The church, dedicated to Our Lady, dates to 1300.

    The route climbs upwards from the top of Claro, following the signposted mule track that starts just after the parking area near the small church of Sant’Ambrogio.

    Following this track is like stepping back in time, like the metaphor of a life: sometimes challenging, full of bends and forks, leading you away from hectic daily life towards silence. Although the climb is steep and somewhat tiring, once you reach the crag you will be amazed by the beautiful view and the peace and quiet. When visiting the monastery you will have the chance to see some truly beautiful paintings and sculptures, as well as to admire the breathtaking view over the Riviera Valley, which extends from Bellinzona to Biasca.

    The monastic buildings have been restored over recent years, endowing them with renewed beauty and harmony. Lovers of art in all its many forms will be in their element. The monastery houses three neoclassical altars and wall paintings from the late fifteenth century. The gilded and painted lime wood sculptural group of the Pietà, situated on a side altar dating back to the fifteenth–sixteenth century, is also of particular artistic interest. 

    Author’s recommendation

    For the walk, follow the logo indicated on the green signposts: Claro e il suo monastero / 627

     

    A cableway departing from Claro provides easy access for those who cannot or do not want to walk.

     

    The monastery reception also sells biscuits, jams and honey, real delicacies made by the cloistered nuns themselves.

     

    Anyone wanting to spend a few days on a spiritual retreat in this silent and peaceful atmosphere should contact the monastery directly.

    Profile picture of Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
    Author
    Bellinzona e Valli Turismo 
    Update: September 10, 2024
    Highest point
    774 m
    Lowest point
    298 m

    Track types

    Asphalt 36.29%Forested/wild trail 2.54%Path 61.16%
    Asphalt
    2.3 km
    Forested/wild trail
    0.2 km
    Path
    3.9 km
    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Villa del Gusto (Bike friendly)
    Marchè Bellinzona Sud (Bike friendly)
    Camping Bellinzona (Bike friendly)

    Tips and suggestions

    Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: www.montagnepulite.ch

    Start

    Claro
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'722'187E 1'123'629N
    DD
    46.252991, 9.023214
    DMS
    46°15'10.8"N 9°01'23.6"E
    UTM
    32T 501789 5122157
    w3w 
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    Destination

    Claro

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'722'187E 1'123'629N
    DD
    46.252991, 9.023214
    DMS
    46°15'10.8"N 9°01'23.6"E
    UTM
    32T 501789 5122157
    w3w 
    ///tummy.tanked.detergent
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    •  Hiking boots
    • Sun cap
    • Water-bottle
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun cream
    • Hiking map
    • Camera
    • Food

    Similar routes nearby

    • San Giovanni Battista (Gnosca) - Monastero di Santa Maria Assunta (Claro)
    • Brogoldone hut
    • Via della pietra - The nature of stone
    • FortTI - 08 Linea LONA
    • Albagno Hut
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Distance
    6.4 km
    Duration
    2:30 h
    Ascent
    506 m
    Descent
    506 m
    Highest point
    774 m
    Lowest point
    298 m
    Round trip Cultural/historical interest Flora Fauna

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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