Moghegno – Torbe, village history and chestnut landscape

Moghegno is a village and district of the municipality of Maggia in the Canton of Ticino, in the Vallemaggia district. The village lies at an elevation of around 317 metres above sea level on the right bank of the Maggia. Between Pizzo Peloso to the south-southwest and Madom da Sgióf to the northeast, its location in the Valle Maggia sets the scene for a stay where historic village architecture, chestnut culture and paths along the river can be explored as distinct themes.

Torbe and chestnut landscape

The Torba di Moghegno stands in the village centre and was built in the mid-15th century. It was restored in 2004–2005 under the coordination and supervision of APAV. Moghegno has two Torba buildings standing close together—a concentration that is unusual in the lower valley, since such buildings were primarily adopted by mountain communities. According to dendrochronological studies, both buildings date from 1460 to 1470. The different details bring the buildings’ development into focus from two perspectives: their historical dating and the restoration of one of them.

Another focal point is Bagnadüü-Mülitt, a restored chestnut landscape covering about 2.3 hectares. There are seven mills on the site, two of which have been restored. One is functional and retains its original equipment. From the area of the last inhabited houses, Bagnadüü-Mülitt is a ten-minute walk away. The area lies a few hundred metres above the road to Lodano. Here, you can explore the landscape and the traditional working practices associated with chestnuts as part of the village’s history.

Parish church and village history

The bell tower of Moghegno’s parish church is dated 1780, stands 46 metres tall and is considered the tallest in Vallemaggia. The church houses 15 copper medallions painted by Giovanni Antonio Vanoni in 1842. They depict the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The materials and design of the high altar and balustrades add further distinctive touches: the high altar is made of polychrome marble, while the balustrades are made of black marble; both date from the mid-18th century.

The history of Santa Maria Assunta includes an original part of the building that predates 1597; the church was remodelled towards the end of the 17th century. The historic village centre also preserves numerous buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. These features offer several specific points of interest if architectural history, religious art or the village’s historic layout are particularly important to you when choosing a destination.

Lanes, Grà and paths along the Maggia

The Moghegno e la Grà themed trail leads through Moghegno’s narrow lanes. From Locarno, you can reach it by taking bus B 315 towards Cavergno to the Aurigeno-Moghegno stop. Check the timetable before travelling. The name refers to the Grà, where chestnuts were dried: some of the dried chestnuts were made into flour, which was used to prepare a type of polenta or chestnut bread. At the initiative of the Associazione Artigiani di Valmaggia, the loading and unloading of a Grà for drying chestnuts still takes place every year. You can check the dates locally in advance.

The circular Sentiero naturalistico lungo le golene del fiume Maggia offers a different perspective on the landscape. It starts at the footbridge in Someo and runs mostly along flat terrain on the right bank of the Maggia as far as Moghegno. This means that the route through the village streets and the one along the river cater to different interests: one leads through the narrow lanes, while the other follows the river landscape and ends in Moghegno. When planning your trip, you can consider whether village architecture, chestnut history or a riverside hike should take centre stage.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Riveo.

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