Camorino: Trails, Towers and Churches

Camorino is a district of the municipality of Bellinzona in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It lies south of Bellinzona’s centre, on the Morobbia. Camorino was first mentioned in 1237 in connection with properties belonging to the chapter of the collegiate church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. The history of the settlement therefore dates back to the 13th century. Travel highlights include trails and a cable car for excursions, as well as several religious buildings with distinctive artistic and architectural features. If you are looking for a hotel in Camorino, these highlights can help you plan your stay.

Trails, Towers and Historic Traces

The approximately two-hour Hunger Forts educational trail follows a section of the Dufour defensive line within the municipality of Camorino. Signposts and information panels guide visitors along the route, which passes through vineyards and woods. Along the way, visitors can see five towers up close: Ai Scarsitt, Ai Munt, Ala Pélera, Al Sass del Camósc and Al Pian di Bur. Some are ruins, while others have been restored; their condition may change. The trail thus combines an approximate duration with a clearly identified historical theme and specific stops.

The Via del Ceneri offers a different perspective on the region’s routes: it passes through Sant'Antonino, Camorino and Giubiasco, and can officially be extended to Bellinzona. The two routes therefore differ in their described features: the Hunger Forts trail focuses on the educational trail, the defensive line and the towers; the Via del Ceneri is defined by its route through several towns and the option of extending it to Bellinzona.

By Cable Car to Monti di Croveggia

The Teleferica Camorino-Monti di Croveggia takes passengers from Camorino to Monti di Croveggia in about ten minutes. The area is a starting point for numerous hikes. The cabin seats four people. The cable car operates from March to November. Check the timetable with the operator before travelling. The approximate journey time can be factored in as a separate part of your schedule; it does not refer to the duration of the Hunger Forts educational trail. The cable car ride and the educational trail offer different ways to include routes and hikes in your stay.

Oratories and Chiesa di S. Martino

The Oratorio di San Giulio is documented from the 16th century. After a flood in 1864, it was rebuilt slightly farther north. Three paintings on the façade depict episodes from the life of Saint Julius. The oratory also contains a 16th-century altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child between Saints Julius and Lucia. The rebuilding history, façade paintings and altarpiece give the oratory distinct historical and artistic associations.

The Oratorio di Santa Maria Annunziata is a single-nave Baroque building, mentioned in documents as early as 1636. “Single-nave” describes the layout of a building with one main nave; “Baroque” refers to the architectural style. At the Chiesa di S. Martino, different traces of time come together. The present-day building dates from 1888, while the bell tower dates from the 16th to 17th centuries. The portal is made of Castione stone and bears the date 1553. The church also houses a 15th-century processional cross. These dates therefore refer to different parts and objects, not to a single phase of construction.

The trails and cable car offer a different focus from the religious buildings: the former highlight routes, hiking and approximate journey times; the latter help place local history in context through dated architectural and artistic features. You can therefore include Camorino in your travel plans according to your interest in trails, historic towers or churches.

Discover more destinations: Pianezzo, Monte Carasso, Lumino Ti, Cadenazzo, Carasso, Sementina, Gnosca, Isone

For the main travel overview: Bellinzona.