Bodio TI is known for hiking trails in the Valle Leventina, as well as its church and industrial history. The parish church of Santo Stefano combines Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Baroque elements.

Hiking in the Valle Leventina

The “Di chiesa in chiesa sopra la Valle Leventina” route starts in Bodio TI. Hiking trails from Bodio also lead to the Strada alta della Leventina near Sobrio. If you plan to hike these trails, check local trail conditions before setting off. A cultural and historical route in the Valle Leventina also follows a historic path with paved sections, steps, bridges and rural buildings. The trail design and buildings along the route are part of the hiking experience. Near Monda, a short detour from the trail leads to a waterfall. One route in the area crosses an old Roman bridge over the Ticino and then reaches the village centre of Giornico.

Churches and local history

The parish church of Santo Stefano in Bodio was first mentioned in a document in 1227. In the 15th century, a landslide destroyed the church. The bell tower was built in 1776; between 1856 and 1857, the main building underwent extensive changes and acquired its present appearance. These dates mark different phases: the early mention does not date the church’s present appearance.

The Chiesetta di San Felice is also located in Gesora, in Bodio. Bodio is also the birthplace of Stefano Franscini. Together with Santo Stefano, these connections offer a glimpse into the municipality’s church and local history.

Industry, the Ticino and nature

The Monteforno steelworks operated in Bodio, in the Valle Leventina, from 1946 to 1994. It is connected to Bodio’s economic, industrial and social history and is considered one of Ticino’s most important industrial enterprises. Monteforno was named after Pizzo Forno, a 2,907-metre-high mountain visible to the north from Bodio. The old Biaschina power plant in Bodio is also part of the industrial heritage and has architectural value.

Another story concerns the historic practice of floating timber down the Ticino. The so-called “fosso” was a partly artificial basin where logs were collected and prepared. They were then tied together into small rafts and sent downstream. The basin was therefore part of preparing the timber for transport on the Ticino.

The Biotopo AlpTransit Gaïsc is located above the south portal of the railway base tunnel near Bodio. It includes shrubs, dry meadows and a pond. Companies and schools can take part in group eco-volunteering activities at the biotope. If you plan to participate, check the current arrangements in advance.

Getting there and finding accommodation

You can reach Bodio TI by train and bus from Airolo or Bellinzona. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Giornico, Lavorgo, Sobrio, Quinto, Prato, Campello, Airolo, Anzonico

For the broader travel overview: Leventina.