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Alpe Cortoi
Photo: Mariano Berri, Ascona-Locarno Tourism
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The church tower, Perbioi and Cortoi
easy
Distance 7 km
Duration3:00 h
Ascent629 m
Descent629 m
Highest point1,353 m
Lowest point724 m
Mergoscia parish church in Verzasca Valley is located on a terrace with a beautiful view of lakes Vogorno and Maggiore. The church tower is an energy point: it serves as an antenna to attract cosmic energy and spread it around, similar to many cathedrals, mountains, hotels and menhir (dense stones). The benches at the foot of the steeple are an inviting way to contemplate the panorama.
Along the path going to Perbioi, you will see a centuries-old oak tree with an enormous trunk. Connoisseurs consider this tree as a sage guarding the entrance to the Perbioi power spot. A precious marsh area has been reclaimed here. The valley receives the terrestrial electromagnetic flow from north to south and is open to the east and west, receiving the sun's rays: a harmonious combination and source of peace. The valley offering a majestic view of Pizzo Vogorno is sometimes called “Valletta delle Streghe” (valley of witches). In the overlying woods there are stones reminiscent of the mystical landscapes populated by such peoples as the Lepontii and Celts, an altar and some small menhir.
The climb to Cortoi features 500 stone steps, intricately constructed by young volunteers under the watchful eye of local experts. You can enjoy the beautiful panorama from San Lorenzo chapel or the well-kept Alpe Cortoi. If you go further along the Porchesio path, you will find an energy-infused rock with cup-shaped engravings, the incisions originate from different epochs.
Difficulty
T1easy
Overall difficulty
easy
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
1,353 m
Lowest point
724 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 8.33%Forested/wild trail 0.77%Path 90.89%
Asphalt
0.6 km
Forested/wild trail
0.1 km
Path
6.4 km
Show elevation profile
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Bus 312 from Locarno, stop "Mergoscia Posta"
Directions
Mergoscia (735 masl), accessible by bus no. 312 from Locarno (get off at the last stop before the parish church) or by car. If you arrive by car you can park directly on the square in front of the parish church or in the car park behind the church. There are also some parking spaces in the Benitt zone.
Parking
Sul piazzale davanti alla chiesa parrocchiale ci sono dei posteggi, così come sul parcheggio dietro la stessa. In zona "Benitt" ci sono ulteriori posteggi.
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