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Via Crucis in the wild chestnut woods of Biasca

Hiking Trail recommended route

Via Crucis in the wild chestnut woods of Biasca

Hiking Trail · Bellinzona and Valleys
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  • Via Crucis in the wild chestnut woods of Biasca
    Via Crucis in the wild chestnut woods of Biasca
    Photo: Bellinzona e Valli Turismo, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
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    The Via Crucis (way of the cross), is set at the foot of an impressive rock face near Biasca as a reminder of events that have left their mark on Ticino and its history, as well as a lasting link with religious tradition.
    easy
    Distance 2 km
    0:40 h
    87 m
    95 m
    392 m
    305 m

    The walk through the surrounding chestnut woods starts in the car park at the parish church of San Carlo (early 19thC). If you raise your eyes towards the mountain while in the car park you can't help noticing the bulk of the Romanesque church of ss Peter and Paul (12th-13thC), the old parish church . A stone stairway will get you there in a few minutes - just follow the signs. The key can be obtained inside the church of San Carlo.

    After a look at the church, set off through the woods and the Via Crucis which starts from the old 18th C cemetery . The stations of the cross date back to 1742 (restored 1998) and consist of 14 shrines set among delightful chestnut trees. The land is owned by the 'patricians' of Biasca. All the trees are registered and numbered and the owner has the right to the nuts from his particular tree.
    Just past the seventh station you can still see traces of the old aqueduct etched into the rock on the side of the mountain . This aqueduct used to carry water from 'Froda' (which means waterfall in local dialect) to Biasca; between the tenth and the eleventh stations there is an impressive dry stone wall which borders an old granite quarry. At the end of the stations you will come to a charming stone bridge over the 'Froda', which will take you to the 17th century oratory of Santa Petronilla (early 18th C); for the key call the parish of Biasca tel. 091 862 17 02 Above the oratory there is a short piece of flat land which you can reach by following a steep path near the falls. You can still see what remains of what was known as 'Castello degli Orelli'.

    The itinerary ends by taking you back to the church of San Carlo along a surfaced road.

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    Author
    Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
    Update: March 06, 2025
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    392 m
    Lowest point
    305 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
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    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
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    Track types

    Asphalt 50.80%Forested/wild trail 9.32%Path 37.89%Road 1.96%
    Asphalt
    1 km
    Forested/wild trail
    189 m
    Path
    769 m
    Road
    40 m
    Show elevation profile

    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

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'718'003E 1'135'449N
    DD
    46.360052, 8.971967
    DMS
    46°21'36.2"N 8°58'19.1"E
    UTM
    32T 497843 5134053
    w3w 
    ///inflict.saunas.metals
    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

    • Alpe Cava Route
    • Blenio Valley high trail
    • Celtic Trail in Malvaglia Valley
    • Giro del Castello di Serravalle (SwitzerlandMobility 626)
    • Alva Alp and the Lodrino Valley
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    2 km
    Duration
    0:40 h
    Ascent
    87 m
    Descent
    95 m
    Highest point
    392 m
    Lowest point
    305 m
    Round trip Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Flora Fauna

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