Cerentino is characterized by small settlement clusters: its traditional settlement pattern comprises eleven main settlements, not all of which are still inhabited today. Hiking trails connect some of these village centers; historic buildings reveal other facets of the area. When planning your trip, you can focus on hiking, architectural history or the landscape.
Hiking trails between hamlets and alpine pastures
A full-day circular walk follows various trails to all the hamlets of Cerentino. These trails connect the individual settlement clusters, making the walk a way to experience the scattered settlement pattern on a longer hike. Another option is the white-and-red-marked hiking trail from Linescio to Campo Vallemaggia. It passes through Collinasca, Cerentino and Perdipiodi and explores local history and culture. Check the route details before setting out.
For a trail with alpine destinations, a mountain path leads from Corzora–Corsopra to the alpine pastures, Alpe Piégn Crösc and Pizzo Bombögn. Corzora–Corsopra is Cerentino’s highest hamlet; its rural character is defined by settlement clusters surrounded by meadows. The recommended route from Cerentino to Cimalmotto offers a different historical perspective: it follows part of the old mule track and passes several chapels. Check local conditions before taking these trails.
Buildings and craftsmanship
Cerentino’s history can also be read in its buildings. The rectory includes a 15th-century granary, whose façade features five frescoes with Marian motifs. The present parish church was built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The Church of Beata Vergine delle Grazie features 19th-century fresco decorations by Giacomo Antonio Pedrazzi of Cerentino. Its main altar is in the Rococo style and dates to 1759.
In Camanoglio, the Oratorio di Sant’Antonio da Padova was built as a votive chapel in 1602 and extensively remodeled in the 19th century. Its furnishings include an ornate stucco altar and a statue of the patron saint from the early 17th century. The Cerentino patrician palace was built in 1866 away from the hamlets.
A look at Collinasca adds the area’s former river-based crafts to this architectural history. Until the 19th century, the former craft zone there had eight water-powered facilities: six mills and two sawmills. The former sawmill was in the large building that now houses a craft paper mill. If you plan to visit, check access to the paper mill in advance.
Landscape and location
Cerentino lies at an elevation of about 977 meters above sea level. Most settlements are in scenic locations that also receive plenty of sunshine in winter. At elevations above 1,000 meters, centuries-old chestnut and walnut trees grow. The municipality covers 2,010 hectares: 66.2 percent is covered by forest and woodland, while another 27.6 percent is unproductive land, mostly mountainous terrain.
The waterways also shape the area’s geography: south of Collinasca, the Rovana di Campo and the Rovana di Bosco/Gurin converge. They flow into the Maggia at Visletto in the municipality of Cevio. These landscape features add another perspective on Cerentino and its surroundings to the hiking and architectural history highlights.
Plan your journey and accommodation search
PostBus Route 331 serves the Chiesa and Paese stops in Cerentino, as well as several stops in Collinasca, and runs towards Cevio. The timetable is valid from December 14, 2025, to December 12, 2026; check it before traveling. This can help you tailor your search to the activities you want to shape your stay around.
Discover more destinations: Cavergno, Brontallo, Menzonio, Maggia, Linescio, Campo, Avegno Ti, Piano Di Peccia
For the main travel overview: Vallemaggia.
