Churches with frescoes spanning several centuries, hilly trails and an augmented-reality experience in Piazza del Tiglio give Cugnasco-Gerra a variety of distinctive features. During your stay, you can choose between sacred art, historic architecture and exploring the hills.
Cugnasco is a locality within the municipality of Cugnasco-Gerra in the Locarno district. It lies on the northern edge of the Magadino plain, and the Ticino flows through its southernmost part. This places the locality geographically between the plain and the river.
Churches, frescoes and historic buildings
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Cugnasco was consecrated on 8 September 1463. Its frescoes date from the 15th and 16th centuries and form a remarkable cycle. The best-preserved fresco in the north chapel depicts the crowned Virgin Mary; a fresco of the Last Judgment is on the west wall. These two subjects give the church interior distinct themes. If you would like to see inside the church, check current access arrangements before your trip.
The Church of San Giuseppe was built between 1635 and 1664. Its portico outside the church was added around 1880, and the interior contains 19th-century frescoes. The construction, portico and interior paintings thus belong to different historical periods. Those interested in architecture and visual art can explore both the building’s original period and its later additions.
The Torchio di Sciarana was built in 1775. The rustic building housing the press features a devotional fresco on its exterior façade: it was commissioned by Antonio Bravo and painted by Rotanzi from Peccia. Here, the building and the artwork go together, while the history of the Torchio extends beyond its date of construction. The former parish church of San Martino in Dido has frescoes from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Typical farmhouses from earlier centuries can also be found in the municipality of Cugnasco-Gerra, adding another historic architectural style to the sacred examples.
Hilly trails and a digital experience
The Percorsi Benessere are a network of hilly trails for free fitness activities and for discovering cultural and ecological features along the routes. The three routes are suitable for all age groups. They start and end at Via Medoscio: information boards help you choose a route, while signposts guide walkers along the way. Towards the end of the Percorsi Benessere, there is also a place where you can meditate for a few minutes. The network thus brings together exercise, wayfinding and a quieter pause along the routes.
An augmented-reality experience in Piazza del Tiglio combines physical and virtual elements. Visitors can use a smartphone or tablet to access informative, educational, artistic and historical content. This offers another way to engage with the locality’s themes alongside its churches and frescoes: not through a historic building, but through digital content available in the piazza.
Gastronomic tour
A gastronomic tour is offered in the municipality, and registration is compulsory. Chef Caterina Vosti conceived the tour and personally presents it as an autumnal interpretation. If you would like to include this culinary aspect in your stay, check the dates and registration details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Agarone, Gerra, Lavertezzo, Contone, Ronco Sopra Ascona, Caviano, Cavigliano, Porto Ronco.
Back to the main travel overview: Locarno.
