On the right bank of the Piano di Magadino, between Bellinzona and Locarno, Gudo lies in a green, hilly landscape facing south. Viticulture has been a tradition here since the 19th century; today, Merlot grapes are grown on a total of 31 hectares of vineyards. Historic churches, archaeological traces, wetlands and trails through natural and agricultural landscapes round out the wine theme.
Viticulture and tastings
The Via delle Vigne is designated as a panoramic trail in Gudo. There is also cycling infrastructure in the surrounding area. Along the Via delle Vigne, visitors can sample regional wines at local wineries and agritourism businesses. The trail passes through chestnut forests and follows old paths, stone steps and dry-stone walls. These features shape the landscape and bear witness to the tradition of so-called heroic viticulture.
Tenuta Sasso Chierico covers 4 hectares of vineyards in hills shaped by viticulture and offers wine tastings by appointment. Agriturismo Fattoria L’Amorosa is situated on a hillside, surrounded by a vineyard of about 3 hectares; wine tastings and its own specialities are available there. Agriturismo Cantina Pian Marnino is located next to the Piano di Magadino cycle path. It offers wines from its own vineyards as well as typical Ticino products for tasting.
Churches and archaeological traces
The Church of San Lorenzo stands in the center of Gudo and was built in 1615. Santa Maria dates to around 1200; 15th-century frescoes can be seen in the church. The architectural and artistic traces in Gudo thus span from the medieval period to the 17th century. The Oratorio dei Santi Nazzario e Celso is also a historic building in Gudo.
An archaeological excavation on the alluvial fan formed by the Riale Progero uncovered settlement traces from the Bronze and Iron Ages. These include impressions of wooden beams and remains of postholes. The Museo del Castello Montebello in Bellinzona also holds evidence confirming the presence of a large Iron Age necropolis in the territory of Gudo.
Trails through the landscape
The cycle path in Parco del Piano di Magadino is about 9 kilometers long and passes through the park’s natural and agricultural landscapes. For the most part, it runs along an embankment beside a side channel of the Ticino River. The cycle path can be reached on foot or by bicycle; there is a parking area, a bus stop and a railway station nearby. The route also passes the Vigna Lunga Trebbione biotope.
The sound trail includes a listening platform at Laghetto del Demanio Gudo, dedicated to the sounds of water. Another notable link is the Tibetan Bridge: it is 270 meters long and lies 130 meters above the valley floor. The bridge connects CurzĂştt with the Via delle Vigne, which offers views of the hills of Sementina and Gudo.
The trail to Alpe d’Orino passes through vineyards to Cimallocco, then climbs in switchbacks to the Monti di Laghetto and continues through a beech forest to the Alpe di Orino hut. Overnight accommodation is available along the route. From there, the hike can continue towards Cimetta di Orino or Capanna Alpe di Mognone before returning to Gudo.
Wetlands and other activities
Around Gudo, by the Piano di Magadino, wetland features lie alongside extensive agricultural land. Stagno di Progero is a breeding site of national importance for amphibians. The RN 272 Stagno di Progero area is located within the municipality of Bellinzona, in the Gudo district.
The large, quiet Gudo playground is in a public park on Via Santa Maria, next to the Ticino River and between fields. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check what is available before visiting.
Gudo also offers the group activity “Attività con i cavalli nel Piano di Magadino” for participants aged 12 and over. It is designed as a sustainable, educational outdoor experience in nature and includes relaxation, a guided meditation and a slow walk in Parco Naturale del Piano di Magadino. Check availability before visiting.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Cadenazzo, Giubiasco, Sant'antonio, Lumino Ti, Isone, Gorduno, Camorino, Sementina
For the main travel overview: Bellinzona.
