On the ridge of a spur-shaped terrace, in a clearing on the slopes of Pizzo Ruscada, Borgnone lies near the turnoff from the cantonal road to Lionza and Costa. The historic center, the Salée Chapel and the traces of rural life in Lionza offer different cultural and historical points of interest during a stay. Pizzo Ruscada also provides a focus for landscape and hiking.

Village Character and the Salée Chapel

The historic center consists of residential houses and former stables along a narrow, paved path; the buildings date from the 17th to the 19th century. The route and the mix of residential houses and former stables shape the character of the settlement. The village landscapes of the districts of Borgnone, Costa and Lionza are classified as sites of national importance. Borgnone also lies on the border with the Italian region of Piedmont.

The Salée Chapel was built in 1694 at the request of the Guizzi family. Its age and the quality of its frescoes make it one of the most notable and important chapels in the Centovalli. It lies just beyond Borgnone, at the entrance to the Via del Mercato, a historic route listed in the Inventory of Historic Routes of National Importance. In the past, this route was used as a mule track to the market. Salée thus brings together two cultural themes: sacred art and the history of a historic route.

Rural Heritage in Lionza

The Parco dei Mulini lies above Borgnone in the village of Lionza, at the start of the Sentiero del Mercato. Traces of rural life have been preserved there: the remains of a hammer mill, the ruins of several mills, a bread oven dating from 1884 and a washhouse once supplied by a lukewarm spring. The contrast with the historic center is clear: in Borgnone, houses, former stables and a paved path shape the settlement; in Lionza, the focus is on traces of rural work. The Sentiero del Mercato was once used as a mule track to the market. The Parco dei Mulini is about a twenty-minute walk from Camedo; the approximate walking time may vary depending on conditions.

Trails and Landscape

On the Camedo–Intragna stage, the Via del Mercato passes through Borgnone, Lionza, Verdasio, Slogna, Calezzo, Costa and Pila. Shortly after Borgnone, a small oratory marks the start of the ancient route. The sequence of villages shows how the route connects Borgnone to a trail that runs from Camedo to Intragna. If you are planning this stage, check local trail conditions before setting out.

Pizzo Ruscada is a prominent peak in the Centovalli and a viewpoint accessible via marked, well-used trails. It therefore provides a distinct landscape and hiking focus alongside the history of the villages: here, the summit takes center stage, while the cultural themes are spread across the settlement, chapel and traces of rural work.

For Mass times at the Chiesa della B.V.M. Assunta in Borgnone, consult the current parish bulletin.

Discover more destinations: Vira, Porto Ronco, Sonogno, Onsernone, Piazzogna, Brissago, Mergoscia, Brione

For the broader travel overview: Locarno.