It is the geological features that make the Breggia Gorges Park in the Muggio Valley the first GeoPark in the country. Due to erosion by the water, a rock formation emerged that covers the period between the Jurassic and the Tertiary and dates back to 80 million years. Evidence of the ancient seas can be found in the rock: fossils, remains of submarine avalanches and evidence of climate changes that took place before humans appeared on the scene. Thanks to these discoveries, it was possible to reconstruct the origins of the Monte Generoso basin in a distant past. The park boasts a rich flora and fauna, including numerous protected or threatened species. In this area there are also buildings of historical and cultural interest such as the Red Church (14th century) and the Castle (12th century), which are located on the territory of Castel San Pietro. As well as some passages in the historic streets. The park can be explored on a historical or geological route. The first route begins at the PostBus stop “Morbio Inferiore, Ghitello”, from where you can reach the Ghitello mill from 1606 in a few minutes. We continue along the gorges to the Mulin da Canaa. Various witnesses of human activity can be seen between biotopes and rich biodiversity, including the cement factory from more recent times or the Chiesa Rossa from 1343. The second route, the geological one, begins at Mulin da Canaa, on which one can see the incredible evidence of the earlier marine area with fossils and clay, which go back to the Jura and the Tertiary. Marveling at the fossils is allowed, but it is strictly forbidden to take it with you! The oldest rock layers in the park can be seen in the area around the mill; they are over 190 million years old. The path leads over a bridge that spans a deep gorge. We continue along the river over landslide areas and through forests. The route ends at the Ghitello mill, where there are younger deposits from water activity. These go back to the Quaternary.

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Giolf

5월 4, 2020, Breggia Gorge Park

Lovely place and easy to access. It requires no special equipment to reach it.

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Wiro L.

11월 29, 2018, Saceba Cement Factory Ruins and Waterfalls

In the Breggia Gorges Park you can do another tour, but only with a guide and not easy to combine with the first. The cement path is the most visible element of the redevelopment of the former Saceba factory, located at the entrance to the gorges and part of the geological park. In 1972-1973, during the most important production period, Saceba produced up to 200,000 tons of cement per year, a total of over 2 million tons in around 20 years of activity. The educational trail relies on the structures of the old cement factory to show visitors the process of turning rock into cement. The exploitation of this industrial area is a unique example in Switzerland. The 2 km long tour leads from the open-cast mine to the tunnel shafts from which material was extracted, to the stone crushers, and then ends at the kiln towers, the actual center of the factory, now used as exhibition and teaching rooms. In the shafts the temperature is cool (10-13 degrees Celsius) and the humidity is high (over 80%). Appropriate clothing is therefore necessary, while helmets, headlamps and reflective jackets are available on site. It is an easy walk, although it is not recommended in case of cardiac circulatory disorders, diabetes, claustrophobia, epilepsy or walking difficulties.

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Wiro L.

11월 29, 2018, Breggia Gorge Park

It is the first Swiss GeoPark, located between the municipalities of Balerna, Castel San Pietro, Morbio Inferiore and Morbio Superiore, rich in finds - natural or man-made - of great interest and curiosity even for the layman. A wonderful excursion, also thanks to the beauty of the landscape. The old mill of Ghitello (1606), behind the parking lot of the Breggia center of Balerna, is one of the starting points; You first walk along the small lake, then follow the river and pass some factory buildings, including the cement factory and the beer brewery. After crossing the Breggia, you climb up the Magna valley and come to Colle San Pietro, where you can find the remains of the medieval castle, as well as the Chiesa Rossa (red church), which dates back to the 14th century and is home to wonderful Frescoes are located. Descending along the marked path, you cross the Punt da Canaa (canal bridge). You can look at some rock layers that are among the oldest in the park (limestone pebbles dating back 190 million years). Crossing a recently built bridge, you cross a narrow, deep gorge and continue along the right bank, always passing rock layers and through some special biotopes, to finally return to the Ghitello Mill, where you can see the most recent deposits (Tertiary and Quaternary).

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Wiro L.

11월 29, 2018, Breggia Gorge Park

A trip to the park of the Breggia gorges becomes a real time travel. In this region of the Mendrisiotto, along the Breggia River, you will find an extraordinary geological structure: due to erosion by the water, a rock formation was discovered covering the period between the Jurassic and the Tertiary, dating back to 80 million years! In the rock you will find evidence of the ancient seas: fossils, remains of underwater muds and signs of climatic changes, which took place in eras even before the appearance of man on earth.

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