Nature Trail recommended route

Centres of energy in the Centovalli

Nature Trail · Ascona-Locarno
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  • Sorgente chiamata “la Ciaparia”
    Sorgente chiamata “la Ciaparia”
    Photo: Ottavia Bosello
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    The Rasa spring and the churches of Terra Vecchia and Palagnedra.
    easy
    Distance 8.5 km
    2:45 h
    300 m
    646 m
    900 m
    490 m

    Rasa is a magnificent rural village that sits on a natural terrace with stunning views of the whole Centovalli. It immediately draws you in to discover its picturesque corners and feel its vibrations, but before you do, follow the path towards Intragna, a short but important detour to make sure you don’t miss a truly magical place full of positive energy: the ancient La Ciaparia spring.

    Did you know that, in years gone by, people believed nature’s benevolent spirits lived near springs? We haven’t seen any yet but we can confirm that the water is very cold!

    Rasa’s church is a particularly important place of power, especially in the choir and at the old altar, where the energy is at its highest. The upper part of the bell tower seems to act as an antenna that channels the vertical cosmic influence from the Ghiridone.

    The church in Terra Vecchia is also its strongest place of power. Its centre is home to a torsion field, an energy vortex invisible to the naked eye that emanates a subtle vibration of white light and higher consciousness.

    The path continues into the heart of the forest, descending before climbing to Bordei, home to two more places of power at the octagonal fountain and the altar at the back of the church. The ceiling over the choir features paintings of the four evangelists with animals and the angel, symbols of the four elements of the ancient path of alchemy, present in us and in nature: earth, water, fire and air.

    The church of San Michele in Palagnedra offers the last centres of energy on this route: the east-facing altar (facing the sunrise) and Christ in the mandorla. Both can be found in the side chapel, which contains frescoes by the well-known artist Antonio da Tradate. Could this energy have contributed in some way to the creation of these masterpieces?

    Author’s recommendation

    In Palagnedra there are the "Panchine condivise" (communal benches). The benches, painted pink, are a project of the Centovalli Masterplan and are used to wait for a lift. Those who need to go somewhere but have no means of transport of their own or public transport in the immediate vicinity sit down on the pink bench and wait for a lift.
    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: May 16, 2022
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    900 m
    Lowest point
    490 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 15.01%Forested/wild trail 2.50%Path 41.15%Road 41.32%
    Asphalt
    1.3 km
    Forested/wild trail
    0.2 km
    Path
    3.5 km
    Road
    3.5 km
    Show elevation profile

    Start

    Rasa
    Coordinates:
    SwissGrid
    2'693'938E 1'112'404N
    DD
    46.156566, 8.654675
    DMS
    46°09'23.6"N 8°39'16.8"E
    UTM
    32T 473336 5111501
    w3w 
    ///swatted.purse.storeroom

    Destination

    Palagnedra

    Turn-by-turn directions

    The village of Rasa is only accessible on foot or by cable car. The quickest and most convenient way to get to the village is to take the Centovallina to Verdasio followed by the cable car. The first centre of energy is only a few minutes from the village’s heart. After that, follow the signs for Terra Vecchia/Bordei, firstly along an easy mule track, then on a mountain path. Continue towards Palagnedra, with the opportunity to walk through its beautiful forest reserve. Finally, descend towards the station and take the train back to Locarno.

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    Accessible by public transport. Centovallina train from Locarno, direction Camedo + Verdasio-Rasa cable car.

    Coordinates

    SwissGrid
    2'693'938E 1'112'404N
    DD
    46.156566, 8.654675
    DMS
    46°09'23.6"N 8°39'16.8"E
    UTM
    32T 473336 5111501
    w3w 
    ///swatted.purse.storeroom
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Monte Comino: Verdasio-Pian Segna-A Dröi-Verdasio
    • Centres of energy in the Ghiridone
    • The path of the three rivers
    • On the traces of Mr. Geiser
    • Arcegno-Losone-Arcegno
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    8.5 km
    Duration
    2:45 h
    Ascent
    300 m
    Descent
    646 m
    Highest point
    900 m
    Lowest point
    490 m
    Public-transport-friendly

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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