Visited Locarno as a day trip while weather forecast predicted it being the last sunny day (while in Lugano).

Ponte dei Salti

Took commuter train to Locarno with 1 change in about 1 hour.  Change a local bus heading into the Valle Verzasca in northern Locarno – all these rides were covered by the transport card issued in Lugano !

Bus was quite full and it started to meander uphill along narrow roads. Passed by a large dam and an artificial lake behind it. Took about 30 min to reach Lavertezzo where river Verzasca was spanned by Ponte dei Salti, a medieval double-arched bridge.  It is famous for people taking dives from it into emerald river water beneath, though there are plenty of signs warning about slippery rocks and rapid/hidden currents in the river.  Rocks along the riverbed was sculpted into different shapes. 

 

 

Strolled around bumped into a church and a small rapid nearby before taking bus back to Locarno.

 

 

Santuario della Madonna del Sasso

Once back in Locarno, took a funicular uphill to this pilgrimage church, which overlooks the town. The church was built in 16th century to mark the spot where Madonna appeared to a Franciscan monk. 

 

 

After returning to town, had a coffee break and strolled along the lake rim of Lago Maggiore and the Piazza Grande before calling it a day in Locarno.

 

 

 

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