Pontegrande: Hiking Trails and Churches

Pontegrande connects several hiking trails with the Strà Granda and the Chiesa di Pontegrande. The routes differ in their destinations, walking times, elevation gains and return options. When planning a stay, you can therefore first choose the type of walk you want: a route with a specific destination, a stage with the option of taking a bus, or a trail that leads back to Pontegrande.

Hiking Trails by Destination and Time

The Sentiero Pontegrande-Anzino to the Santuario di S. Antonio is 3.5 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 220 metres and a stated walking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Sentiero Pontegrande-Bannio leads to the historic town centre and the churches. It is 2.8 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 170 metres and a stated walking time of 1 hour.

The Bannio route is therefore 700 metres shorter, has 50 metres less elevation gain and takes 15 minutes less to walk. The two trails lead to different destinations: the Santuario di S. Antonio, and the historic town centre and churches, respectively. Seasonal conditions may affect the walking times for these two routes.

The Pontegrande–Valpiana trail connects Pontegrande with Valpiana and has an elevation gain of just over 200 metres. It is considered an easy route, is suitable for every season and is short in duration. This makes it another option alongside the two Sentieri, which have specific walking times.

Stages and Trails with Return Options

The B15 hiking trail runs from Pontegrande across the T. Anza River and away from the hairpin bends of the road, as far as the village square in Bannio Anzino. Conditions on this trail may change.

The Strà Granda in Bannio Anzino lists Pontegrande as a stage location; the stage ends in Pontegrande. From here, you can take the bus back to Domodossola. Check the timetable for your return journey. The Sentiero della Salute Luigi Corti runs from Pontegrande through Bannio Anzino, Vanzone con San Carlo and Ceppo Morelli, then returns to Pontegrande via the Strà Granda.

Church and Local Orientation

Construction of the Chiesa di Pontegrande began on 9 May 1660 and was completed in 1670; the church was consecrated in 1691. Ten years passed between the start and completion of construction; the consecration followed 21 years after the building was completed.

The altarpiece depicts the Madonna between the two patron saints, was painted by Valentino d'Orta and donated in 1763. The year refers to the donation of the painting and should be distinguished from the dates of the church's construction and consecration.

The five-arched bridge in Pontegrande is an interesting point along the Strà Granda. There is also a panoramic information board in Pontegrande's square, showing route layouts, elevation figures and walking times.

Discover more destinations: Baceno, Omegna, Traffiume, Craveggia, Passo, Aurano, Antrogna, Gravellona Toce

For the regional travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.