Calonico: Mill, Church and Strada Alta

Calonico is a hamlet in the municipality of Faido in the Valle Leventina. The village lies at an altitude of about 981 metres, has approximately 50 residents and covers 3.2 square kilometres. Its location on a sunny terrace on the left-hand slope of the Leventina and along the Strada Alta sets the scene for a stay combining village history and landscape. From Lavorgo, you can reach Calonico via a cantonal road; the distance is six kilometres.

Village houses and rural history

There are several wooden houses with stone-slab roofs in the village centre. Their log construction is associated with the Walser people passing through the area. Casa Regina is a specific example: built in 1684 and renovated after 1984, the house combines a timber log structure with a masonry section on the mountainside. This building therefore illustrates the difference between timber construction and masonry in a single house. The surrounding area also tells of past uses: the terraces around Calonico still bear witness to intensive farming and livestock rearing.

The Mulino di Calonico

The historic mill dates from 1813 and is considered an important testament to the culture and technology of the Leventina. It was used mainly to grind chestnuts, rye and barley. Its horizontal wooden wheel is a distinctive technical feature: operation depends on the amount of water available. The flow of water is therefore integral to understanding how the mill works.

The mill was carefully restored in several stages up to 1994, has been operating again since 1994 and was inaugurated in 1995. Every year, it takes centre stage at mill festivals. At the Festa del mulino on 31 May 2025, held as part of the Swiss-wide Swiss Mill Day, the mill and the bread oven were demonstrated. If you would like to combine your visit with a festival, check the event dates in advance.

In 2023, the Pro Mulino di Calonico association built a wood-fired bread oven next to the restored mill. It offers the chance to bake delicious bread, the traditional Torta di pane or pizza together. Please arrange use of the oven in advance on site.

Chiesa di San Martino

The parish church of San Martino stands on a rocky outcrop and is visible from the valley floor. From the church, there are views across the central Leventina. The church is documented as far back as 1300, has Romanesque origins and was extensively altered in the 17th century. Its massive Romanesque bell tower has survived from the earlier church building and probably dates from the 12th century. In 1594, San Martino became an independent parish. Inside the church, a statue of the Virgin Mary from the 18th century stands on a polychrome wooden altar.

Strada Alta and route planning

Calonico lies along the Strada Alta. A lower-lying variant of the route passes through meadows and forests in the direction of Calonico. The second stage from Osco to Anzonico is listed as 13.3 kilometres, with 480 metres of ascent and 628 metres of descent. The route data was updated on 23 April 2024; check local trail conditions before setting out. The listed stage figures give you concrete reference points for planning your hike, while the lower-lying variant through meadows and forests offers a different perspective on the landscape.

For the broader travel overview: Faido.