The Casa Rotonda in Casserio is a three-storey circular building with a round floor plan, dating from the late 18th century. Today, it houses the Roberto Donetta photographic archive. Church art, historical traces and trails also offer different ways to explore Corzoneso.
The village lies in the central Blenio Valley, on the western side of the valley at the foot of the 2,417-metre-high Pizzo Erra. Corzoneso belongs to the political municipality of Acquarossa in the Swiss canton of Ticino; it was formerly an independent municipality. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1210 under the name Cursonexe.
Churches, Frescoes and Historical Traces
The parish church of Santi Nazario e Celso is a religious cultural monument protected by the Canton of Ticino and was mentioned as early as 1211. The church contains late Gothic frescoes from the second half of the 15th century, attributed to the Seregnesi workshop. A side chapel is decorated with frescoes probably attributed to Giovanni Battista Tarilli and dated 1587.
The church of San Remigio in Boscero is a Romanesque building with two apses, dating from around the middle of the 11th century. Late Romanesque frescoes from the 13th century have been preserved there. There are also two stucco reliefs depicting apostles, dating from the 11th or 12th century.
The Oratorio di Santa Maria del Monastero was built in the 13th century and was formerly dedicated to Saint Martin. Its surviving frescoes date from the 16th to the 19th century. Nearby, you can see the remains of walls that probably belonged to a hospice founded before 1270 by the Humiliati. The hospice served as a resting place for travellers on the Via del Lucomagno. The frescoes, architectural forms and historical traces offer different perspectives on the past, though they do not all come from the same period.
Photography Trails and Routes in the Blenio Valley
The photography trail Sulle tracce di Roberto Donetta reaches the centre of Corzoneso and then follows a mule track to Corzoneso Piano. One viewpoint along the trail offers a view of Corzoneso. The Casa Rotonda is a separate location and a stop on the Sentiero storico n. 1 in the Blenio Valley.
Another option is the accessible route from Dongio via Corzoneso Piano and Acquarossa and back to Dongio. Dongio is both the starting and finishing point. As maintenance and trail conditions can change, check the trail’s condition before setting out. The Quatro pâss visĂn a r’aqua project also includes a themed trail about water.
The BrĂĽsacĂĽ bike route runs from the Acquarossa-Comprovasco bus stop via Corzoneso to Monte Foppa. Seasonal conditions can affect whether it is passable. The final section from Corzoneso to Acquarossa has several difficult stretches where cyclists are asked to dismount briefly and continue on foot. When planning this route, take into account both seasonal passability and these short sections on foot. By comparison, the stated route sequence and trail conditions are the main points to bear in mind on the accessible route.
Mill and Activities for Children
The Corzoneso mill was in operation until the early 20th century and was used mainly for grinding rye and wheat. It can be seen in operation during a visit booked in advance by email or telephone; arrange the visit before travelling. The mill can also be used during the traditional Corzoneso Mill Festival. Check dates and access separately.
Throughout the year, the RatĂn dru MurĂn group offers children recreational activities where they can rediscover traditional games and customs. Local themes therefore range from architecture and photography to historical trails and traditional games. Those interested in water can explore another clearly defined theme on the themed trail of the Quatro pâss visĂn a r’aqua project.
Discover more destinations: Cumiasca, Largario, Leontica, Ponto Valentino, Castro.
View the overview of destinations: Acquarossa.
