Contone can be explored through three distinct themes: the “Tra monti e lago” nature trail, the history of its churches and the wine experiences offered by Cantina Il Cavaliere. When planning your stay, you can focus on getting active, cultural heritage or good food and drink.
Contone at the foot of Monte Ceneri
Contone lies on the road from Magadino to Cadenazzo at the foot of Monte Ceneri, with the settlement nestled against the mountain. Today, Contone is a district of the municipality of Gambarogno in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Until 24 April 2010, it was an independent political municipality. Contone’s local Lombard dialect is called “Cuntugn”.
Nature trail and detour to San Nicola
The “Tra monti e lago” nature trail connects Dirinella with Cadenazzo FFS railway station and was extended to Contone in 2017. It is suitable for schoolchildren, families and people of all ages, and can be walked in either direction without difficulty. As local conditions may vary, check the trail’s condition before setting out.
A path branches off the main route and leads to the Chapel of San Nicola, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, in a 15-minute walk. The area around the presumed site of the ancient Church of San Nicola was recognized as an archaeologically interesting zone in 2003. A chapel was built beside this presumed site in 2015, with an information board directly next to it.
Church history and art
The Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista is documented from 1596; it was preceded by an old chapel dating from between 1150 and 1200. Its dedication to John is connected with the presence of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in Contone, which later became the Order of Malta. From 1219, Contone was home to a hospice run by the Order of Saint John. In 1529, the order became the Order of Malta. The hospice, together with its houses, land, churches and forests, later became the Contone commandery, owned by the order.
The church contains several works with clearly identified artists and dates. Johannes Dobler’s 1698 painting depicts the Crucifixion, Saint John and Saint Lawrence. A painting by Giovanni Antonio Vanoni, dating from 1872, depicts Saint Nicholas of Bari. There is also a carved antependium by Remo Rossi from 1955, titled “Il giorno di S. Nicolao”.
Religious traditions
Every year on Dominica in albis, the Sunday after Easter, a traditional religious procession leads the people of Contone from the Church of San Giovanni to the Church of San Leonardo in Robasacco. It follows the route between the two churches. The procession’s precise historical date and its reason are not documented; the specific arrangements may vary from year to year.
The distribution of blessed bread has also been preserved as a tradition in Contone. According to local tradition, it originated in an old vow made during an epidemic among livestock.
Wine at Cantina Il Cavaliere
Cantina Il Cavaliere, Via Cantonale 41, 6594 Contone, produces DOC white, rosé and red wines, as well as grappa. Offerings include tours of the vineyards and winery, and wine tastings accompanied by local cured meats, bread and cheese. Visits and tastings are by appointment. Arrange a time in advance, as availability may change.
Discover more destinations: Tegna, Gordola, Cavigliano, Porto Ronco, Vira, Muralto, Brione Sopra Minusio, Borgnone.
For the full travel overview: Locarno.
