Lavertezzo: Rock Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Lavertezzo is a scattered municipality in the Canton of Ticino, in the Locarno District. Until 2019, Lavertezzo consisted of two geographically separate parts: Lavertezzo Piano on the Magadino plain and Lavertezzo Valle in the Verzasca Valley. This historical context shows that the place name refers to different locations.

Verzasca and the rocky landscape

In Lavertezzo, the Verzasca has a riverbed and rocky banks of great scenic value. The crystal-clear natural pools are also part of the area’s character: the best-known ones are in Lavertezzo and Brione Verzasca. The riverbed, rocky banks and pools offer different points of interest if you are curious about the landscape of the Verzasca Valley.

Bridge, church and art

Ponte dei Salti is a medieval-origin Romanesque stone bridge with two arches in Lavertezzo. After being partially destroyed in 1868, it was rebuilt in 1960. Its history therefore includes both its medieval origins and two much later turning points: the destruction of part of the bridge and its reconstruction.

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli acquired its present form in the 18th century; its Baroque façade with cornices dates from 1780. Inside the church is a fresco of the Madonna by Pancaldi-Mola. A painting by Giuseppe M. Borgnis from Craveggia is also displayed above the main entrance. The church thus brings together architectural features and specific works of art.

Revöira and trails through history

The Revöira ethnographic trail is an 8 km circular route from Lavertezzo via Sambugaro, Revöira and Motta, returning to Lavertezzo. It partly follows former transhumance routes. Along these paths, semi-nomadic herders drove their livestock to different summer pastures. Seasonal conditions can affect access to the trail, so check the conditions before setting out.

In Revöira, the historic water supply system includes 35 basins carved out of granite to collect rainwater, as well as six cisterns that collected groundwater. Between Lavertezzo and Revöira there are also nine chapels dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The figures for the water supply distinguish between two functions: the basins collected rainwater, while the cisterns were used to collect groundwater.

The first section of BoBosco offers a different kind of route: it runs for 5.5 km from Brione Verzasca to Lavertezzo and features 13 structures for a marble run. When comparing it with the 8 km Revöira circular route, it is worth considering not only the distance but also the route and endpoints: Revöira returns to its starting point, whereas the stated BoBosco section runs between two places.

Getting there and other activities

The “Lavertezzo, Paese” PostBus stop is near Ponte dei Salti. If you are planning to travel by PostBus, check the current timetable before setting off.

Recreational diving is also among the activities associated with Lavertezzo: Gruppo Sub Verzasca has been active since 1975, is based in Lavertezzo, and supports recreational diving as well as other leisure activities.

Discover more destinations

Sonogno, Sant'abbondio Ti, Cavigliano, Vira, Cugnasco-Gerra, Onsernone, Brione

For the main travel overview: Locarno.