Places of Power in Arcegno

The area of Arcegno, part of the municipality of Losone, is easily accessible from Locarno by bus no. 314 or by car. It is highly distinctive: the centre is full of traditional Ticinese houses and alleyways paved in stone. The surrounding nature is intact and inviting, a veritable oasis to recharge the batteries. A Roman necropolis has been discovered in the area and an incision in rock, while in the woods there are numerous cup-shaped incisions and stone formations thought to be from the nature cult of the Celts and others.

The underground demarcation between the European continental plate and the African one, known as the Insubric line, directly crosses the zone of Monte Verità and Arcegno. This phenomenon has provided interesting geological formations and, on occasion, a higher level of magnetism. The millennial erosion of the glaciers left smooth beautiful hills and precious marshy areas. The hills, Barbescio for example, offer a good view of Lake Maggiore, they are also energy centres.

The silent pagan grotto is reminiscent of a prehistoric place of worship. The atmosphere is central and almost oppressive. It is said that Hermann Hesse spent some days meditating there with Gusto Gräser, co-founder of Monte Verità. Is it true? Grottos are interpreted in many cultures as places for developing into an expanded state of awareness, where every detail is seen as part of a bigger picture. A natural consequence of this state of consciousness is respect for every animate and inanimate object.