Gordola: Paths to Monti Motti and Architectural History

Gordola lies at an altitude of 222 metres, about 5.5 kilometres northeast of Locarno, at the entrance to the Verzasca Valley. When choosing a hotel in Gordola, the landscape, an excursion to Monti Motti or the town’s architectural history may offer different points of interest. The municipality brings together features at different scales: from geographical boundaries to individual churches and a protected village centre.

Landscape, Location and Getting There

Gordola lies at the southern foot of slopes covered with chestnut trees and vineyards. The municipality borders the Lago di Vogorno reservoir and Lake Maggiore; to the south, the Bolle di Magadino protected area marks the municipal boundary. Thus, wooded slopes, lake boundaries and a protected area on the southern side are among the different geographical reference points of the town. Gordola railway station is on the Bellinzona–Locarno line, operated by the Swiss Federal Railways. If you are considering travelling by train, please check the service for your travel date.

Monti Motti: Trails and Viewpoints

A specific destination at altitude is Monti Motti, around 1,000 metres above sea level. Several trails lead uphill from Gordola on foot; Monti Motti is also accessible by car. There are opportunities for walks and exceptional viewpoints at the site. You can consider getting there and spending time there separately when planning: walking trails or driving relate to the journey to the destination, while walking opportunities and viewpoints relate to your time there. Compared with Gordola’s 222 metres, Monti Motti is considerably higher; these altitude figures therefore place the town and the excursion destination at different elevations.

Monti Motti Bike Route and Bazzadee

At the start of the Monti Motti bike trail, bikers and hikers share the path. On the Monti Motti bike route, the picturesque mountain hamlet of Bazzadee lies just before the halfway point. Its partly deserted centre consists of traditional stone houses. These features offer different points of interest: at the start, the focus is on the shared use by bikers and hikers; at Bazzadee, it is on a mountain hamlet with a distinctive appearance along the route.

Village Centres and Architectural History

The Oratorio delle Grazie dates from the 15th century and is of particular value. Motto-Rongia is a protected village centre. The two descriptions refer to different scales: one concerns a single oratory, the other the protection of a village centre. If you are interested in architectural and local history, this distinction can be considered alongside the details of the church’s architecture.

The Church of S. Antonio abate is a neoclassical basilica with a transept and a detached bell tower. A basilica describes the basic type of church building; a transept is the section that runs across the main part. The detached bell tower is not integrated into the church building. The church was completed in 1839 after eight years of construction. Inside are a fresco depicting a nursing Madonna enthroned, dating from the 15th century, and the paintings “Mocking of Christ” and “Ecce Homo,” attributed to Gherardo Honthorst, known as Delle Notti. This brings together different historical periods: the church building was completed in 1839, while the fresco dates from the 15th century. The paintings complement the architectural design with two specifically named works and an attribution of the artist that is explicitly presented as such.

Discover more destinations: Palagnedra, Solduno, Tenero-Contra, Brione, Tegna, Vogorno, Piazzogna, Gresso.

For the broader travel overview: Locarno.