Discover Brione
Accommodation in Brione
Brione is a hamlet in the municipality of Verzasca in the canton of Ticino. Brione Verzasca lies on the right-hand side of the Verzasca Valley. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the local focus on church and architectural history from the trails and nature-themed attractions of the wider valley. This will help you decide whether to focus mainly on cultural landmarks in the village or on activities across the wider valley area.
Churches, Art and Architectural History
The first church in Brione Verzasca was built in 1296. The frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta date from the early 14th century and were created by pupils of Giotto's school. The two dates refer to different historical milestones: 1296 marks the construction of the first church, while the early 14th century refers to the frescoes in Santa Maria Assunta.
Castello Marcacci was built at the beginning of the 18th century to a design by architect Giovanni Gada. The name only partly describes its architectural form: it was not a proper castle, but a stately residence with makeshift defences. There were small corner towers at every corner, as well as a high perimeter wall, which also had corner towers.
Two examples of wolf traps have been preserved in Brione Verzasca: one in Ganne and the other on the Sentierone between Piee and Alnasca.
Trails and Activities
The Sentiero per l'arte runs from Brione Verzasca–Ganne to Lavertezzo–Ponte dei Salti. Along the trail, you can see works by international artists from a range of artistic movements. The BoBosco section between Brione Verzasca and Lavertezzo is also clearly defined: it is 5.5 kilometres long and features 13 structures, including rope pulls and water barriers. BoBosco is suitable for families. The two activities have different focuses: the Sentiero per l'arte centres on the artworks along the trail, while BoBosco focuses on its structures.
The Sentierone is a trail that crosses the entire Verzasca Valley, passing through forests and villages. It therefore offers a different regional perspective from the trail sections mentioned above, which have specific starting and end points.
Brione has a large bouldering park, which is especially popular in spring and autumn. The Alta Verzasca Bike mountain bike route (SchweizMobil 399), which leads to Sonogno, also starts here.
Capanna Starlaresc is an unmanned alpine hut in the Brione Verzasca area, at an altitude of 1,880 metres above sea level.
Alpe di Starlaresc can only be reached on foot via a well-maintained, signposted network of trails managed by the Ascona-Locarno Tourism Organisation. Seasonal conditions can affect access, so check trail conditions before setting out.
The Verzasca Valley in Your Itinerary
The Verzasca Valley is a mountain valley with impressive alpine scenery. Its main features are the very green Verzasca River, deep, smoothly polished gorges and pools. In summer, the pools are inviting places to swim.
The Verzasca Valley can be reached on foot, by car or by PostBus. If you plan to travel by PostBus, check the timetable before your trip.
At the private shop In sĂĽ la scima in Brione Verzasca, you can buy fresh local products from the valley. La Fromangiada is also held every year in the Verzasca Valley. Verzasca cheese is sampled at a large lunch.
Discover more destinations: Vergeletto, Brione Sopra Minusio, Tegna, Porto Ronco, Orselina, Losone, Locarno, Corippo
Go to the main travel overview: Locarno.
