An INSPIRE hike in Bellinzona
Driven by rainy weather conditions all around Switzerland except for Ticino, the traditional INSPIRE potentials hike took place in the beautiful Bellinzona this year. The group of five – Lisa Sommer, Lara Ostertag, Jessica Richter, Jelena Klinovaja and Marie Le Dantec – found each other on the platform of the capital city of Canton Ticino in the morning of the 6th of August.
They started their journey hiking up to the smallest of Bellinzona’s three castles: Sasso Corbaro. The ramparts gave a great view on the mountains surrounding the city. After this first ascent, the group decided to continue their journey in the upward direction, following the signs leading to ruins and a tiny village called Prada. Against all odds, the village was hosting a gathering, where connoisseurs came especially for the mass in the small church and to eat handmade polenta for lunch, in a pleasant musical atmosphere. Some of the ladies in the group decided to try out the polenta, which was served with gorgonzola cheese and mortadella, and it was delicious.
After lunch, the group decided to start descending back towards Bellinzona to visit the second castle, Montebello. They could go walk around the ramparts which enclosed the castle and gave again an excellent view on the mountainous landscape and a direct sight on the last castle to visit: Castelgrande. But before hitting the last stop of the journey, the group decided to stop by Bellinzona’s old town to enjoy a taste of Tessin’s ice cream. Ice cream in the hand, they walked towards the last and biggest of the Bellinzona’s castles. They decided to brave the strong wind to climb on top of Castelgrande’s tower, which offers a panorama view of 360° on the valley, including the Lago Maggiore. The journey ended with a walk back to the train station through the old town of Bellinzona.
All and all, the excursion was very successful, including a lot a fun, many stairs to climb and unexpected discoveries! We are looking forward to organizing it again next year!
The next deadline to apply for our INSPIRE Potentials fellowship is on December 1st, 2023. Apply if you would like to be part of the next adventure!
