Campello – Heritage and Mountain Sports

Campello is a settlement in the municipality of Faido, in the Leventina district of the canton of Ticino. It lies at an altitude of 1,361 metres above sea level. Its history, the Baroque parish church of Santa Margherita, and the designated protected landscapes give it a different focus from the winter and mountain sports on offer. When planning your trip, you can therefore first consider whether architecture and heritage, landscapes, or outdoor activities matter most to you. The village’s origins are traditionally traced back to the mid-18th century: after the settlement of Fontanedo was abandoned, its population settled in Campello. From 1853, Campello was an independent municipality; in 2012, it was incorporated into the municipality of Faido.

Santa Margherita and Local Heritage

The parish church of Santa Margherita was built in the Baroque style in 1632 and is designated as local heritage worthy of protection. Its two-bay nave with groin vaults, a side chapel, and polygonal choir give the building a clearly articulated form. The term “two-bay” describes the division of the nave into two vaulted sections. The interior was completely renovated in 1961 and restored in 1995. The artworks include a choir fresco by Frà Roberto from 1965, as well as a tabernacle and crucifix by Milo Cleis from 1964. The Chapel of the Virgin Mary also contains a dressed statue of the Virgin Mary from the early 19th century. A traditional residential house in Campello is also designated as local heritage worthy of protection.

Protected Landscapes and Natural Features

The protected landscapes cover areas of particular scenic value; their protected character and the harmony of the area are to be preserved. Protected natural features include wet and nutrient-poor meadows, dry-stone walls, and “ciossene”—individual trees or groups of trees. Springs, watercourses with their banks and riverside vegetation, and alpine ponds are also included. Pastures and alpine pastures round out the agricultural landscape. Together, these different features give you a concrete sense of the natural and cultural landscapes protected in Campello.

Sports Activities Around Carì

The Carì ski area is associated with the postcode 6760 Campello. The sports on offer include alpine skiing, mountain biking, and snowboarding. The facilities are listed as having two chairlifts, two magic carpets, and 20 kilometres of groomed pistes; future expansions may change these figures. A three-kilometre toboggan run and snowshoe trails add to the seasonal options. Whether these activities are available depends on snow and operating conditions.

The Centro sportivo Pro Carì includes a natural ice rink and a grass playing field; individual facilities may be seasonal. The Centro tennistico TC Carì has an uncovered tennis court with a synthetic surface. As access arrangements may change, check them before visiting. Local sports offerings therefore include not only winter sports but also facilities for tennis and other activities, which may be available at different times.

Hiking Trails and Mountain Hut

The Rifugio Gana Rossa is an alpine hut that is open year-round, is not staffed, and has a sleeping room for twelve people. Check the current access conditions before setting out. The walk from the hut to the Laghi di Motella takes about 50 minutes and is suitable for well-equipped hikers in good weather. The approximate walking time therefore comes with clear weather and equipment requirements.

The described “Strada Alta” hiking route passes through Campello or takes a turnoff to Campello. On the way back, you can skip this turnoff, reducing the ascent by about 250 metres in elevation. For the connection to the Laghi di Motella, the approximate duration, weather, and equipment are the main considerations; for the Strada Alta, the optional turnoff and its effect on the ascent are most relevant. This lets you distinguish the planning details for each route without confusing their respective conditions.

Discover more destinations: Faido, Cavagnago, Airolo, Lavorgo, Bodio Ti, Giornico, Piotta, Quinto Ti

For the broader travel guide: Leventina.