We reached the charming and peaceful village of Rasa, located at around 900 metres above sea level, by cable car from the Verdasio stop. The village can be reached in two ways, on foot or by cable car. The ride takes just a few minutes. And at the top, your eyes are delighted by the incredible view of the snow-capped peaks.
The mountain scenery includes the small St. Anne’s Church, built in the first half of the 17th century, and rustic stone buildings. The whole creates a unique atmosphere.
Terra Vecchia settlement
Walking down the trail you pass the settlement of Terra Vecchia, where the village of Rasa was originally located. Over the centuries, the inhabitants left the old village, the reason being economic emigration. In 1631, well-paid jobs became vacant at the Livorno customs station. The villagers therefore seized the opportunity and, on their return, did not want to return to their old, abandoned houses. With the money they earned, they built elegant houses in today’s Rasa.
The old village of Terra Vecchia, falling into disrepair with each passing year and dominated by nature, was restored over several decades by the Terra Vecchia Foundation. During the restoration work, an effort was made to faithfully reproduce every detail, using local materials wherever possible and saving the elements that survived. I don’t know what the place looked like before, but it is very impressive now.
The deserted village of Bordea
The Terra Vecchia Foundation also renovated some dilapidated houses in the village of Bordei, a kilometre away. Here too, stone was the main building material. Although the village looked completely deserted, not including the herd of cows grazing in the meadow, it was very well cared for and polished.
After visiting the historic villages, the trail continues through the dense forest. In March, the climate here was still autumn-winter. Admittedly, there was little snow, but dry leaves – an endless stream. Along the way, you pass mountain streams and the ruins of stone houses. The surroundings are truly magical.
The road itself is quite varied, alternating between going up and down. As a result, there is not such a heavy load on the legs. However, you have to be careful as the paths are rocky.
The historic Ponte Romano bridge
Finally, there is still the crossing of the beautiful arched stone bridge, the Ponte Romano, under which the Melezza River flows. The bridge is very old, dating back to 1578. In its centre is a small chapel dedicated to the Madonna and Saint John of Nepomuk, who is the patron saint of bridges and protects against dangerous water.
The trail ends in the equally atmospheric village of Intragna. If you have some time left before the train departs back to Locarno, I encourage you to take a spin through the village streets.
