Contone: Educational Trail, Cultural Heritage and Wine

Contone lies at the foot of Monte Ceneri, on the road from Magadino to Cadenazzo; the settlement nestles against the mountain. The locality belongs to the municipality of Gambarogno in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Until 24 April 2010, Contone was an independent political municipality.

The “Tra monti e lago” educational trail

The “Tra monti e lago” educational trail connects Dirinella with the Cadenazzo FFS railway station and was extended to Contone in 2017. It is intended for schoolchildren, families and people of all ages, and can be walked in either direction without difficulty. When planning the route, you can choose the direction that best fits your day; local conditions may vary. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The church and the history of the Knights Hospitaller

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista has been documented since 1596; an old chapel dating from between 1150 and 1200 stood there previously. The church was dedicated to Saint John because the Order of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem was present in Contone. From 1219, the locality housed a hospice belonging to the order. In 1529, the Knights Hospitaller became the Order of Malta; the hospice, together with its houses, land, churches and forests, later became the Contone commandery, owned by the order.

The church contains several dated works of art. A painting by Johannes Dobler from 1698 depicts the Crucifixion with Saint John and Saint Lawrence. Another painting, created by Giovanni Antonio Vanoni in 1872, portrays Saint Nicholas of Bari. There is also the carved antependium “Il giorno di S. Nicolao” by Remo Rossi, from 1955.

San Nicola and local traditions

The area where the ancient church of San Nicola stood was designated a zone of archaeological interest in 2003. A chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas was built in 2015 beside the presumed site of the old church on the hill above Contone. An information board stands nearby. A path leads from the main route to the chapel in a 15-minute walk; allow for this in your plans and check current trail conditions.

Contone has also preserved the tradition of distributing blessed bread. According to tradition, it dates back to long ago and to a vow made during an outbreak of cattle disease.

Winegrowing and visits by appointment

Cantina Il Cavaliere at Via Cantonale 41, 6594 Contone, offers tours of its vineyards and winery, as well as wine tastings with local cured meats, bread and cheese. It produces DOC white, rosé and red wines, as well as grappa. Visits and tastings are by appointment. As booking options may change, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Corippo, Sonogno, Mergoscia, Sant'abbondio Ti, Piazzogna, Gresso, Vira, Magadino.

For the wider travel overview: Locarno.