Riviera combines Romanesque churches and military history with floodplain forests, waterfalls and gorges. It is a district of the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Depending on whether you want to focus on cultural sites, trails or activities on the water, the region offers different starting points for planning your trip.
Churches, Monasteries and Military History
In Biasca and Riviera, Romanesque culture is represented by monuments, churches and frescoes. They bear witness to the historical importance of the Via delle Genti between the Leventina and Blenio valleys. The Romanesque church of Santi Pietro e Paolo dates from 1171. From there, a Way of the Cross restored between 1991 and 1997 leads to the Oratory of S. Petronilla. In Biasca, the Casa Cavalier Pellanda is also worth seeing: this 16th-century patrician house is in the old quarter and is considered a monument of exceptional interest. The Church of San Carlo is an unfinished centrally planned building with a cruciform layout and is considered a unique example of this type of architecture in Ticino.
Above the village of Claro stands the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 1490 and the oldest monastery in Ticino. During a visit, you can see paintings and sculptures and learn about the nuns’ way of life; check the visiting conditions in advance. Above Osogna, the Oratory of S. Maria del Castello stands on the ruins of a medieval castle. It dates from the 15th century and is closed year-round. Its altar, with Schwabacher doors dating from 1494, was created by Ivo Strigel of Memmingen. In Lodrino, Sant’Ambrogio is a late Baroque building from the 18th century by Tommaso Colonetti of Balerna, first mentioned as early as the 15th century. The Oratory of San Martino was a former parish church, mentioned in 1215; its tower has Romanesque features.
You can also explore military history at specific locations. The Forte Mondascia Infantry Museum preserves the LONA fortifications. Its collection includes infantry weapons and objects from the everyday lives of the soldiers who served at LONA. Visits are only possible for groups of 15 or more; individuals and smaller groups can visit the museum only as part of events. Before planning, check whether these visiting conditions suit your group. The parish church of Santi Felino e Gratiniano is also one of the highlights of the Riviera District.
Forest Reserves and a Waterfall
The forest reserve in the Cresciano Valley includes a floodplain forest of national importance by the water. In favourable conditions, there is a chance of seeing ibex on the valley’s alpine trails. The forest reserve in the Osogna Valley is home to deer, roe deer, chamois and marmots; around 70 bird species have been observed there. The lower areas can be visited from April to October. The access point is the village of Osogna.
Santa Petronilla Waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Ticino. You can reach it from the village square or the railway station after a walk of about 20 minutes. The trail leads to a stone bridge, from which you can view the waterfall. For this outing and for longer hikes, it is worth checking current trail conditions in advance.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
The trails differ considerably in time required and route. The walking section of the Via della pietra between Claro and Osogna is 11 kilometres long and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. An old historic path into the Osogna Valley forest reserve crosses steep steps built into the rock and is classified as a route of national importance. The Via Francisca del Lucomagno runs from Biasca along the right bank of the Ticino through floodplain forest to Lodrino. Near Lodrino, it passes the “Tobleroni”: the remains of the Via Lona fortifications built between Lodrino and Osogna during the Second World War to defend access to the Gotthard.
The Ticino River offers opportunities for rafting, canoeing and canyoning. The Iragna Gorge “Pózz Bórgh” is used for canyoning; you can also swim and sunbathe there. In summer, the Pozzón in Osogna becomes a bathing area in a natural gorge. As conditions on trails and waterways can vary, check them before each outing.
In Cresciano, September to April is considered the best time for climbing. Bouldering takes place on granite-gneiss blocks, which offer a variety of climbing styles—from slabs to overhangs and edges. This means Riviera offers both trails with specified distances and walking times and activities with their own season.
Getting Here and Local Dining
The Bellinzona e Valli Turismo InfoPoint Biasca e Riviera is located at Biasca railway station. An interactive multimedia table introduces visitors to the area and its distinctive features. Bottega Ticino a Te sells local products and wine from the region. The station has 40 covered bicycle parking spaces and 62 P+Rail parking spaces. An e-bike charging station can fast-charge up to four e-bikes at the same time; use is free in all weather. Station facilities and services may change, so it is advisable to check before travelling. Biasca and Riviera also have a wide selection of restaurants and grotti.
Discover more destinations: Biasca, Cresciano, Claro, Locarno, Lugano, Vallemaggia, Blenio, Leventina.
For the main travel overview: Ticino.
