For any kind of gloom, be it autumn or winter, I recommend a hike with a large dose of sunshine, such as the sunny Locarno.

The entire route is bathed in sunshine. Plus sensational views of Lake Maggiore and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. A surge of endorphins guaranteed.

The route takes you from Locarno train station towards the sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso. From here you have a magnificent panoramic view of the city.

Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary

The history of the sanctuary complex dates back to 1480, the year in which, according to legend, the Virgin appeared to the Franciscan Bartolomeo Piatti of Ivrea. To commemorate the apparition, in 1485 a chapel was built high above the town, on a huge rock, dedicated to the Madonna del Sasso. The word sasso in Italian means stone, rock. Hence the name ‘Madonna del Sasso’.

Over the years, the complex has grown and changed. Today, together with the Church of the Annunciation, the Sanctuary, the chapels representing the Stations of the Cross and the monastery, it is a heritage of art, history and, for many, a pilgrimage destination.

The trail runs right through the courtyard of the sanctuary and leads higher up to the top station of the Orselina Funicolare cable car. This also means that the route can be shortened by taking the cable car up to the top.

Further on, the approaches are gentler, the buildings are left behind and the trail leads along forest paths.

Stone bridge “El pont del Sipp”

Several small bridges are crossed along the way. One in particular caught my eye. It is a stone bridge over the Navegna stream, called “El pont del Sipp”. It was built in 1750 and replaced a wooden bridge from the early 15th century. According to stories told by the inhabitants of the former municipality of Brione, a farmer, named Sipp, lived near this bridge during the summer season. Hence the name of the bridge “El pont del Sipp”.

This interesting trail with beautiful views ends at the railway station in the village of Tenero.