Ticino

Breggia Gorge Park

The lower part of Valle di Muggio is home to the Breggia Gorge Park, which offers geological treasures and more besides. Travel back in time to 200 million years ago and immerse yourself in bygone eras.

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Two people walk along a path in the Breggia Gorge Park. © Ticino Turismo, Alessio Pizzicannella
© Ticino Turismo, Alessio Pizzicannella

The Breggia Gorge Park is the first geopark in Switzerland and spans the municipalities of Balerna, Castel San Pietro, Morbio Inferiore and Morbio Superiore. Walk through the park and marvel at its unique terrain, shaped by the river over thousands of years.

When you visit the park, there are two different paths to explore: the historical and the geological.

Part 1 − the historical path

Alight at the PostBus stop “Morbio Inferiore, Ghitello”, and in just a few minutes, you will reach Mulino del Ghitello, a mill dating back to 1606. From there, you can begin the first path, which follows the river to Mulin da Canaa.

Alongside the biotopes and rich biodiversity, you can admire numerous testaments to human activity, such as the former cement works and the Chiesa Rossa (Red Church), which was built in 1343.

Part 2 − the geological path

The second path, which focuses on geology, leads from Mulin da Canaa to Mulino di Ghitello. This trail showcases the incredible traces of an ancient seabed rich in fossils and clays that date back to the Jurassic and Tertiary Periods. Feel free to admire the fossils, but be aware that collecting them is strictly prohibited!

Near the first mill, you can see the oldest stratified rocks in the park. As you move southwards, you will see more recent rocks of different colours. Mulino del Ghitello is home to the sediment that was deposited by the water most recently – this dates back to the Quaternary Period.

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins (including time to read on-site information)

Difficulty level

Easy

Length

5.5 km

Altitude difference

250 m uphill / 250 m downhill

Outward journey

PostBus stop “Morbio Inferiore, Ghitello”

Return journey

PostBus stop “Morbio Inferiore, Ghitello”

  • On this route, you will also enjoy the three-tone horn, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

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