Discover Cugnasco-Gerra

Cugnasco is a locality within the municipality of Cugnasco-Gerra in the Locarno district of Ticino. The locality lies on the northern edge of the Magadino plain; the Ticino River flows through its southernmost part. This offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: ecclesiastical art, architectural history and exercise on signposted trails.

Churches and art

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Cugnasco was consecrated on 8 September 1463 and features a remarkable cycle of paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. The best-preserved fresco in the north chapel depicts the crowned Virgin Mary; a fresco of the Last Judgment is on the west wall. The two works focus on different subjects.

The Church of San Giuseppe was built between 1635 and 1664. The portico outside the church was added around 1880; inside are frescoes from the 19th century. The construction period, later portico and interior paintings can thus be understood as distinct historical layers.

Other historical traces

The Torchio di Sciarana was built in 1775. The rustic building housing the press has a devotional fresco on its outer facade: Antonio Bravo commissioned it, and the painter Rotanzi from Peccia executed it. Here, a historic building, a dated press and the personal attribution of the fresco come together.

The former parish church of San Martino in Dido also has frescoes dating from the 15th to the 17th century. The municipality of Cugnasco-Gerra is also home to typical farmhouses from earlier centuries. These buildings complement the sacred artworks with further insights into the municipality’s architectural history.

Above Cugnasco, in Curogna, the Church of SS Anna e Cristoforo has Romanesque origins and was extended in the 16th century. Its many frescoes include a Majestas Domini, an Annunciation and a Madonna lactans between saints. The church is closed to visitors all year round.

Trails and experiences

The three Percorsi Benessere form a network of hilly routes for free fitness activities and for discovering cultural and ecological features along the way. They are suitable for all age groups. All start and end at Via Medoscio; information boards help you choose a route, and signposts guide walkers.

Towards the end of the Percorsi Benessere, there is a place where you can meditate for a few minutes. The routes thus combine exercise with cultural and ecological impressions, as well as a brief opportunity for quiet reflection. The boards at the starting point help you choose the right route.

At Piazza del Tiglio, an augmented reality experience combines physical and virtual elements. Visitors can use a smartphone or tablet to access informative, educational, artistic and historical content there. This digital offering provides a different way to engage with local history than the frescoes and buildings: it presents topics through content on your own device.

A food tour

A food tour is offered in the municipality of Cugnasco-Gerra, and registration is mandatory. Chef Caterina Vosti conceived the tour and personally presents it as an autumnal interpretation. Check the dates in advance and confirm the registration requirements so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Agarone, Gerra, Orselina, Intragna, Mergoscia, Tenero-Contra, Porto Ronco, Gordola

Return to the overview of the region: Locarno.