In Piano di Peccia, a historic village center, marble and sculpture are among the things to discover, along with hikes into the mountain area. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between what is available in the village and the surrounding area, and routes with their different trail characteristics.
Marble and Sculpture
Marble has been quarried and worked near Peccia since 1946. In the wider area around Piano di Peccia, next to Gèiba at an altitude of about 1,300 meters, there is a marble quarry that produces several hundred cubic meters of marble each year. Its approximate elevation and connection to the quarry make marble more than just an exhibition topic here: it also shapes the history of working with local stone.
The Scuola di Scultura in the wider area offers various sculpture courses from spring to autumn, open to anyone interested. Workspaces include four studios that can be rented for longer stays. Also in the wider area is the Centro Internazionale di Scultura. It is accessible by car and public transport. Five artists-in-residence take turns there, and international exhibitions are also held. Guided visits can be arranged on request.
Village Character and Traces of Marble
In the original village center of Piano di Peccia stands an oratory built in 1640. Old stables with wooden haylofts and gabled roofs offer further glimpses of local architecture. Looking farther afield, in the hamlet of Gèiba, one building bears marble inscriptions dating from the 16th century. Marblework adorns both the interior and exterior of the parish church in San Carlo. These places show different facets of marble use, from inscriptions and church art to the quarrying and working of stone.
Hiking Trails and Mountain Destinations
An easy hiking route leads from Piano di Peccia to Peccia. It is 8.8 kilometers long, with 198 meters of ascent and 401 meters of descent. Another route leads to the Capanna Poncione di Braga in the Valle di Peccia. It passes through forest and extensive pastures, goes by Lago della Froda, and becomes steep from Corte di Fondo di Sròdan onward. The hut is located at the foot of Pizzo Castello, at 2,000 meters above sea level. It is staffed in summer; the area around the hut is also considered popular for ski touring.
Plan for Seasonal Offerings
Sculpture courses run from spring to autumn. Vallemaggia cheese is made and sold at Corte della Froda in summer. If you plan to buy cheese, it is advisable to confirm that sales are currently operating before setting out.
Access to the Bolla and Froda Alpine Pastures
The road from Piano di Peccia to the Bolla and Froda alpine pastures leads to the grazing areas there. It is a gravel road and requires a 4x4 vehicle. You can pick up the barrier key at Ristorante Monaci in San Carlo in the Valle di Peccia. As road conditions and arrangements may change, confirm access and key collection before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Gordevio, Menzonio, Avegno-Gordevio, Bosco/Gurin, Lavizzara, Maggia, Cevio, Linescio.
Back to the main travel overview: Vallemaggia.
