The best traffic-free bike rides around Mergoscia

The Ponte dei Salti is a medieval stone bridge with two arches over the emerald-green waters of the Verzasca River near Lavertezzo in Ticino. It was built in the 17th century and is considered a regionally important cultural asset. The arches have spans of approximately 14 meters. In 1868, part of the bridge was damaged by flooding (particularly an abutment on the right bank), causing one arch to collapse. It was later rebuilt in 1960. The Ponte dei Salti is not only a popular photo subject but also a swimming and diving spot. Some people jump from the bridgehead into the cold, clear water – although the current and deep pools pose dangers, especially at high water levels.

Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Stephen, Bellinzona This Renaissance building was designed by a master, Tomaso Rodari from Maroggia (sculptor and architect of the Como Cathedral). The stately façade, constructed of dark Castione stone, dominates the high flight of steps and, between the small, early Renaissance-style side portals, encloses the magnificent main portal, decorated in the upper part with the city's coat of arms. Of particular interest is the large, twelve-pointed rose window (5 m in diameter), created in the late 15th or early 16th centuries. The single-nave interior dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. The church, dating from the 17th century, is rich in stucco work from the 17th century and features a double row of side chapels decorated with paintings from various centuries, predominantly from the 17th century, by famous artists such as Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli (known as Morazzone), Camillo Procaccini, and Bartolomeo Roverio (known as il Genovesino). Among the frescoes, the "Musical Angels" by Giuseppe Antonio Felice Orelli from Locarno, painted in 1770, is particularly noteworthy. The main altarpiece, a Crucifixion attributed to Simone Peterzano, is beautiful. Also worth seeing is the pulpit made of polished colored plaster (an imitation of precious marble), created in 1784, and the holy water font located at the entrance (to the left of the right side portal). This is also called the "fontana trivulziana" (Trivulziana Fountain) because in the 15th century it was a castle fountain owned by the Trivulzio family of Mesocco. A faithful replica of this gem of 15th-century Lombard sculpture stands in the Sforza Castle in Milan. The Collegiata, property of the city of Bellinzona, is the seat of the city center's Catholic parish. It is administered by a chapter of canons under an archpriest. The oratory of St. Martha leans against the northern side wall of the church. The interior consists of a rectangular hall, the walls of which were completely covered with frescoes by Varese painters in 1762. The vaulted ceiling is also painted and depicts the "Triumph of St. Martha," the saint whose 17th-century wooden statue sits enthroned on the marble altar consecrated in 1763. Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona https://www.ticino.ch/de/commons/details/Stiftskirche-St-Pietro-e-Stefano/2841.html

E-Bike Ladestation

really a nice place to visit

On the Monti di Motti there is a modern, super charging station for all common models and it's even free!

How wonderful! Lake Maggiore with the Brissago Islands is an enchanting place. After a nice bike ride to the Sacro Monte, stop to enjoy the view of the islands and the crystal clear waters of the lake. The climb starts from via Gerusalemme (in front of the town hall), which leads to the baroque chapel of the Annunciata. You can reach the sanctuary by following the Via Crucis (chapels with works by Fra' Roberto Pasotti, 1999-2000) or by following the "mill path" in the valley (on foot). The two roads join towards the IX chapel, called "of the Jews", near the sanctuary. The building, comprising the church of the Addolorata and the house in a single complex (it was once the rector's palace) is in Baroque style.

View of Locarno

From here the route to reach Sassariente starts Monti Motti reachable by car from Cugnasco