Gordevio: Hiking and Local History

Gordevio lies in the lower Valle Maggia on the left bank of the Maggia, about ten kilometres northwest of Locarno. The trails and townscape offer different ways to plan your stay: you can focus on hiking, cycling and historic buildings. If you are looking for a hotel, your planned focus can help you decide whether Gordevio is right for your trip.

Hiking and route selection

The Gordevio–Alpe Nimi–Gordevio hike is a difficult 15.2-kilometre circular route. Along the route, steps lead to the stone bridge “Gialìtt” beyond Archeggio. This provides useful orientation through both the specific route length and difficulty, and a named destination along the way. Mountain conditions can change with the seasons; take this into account when planning.

Another option is the signposted Circuito Gordevio circular route. It takes four hours and is suitable for everyone. The two circular routes can be compared using different criteria: the Alpe Nimi loop is defined by its distance and difficulty, while the Circuito is defined by its duration and suitability. Check the local signage before setting out.

Getting there and cycling

Gordevio is served by bus route NFB 315 from Locarno station towards Cavergno, Paese; the bus stops at the Gordevio stop. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can factor the bus connection into your journey.

There are also specific points to bear in mind for cyclists. The cycle path through Gordevio leads into the forest, which offers pleasant shade on warm days. Part of the cycle route between Gordevio and Aurigeno runs along country roads. Surface conditions can change and should be taken into account when planning.

Townscape and cultural heritage

Gordevio’s historic centre is compact; narrow, winding lanes open onto the square in front of the oratory. Some houses and stables along the lane from the church square through the historic centre are certainly from the 17th century. Parts of these buildings were later substantially remodelled and extended. Some original frescoes can also be seen in the historic buildings. Older building elements, later alterations and surviving paintings together shape the townscape.

One of the chapels bears the date 1474. It was renovated and possibly repainted more than once. The Oratorio di Sant’Antonio Abate dates from the first half of the 17th century; it houses works by Antonio Rinaldi da Tremona from 1874. These buildings and artworks represent different periods in the town’s history.

Gordevio’s religious architecture also includes the parish church of Santi Giacomo e Filippo and an ossuary with a Crucifixion fresco by Giuseppe Antonio Felice Orelli, dating from 1753. The stone bridges offer a different point of interest: two bridges cross streams flowing down from the mountainside and today provide easy access on foot. Their date of construction is unknown.

The chapels are also distributed differently: there are about twelve in the valley floor and 19 in the mountain areas. Access may vary from chapel to chapel. If you wish to visit a particular chapel, check its visiting conditions in advance.

The wider landscape

There are alpine settlements in the wider area around Gordevio. Most of the municipality consists of alpine pastures, wooded slopes and mountain terrain. In the wider area, elevations range from approximately 280 to 2,215 metres above sea level. A vineyard in Gordevio also has a gradient of more than 80 percent, illustrating the region’s steep terrain.

Discover more destinations: Cerentino, Avegno-Gordevio, Cevio, Maggia, Bosco/Gurin, Lodano, Brontallo, Avegno Ti

For the main travel overview: Vallemaggia.