La Via del Mercato

Despite its name, there are no market stands on this trail. The farmers once took their goods across the mule trail in the Centovalli to Locarno. It leads through a mill park with the remains of a farming community. Verdasio features impressive mansions while the Ticino’s highest bell tower is located in Intragna.

From the Camedo bus stop, the white-red-white waymarked mountain trail initially leads through the village and past the church of San Lorenzo. It soon enters the forest and continues along the slopes of the Centovalli. Short open stretches and the settlements of Borgnone and Lionza add variety to the first ascent.

Verdasio is reached just over a third of the way along the route. Here, the trail passes the parish church of Santi Giacomo maggiore e Cristoforo and the Grotto al Pentolino. Shortly afterwards, it reaches its highest point at around 825 m. A long descent then characterises the remainder of the hike. The mountain trail stays mostly in the forest, interspersed with open meadows.

Towards the end, the route leads through Costa sopra Intragna, past the Grottino Costa Festa and the church. It then continues downhill via Pila to Intragna. The hike ends at the church of San Gottardo; the Intragna stop is only a few steps away. A good four hours should be allowed for the twelve kilometres, with around 680 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent.