Ludiano is in the lower Blenio Valley, on the western bank of the Brenno. The village brings together different themes for a stay: the Cat’Mutal press and the grape harvest, churches from several eras, and historic paths and hiking options. Depending on your interests, you can focus more on cultural history or outdoor activities.
Grape Harvest and Cat’Mutal Press
The Cat’Mutal press is owned by the Patriziato di Ludiano. With a lever about ten metres long, it is one of the largest presses in the Canton of Ticino. An engraved date refers to 1756; at the same time, it is one of the few presses in Ticino that is still operated. It is used every year during the grape harvest. This seasonal use connects the historic press with a recurring part of the annual cycle.
The Festa del Torchio takes place every year near the press and celebrates the grape harvest. Dates and programmes may vary from year to year, so check the details for the relevant edition before making plans. The press and the festival offer two different perspectives on the same theme: one focuses on the preserved press that is still in use, the other on the annual harvest festival.
Churches and Historic Traces
The Chiesa di San Secondo in Ludiano is a Baroque building dating from 1780, reached by a flight of steps. Inside are paintings by Lorenzo Peretti di Buttogno from Val Vigezzo, including scenes from the life of the patron saint. The building’s date and features offer a tangible introduction to the village’s religious history; take the steps into account when planning your visit.
In Motto di Dongio, within the territory of Ludiano, stands the Chiesa di San Pietro, which belongs to the parish of Dongio and was first mentioned in 1424. The present-day Chiesa di San Pietro is an oriented Romanesque building from the 13th century, with a semicircular apse and a continuous sawtooth frieze. Alongside the Baroque San Secondo, you can therefore encounter Romanesque forms and a different period of construction.
The Oratorio di San Giacomo in Selvapiana is also associated with an older building history. It is also known as Sa' Jàcum and was built on the remains of an earlier oratory dating back at least to the first half of the 16th century. In the Middle Ages, Selvapiana was one of the valley’s most important inhabited centres. These historical connections add a glimpse into earlier settlement to the churches.
Historic Paths and Hikes
The ancient footpaths Grotti–Selvapiana–Valè–Navone–Scarp are recorded in the inventory as historic transport routes of regional and local importance. The Giro del Castello di Serravalle first crosses the Brenno River and then passes through the village of Ludiano. The route continues through a chestnut forest, climbing to the ruined settlement of Selvapiana. As it runs, the described route links the river, the village and the historic settlement.
Another activity is the Salamandra Vagabonda treasure hunt. It follows a marked circular route of 5.4 kilometres with about 393 metres of elevation gain and takes approximately two hours. The app must be downloaded to take part. As seasonal availability and app availability can change, check both in advance. The distance, elevation gain and approximate duration give you a concrete basis for planning your time.
Grotti Along the Giro
Along the Giro del Castello di Serravalle, typical rustic grotti can be found in secluded, shady locations. In the past, they were used to keep cheese, meat and wine cool; today, they serve as restaurants offering local produce and wine. Each grotto has different opening hours, so check the opening hours of the particular establishment if you are planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Acquarossa, Marolta, Semione, Olivone, Acquacalda, Prugiasco, Ghirone, Malvaglia.
For the broader travel overview: Blenio.
