Anzonico lies at an altitude of around 1,002 m on the left slope of the Valle Leventina. The village brings together two clearly distinct perspectives: the compact historic settlement center with its churches, and the Strada Alta della Leventina, which passes through Anzonico. When planning a stay, you can weigh a focus on architectural and local history against a section of a longer hiking route. The landscape itself is a steep, meadow-covered southwestern slope with a southwesterly facing terrace.

Church, art and settlement center

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista stands in a panoramic location. It was built in 1667 after an avalanche destroyed its predecessor, which had been consecrated in 1404. Its single-nave layout, square choir and side chapels give the complex a clear basic form. The furnishings include a valuable wooden altar dating from 1791 by local artist Felice Rigoli. The sculptural group, which came from Milan, depicts the Crucifixion.

The settlement center is home to a compact group of traditional Leventina-style buildings; many of the masonry houses date from the 19th century. The Casa Patriziale is also a building from this century. The house is characterized by three bays, three stories, a portico and a pyramidal roof of stone slabs. The chapel of S. Antonio da Padova was built in 1678 on the eastern edge of the village center. The church, chapel and residential buildings illustrate different facets of local history—from sacred buildings with their own dates of construction to the characteristic form of the village center.

Landscape and historic paths

An old mule track led up from the valley to the complex with the parish church and continued uphill to the settlement center. This makes it possible to explore the village along a historic route: from the valley to the church complex and further uphill to the residential center. This local route runs alongside the longer hiking connection of the Strada Alta, which links Anzonico with other villages.

Hiking on the Strada Alta

The Strada Alta della Leventina runs for 48 km from Airolo to Biasca and passes through Anzonico. The stages Osco–Anzonico and Anzonico–Biasca are associated with the village. The route is well signposted and passes through historic villages. When considering the hiking options, it is helpful to distinguish between the overall route and the two named stages: Anzonico lies on a longer route, but can also be considered in connection with one of the explicitly named sections.

The old mule track describes a historic route between the valley, the parish church and the settlement center; the Strada Alta runs for 48 km between Airolo and Biasca. This brings two different scales together: the local route and the longer trail through historic villages. Along the Strada Alta, there are several places where you can easily return to the valley on foot or by post bus. As route details may be updated, it is worth checking the latest route information before planning a stage.

Local cuisine and game dishes in autumn

Osteria Anzonico serves traditional local dishes and typical regional cuisine. In autumn, the menu includes various game dishes, such as Baden-Baden-style saddle of venison, venison medallions, game ragout and roast chamois. As a specialty, game fondue chinoise is available by advance order. If you plan to try these dishes, bear in mind the autumn season and the advance-order requirement for the fondue. Seasonal dishes and terms may change, so check the menu before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Prato, Piotta, Quinto Ti, Sobrio, Cavagnago, Airolo, Giornico, Chironico.

For the broader travel overview: Leventina.