801528717

The fortified hills of Bellinzona

City Walk recommended route

The fortified hills of Bellinzona

City Walk · Bellinzona and Valleys
Logo Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Responsible for this content
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner 
  • The fortified hills of Bellinzona
    The fortified hills of Bellinzona
    Photo: Bellinzona e Valli Turismo, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Hint

Explanation

Selected alternatives for you

    An easy mountain footpath that follows the higher hills above the city of Bellinzona. This itinerary allows hikers to discover an area rich in the history, art and beauty of the three castles.

    easy
    Distance 9.8 km
    3:20 h
    447 m
    447 m
    601 m
    229 m

    Prada, a hamlet steeped in history and art nestling in the woods above Ravecchia, is one of Bellinzona's hidden treasures; although off the beaten track and still little known, it can be easily reached on foot taking three different routes.
    From the train station, for example, you walk to Ravecchia and from Pedevilla take a steep but well kept path that has some stretches of steps. After 40 minutes you come to Scarpapè (signposted) and then the archaeological site of Prada. Abandoned during the so called "Borromeo plague" (1629-1630), the hamlet comprises around 60 remains of rustic dwellings and barns.
    On leaving Prada you can then walk on to Sasso Corbaro Castle over Artore (and vice versa): just where this stretch of path begins you can make out the remains of masonry from the ancient dwellings hidden amidst the tree trunks. The site can be also reached by the path (steps) which starts at the San Giovanni hospital as well as from Scarpapè.

    Profile picture of Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
    Author
    Bellinzona e Valli Turismo 
    Update: January 12, 2023
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    601 m
    Lowest point
    229 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 40.52%Forested/wild trail 6.75%Path 25.87%Road 26.26%Unknown 0.58%
    Asphalt
    4 km
    Forested/wild trail
    0.7 km
    Path
    2.5 km
    Road
    2.6 km
    Unknown
    0.1 km
    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
    2'722'730E 1'117'216N
    DD
    46.195220, 9.028573
    DMS
    46°11'42.8"N 9°01'42.9"E
    UTM
    32T 502204 5115738
    w3w 
    ///delay.races.protects
    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

    • Ancient and modern art
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    9.8 km
    Duration
    3:20 h
    Ascent
    447 m
    Descent
    447 m
    Highest point
    601 m
    Lowest point
    229 m
    Round trip Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Flora Fauna

    Weather at the route's trailhead

    Statistics

    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile