The Park of the Gole della Breggia in Ticino is a real open-air museum, in fact for UNESCO this Geopark is a real model. This is a protected natural area in Switzerland in the southernmost part of Canton Ticino.
The peculiarity of this Park is certainly its geology: in fact, it is a precious casket for biodiversity. But, in addition to this, this natural area shows the local industry and the economic history of Ticino. The park aims to protect the different geological elements found here, as well as the natural and cultural elements.
Once here, you will be able to take a journey through time, from the more than 200 million years that the rocks will tell you about. Add to this the fascination of 2000 years of human history: from Roman tombs, through the mills, to the concrete industry. And all this thanks to the Breggia torrent, which reveals it in just under a couple of kilometers!
Experiences at the Park of the Gole della Breggia in Ticino
You can choose either to visit the park on your own or to be accompanied by a tour guide. We suggest this second option to be able to fully appreciate it. What is certain is that, once here, you will be able to relax yourself while walking surrounded by nature.
But let’s discover together some of the experiences that you cannot miss at the Park of the Gole della Breggia in Ticino!
Journeys through Time and Nature
The Breggia torrent has created gorges that are one of the most important geological sites south of the Alps. It is the water that slowly but inexorably excavates the flint limestone, the oldest rocks in the upper part of the park. The route is suitable for everyone.
Why should you have this experience? Because understanding what the past is like can help you better understand the present!
Journey through Human Time
This experience will take you back in time to the Roman Tombs of the 3rd century A.D. and also to the first mills of the 13th century. And you will also be able to admire the Chiesa Rossa (red church) which is one of the monuments of national interest, with its Gothic frescoes that are the richest in Canton Ticino. The route is suitable for everyone.
Concrete Route
With this route, you will be able to do the same route that more than one and a half million cubic metres of majolic and flake have done, from the quarries, to the oil mill and on to the furnace tower, where they were processed and transformed into concrete. Today, an educational and exhibition space is set up in this former place of processing. The route is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia, epilepsy, heart or respiratory problems. Helmets, lamps, and vests are provided by the park.
Ecological Path
This is like a microcosm where special climatic conditions, combined with the permeability of the karst soil, have given rise to microclimates alongside gorges and ponds, resulting in unique biodiversity. The suite is suitable for everyone.
Didactic grinding
What could be better than enjoying the smell of the freshly milled wheat and feeling like a little miller at least for a day? Nothing! Then take part in the didactic grinding at the Mulino del Ghitello (Ghitello mill).
It is an artifact dating back to 1696 with a mill with millstones for wheat, cereals, and corn and also an oil mill for pressing nuts and linseed. This experience is suitable for everyone,
The duration of the various routes is about 3 hours and for all the other information you can click here.
