As its name implies – maggia means major – the Valle Maggia is the largest valley of the northern part of Ticino also called Locarnese - approx 570 km², what is round about a fifth of the whole Canton Ticino. Piero Bianconi describes it as „branched, knotted and separating like a hand: to Val di Campo, Val di Bosco, Val Bavona, Val Lavizza and Val Peccia.“ It offers numerous attractions which are in the first place the gorgeous nature with its river and their favoured sandy banks, rock climbing and other mountain activities such as the approx. 700km of official trails. Bosco Gurin, well-known as a skiing resort, is the only place in the Ticino where the habitants speak a German dialect. The place does not only offer beautiful slopes, but also a very interesting museum about the village’s history. And in the „Museo di Valemaggia “, which is in the Palazzo Franzoni in the old core of Cevio, you can learn about the sensational story of the whole valley. Did you know that from 1907 till 1965 the „Maggia-Bahn“, a small railway which transported passengers from Locarno to Bignasco has existed? The story about this historical railway and much more is on display in that precious museum. But that is not all. The valley also offers a rich cultural artefact as for example the „Vallemaggia Pietraviva “ and the„Vallemaggia Magic Blues “ which is celebrated by international artists yearly on the numerous village squares since a long time. And last but of least a further attraction are the lovely typical Rustici – the old Ticino Houses – and Palazzi.

Source: www.si-su.ch

Posted By: Claudia Starck