Trasquera: Bridges, Churches and Cherry Traditions

Trasquera combines striking structures and a rich local history with cherry traditions and mountain scenery. Ponte del Diavolo, historic churches and paths through the surrounding area offer different ways to explore the town: from bridge construction and the history of the plague to cherry blossoms and mountain tulips.

Ponte del Diavolo and its history

Ponte del Diavolo lies on the road from Trasquera to the hamlet of Bugliaga and crosses the Rì stream. It was built in 1880 and opened on 10 September of the same year. It is about 100 metres high, with an arch span of 33.30 metres. The year of construction, opening date and measurements each tell a different part of its story: the creation of the structure, its inauguration and its dimensions.

The bridges also bear traces of military history. Remains of the Vallo Alpino fortifications are visible at the entrances to Ponte del Diavolo and Ponte del Diavolino. The two bridges therefore represent not only the history of construction, but also point to the fortifications that are part of their surroundings.

Churches and places of remembrance

The parish church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius was mentioned as early as 1321 in the statutes of the Divedro Valley. The present church building was created through an extension after 1550. Its early mention and subsequent architectural development are two distinct points in its history and should not be conflated.

The Oratorio di San Rocco offers a different chapter in the story. It dates from the time of the plague epidemics that struck Trasquera in the 15th and 16th centuries. The year 1637 is painted on its south façade beneath depictions of Saints Roch and Sebastian. The oratory’s dedication and the detail on its façade add a distinct connection to the epidemics of the time to the history of the parish church.

The Cimitero della Peste del 1600 commemorates a plague epidemic in which almost a hundred people died in Bugliaga and Trasquera. The site is not accessible. Nevertheless, it is part of the story of the local plague, which is also reflected in the Oratorio di San Rocco.

Cherry traditions and mountain scenery

The Sentiero del Kirsch leads to places where kirsch was once distilled and marketed. The link between the trail and the craft reveals a different side of the town from its bridges and churches: here, the focus is on the former use of cherries. In spring, spectacular cherry blossoms in Trasquera and Bugliaga are associated with the remembered cherry tradition. The blossoms are a seasonal feature of the landscape, while distilling and marketing belong to its history.

Nature also offers distinctive sights. Numerous specimens of the rare mountain tulip (Tulipa australis) grow in the pastures between Bugliaga and Balma. The high plateaus of Trasquera and Bugliaga slope down towards Monte Teggiolo. On the initial section of the mountain tulip trail across the plateau, visitors can explore characteristic houses made of wood and stone, perched above the deep gorges of Gondo. The trails and pastures bring botanical rarities, architectural details and the shape of the landscape together.

Trails and getting there

The hiking trail marked F32 leads from Iselle to Alpe Pianezzoni. Trasquera can also be reached by car. Check the shuttle timetable before your trip so you can plan your journey accordingly.

If you are looking for a hotel in Trasquera, the different highlights can help you decide: the history of the bridges and churches offers a different focus from cherry traditions and scenery. You can choose where to stay according to which of these themes interests you most on your trip.

Discover more destinations

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