Curzútt (Corte di Sotto) lies hidden in the chestnut woods above Monte Carasso. A second highlight is close at hand: the former (now disused) Romanesque mountain village church of San Barnàrd. Sumptuous frescoes depicting the "Madonna del Latte" adorn the squat interior of this small place of worship.
The route now climbs well over 150 m to the next highlight: the spectacular Carasc suspension bridge over the Sementina Valley high above Bellinzona (the entire hike has signage with the name Sementina Gorge). The bridge connects Curzùtte S. Bernardo to the Via delle Vigne; permitting pleasurable hikes amid chestnut woods in a historic, scenic and beautiful region known for excellent food and wines on reaching the other side. The suspension bridge is easily accessible with the Monte Carasso-Carzùtt-Mornera cable car – the valley station for which is located on the outskirts of Bellinzona.
After passing the upland plain of San Defendente with a late mediaeval oratory, the route follows the old stone path that descends very steeply to Sementina and Monte Carasso. At the end, walkers will see the "Fortini della fame" (circular "hunger" towers) on the left, the Dufour defence line and the SS. Trinity church.
Starting point: Curzútt (Corte di Sotto)
Destination: Monte Carasso
Getting to the starting point: take bus/car to Monte Carasso; continue up Monte Carasso – Mornera cable car; Curzútt is a midway station on the line
Back from the destination: catch bus/car to Bellinzona and Locarno
Technique: easy
Difference in elevation: ascent 270 m, descent 600 m
Hiking time: 2h 40m
Note: at the cable car valley station, ask for the large key to enter San Barnàrd church.
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