Borgnone: Historic Village Centre and Paths

Borgnone lies on the ridge of a spur-shaped terrace in a clearing on the slopes of Pizzo Ruscada. Nearby, the cantonal road branches off towards Lionza and Costa. In regional terms, Borgnone lies on the border with the Italian region of Piedmont. Pizzo Ruscada is a prominent peak in the Centovalli and a viewpoint; marked, well-used paths lead to the summit. If you choose Borgnone as your destination, you will find specific historical landmarks here: a cobbled path in the village centre, the Chapel of Salée and traces of rural life at Parco dei Mulini.

Village Character and Location

The historic village centre consists of residential houses and former stables arranged along a narrow cobbled path. The buildings date from the 17th to the 19th century. The interplay of residential houses, former stables and the path shapes the historic character of the village. The village settings of the districts of Borgnone, Costa and Lionza are also listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites as sites of national importance.

Chapel of Salée and Via del Mercato

The Chapel of Salée was built in 1694 at the request of the Guizzi family. It lies just beyond Borgnone, at the entrance to the Via del Mercato, a historic route listed in the Inventory of Historic Transport Routes of National Importance. Owing to its age and the quality of its frescoes, the chapel is among the most significant and important in the Centovalli. Here, the period in which it was built, the history of religious architecture and the historic route landscape come together. The chapel is therefore a clear landmark if you are interested in the cultural history of the valley.

Parco dei Mulini in Lionza

Above Borgnone, in the village of Lionza, Parco dei Mulini lies at the start of the Sentiero del Mercato, a route once used as a mule track to the market. The park preserves traces of rural life: the remains of a hammer mill, a washhouse once supplied by a lukewarm spring, the ruins of several mills and a bread oven dating from 1884. Together, these traces reveal different aspects of everyday rural life. Parco dei Mulini is about a twenty-minute walk from Camedo; the time may vary depending on conditions.

The Via del Mercato as a Stage

The Camedo–Intragna stage of the Via del Mercato passes through Borgnone, Lionza, Verdasio, Slogna, Calezzo, Costa and Pila. A small oratory just beyond Borgnone marks the beginning of the ancient route on this stage. The sequence of villages places Borgnone along a route that passes through several settlements; it provides a concrete framework if you are exploring the historic transport route. Check local path conditions before setting out.

Church and Practical Information

The Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta is located at 6658 Borgnone. For Mass times at the Chiesa della B.V.M. Assunta in Borgnone, consult the current parish bulletin.

Discover more destinations: Orselina, Isorno, Gresso, Verscio, Piazzogna, Sonogno, Minusio, Contone.

For the broader travel overview: Locarno.