Gudo Ti: Vineyards, Churches and Landscape

Gudo combines a winemaking tradition with historic buildings and trails in the Piano di Magadino. It lies on the right bank of the Piano di Magadino between Bellinzona and Locarno, in a green, hilly landscape facing south. Wetland features sit alongside extensive agricultural areas around the village. You can tailor your stay to different interests: winemaking and tastings, churches and archaeological evidence, or trails through the landscape.

Winemaking and tastings

Gudo has had a winemaking tradition since the 19th century. Today, Merlot grapes are grown predominantly on 31 hectares of vineyards. Tenuta Sasso Chierico spans four hectares of vineyards in hills characterised by vineyards; wine tastings are available there by appointment.

Perched on a hill is Agriturismo Fattoria L’Amorosa, surrounded by a vineyard of about three hectares. Wine tastings and tastings of its own specialities are available there. Agriturismo Cantina Pian Marnino is next to the Piano di Magadino cycle path and offers wines from its own vineyards as well as typical Ticino products for tasting. Along Via delle Vigne, you can also sample regional wines at local wineries and agritourism establishments.

Landscape and cycle path

The Parco del Piano di Magadino cycle path is about nine kilometres long and passes through the park’s natural and agricultural landscapes. It runs mostly along an embankment beside a side channel of the Ticino River. The cycle path can be reached on foot or by bike; there is a car park, a bus stop and a railway station nearby.

The landscape also includes Stagno di Progero, a breeding site for amphibians of national importance. The RN 272 Stagno di Progero area lies within the municipality of the city of Bellinzona, in the Gudo district. At Laghetto del Demanio Gudo, the sound trail includes a listening platform dedicated to the sounds of water.

Churches and archaeological evidence

The Church of San Lorenzo stands in the village centre and was built in 1615. The Church of Santa Maria dates to around 1200; 15th-century frescoes are visible there. The Oratorio dei Santi Nazzario e Celso is another historic building in Gudo.

Archaeological finds also offer insight into the area’s early settlement. Traces of settlements dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages were discovered on the alluvial fan formed by Riale Progero, including imprints of wooden beams and remains of postholes. The Museo del Castello Montebello in Bellinzona preserves evidence confirming the presence of a large Iron Age necropolis in the territory of Gudo. The museum and the archaeological site are in different places: the museum is in Bellinzona, while the necropolis is associated with Gudo.

Trails and activities

Via delle Vigne is designated as a panoramic trail in Gudo. Chestnut forests, old paths, stone steps and dry-stone walls define the route and bear witness to the tradition of so-called heroic viticulture. There is also cycling infrastructure in the surrounding area. If you are interested in wine, you can combine the trail with tasting opportunities at local wineries and agritourism establishments.

The trail to Alpe d’Orino leads through vineyards to Cimallocco, then climbs in switchbacks to Monti di Laghetto and continues through a beech forest to the Alpe di Orino hut. Overnight accommodation is available along the route; from there, the hike can continue towards Cimetta di Orino or Capanna Alpe di Mognone before returning to Gudo.

Another option is the “Attività con i cavalli nel Piano di Magadino” activity in Gudo. It is intended for groups with participants aged twelve and over, and includes relaxation in nature, a guided meditation and a slow walk in the Parco Naturale del Piano di Magadino. Check availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Camorino, Giubiasco, Carasso, Sementina, Cadenazzo, Bellinzona, Sant’antonio, Gnosca.

Go to the main travel overview: Bellinzona.