The Romanesque church of San Carlo in Negrentino

Discover the picturesque village of Leontica and its patron saint festival. Then follow the path leading to the church and lose yourself for a few minutes in the panorama that the place offers once you arrive: the wide valley floor and the majestic surrounding mountains.

The Romanesque church of S. Carlo in Negrentino (11th century), located along the old mule track of Nara, is definitely worth a visit. It is among the most notable in Ticino, famed both for its striking architectural structure and for the precious Romanesque and late Gothic frescoes.

The route starts from Leontica, a characteristic and secluded village, which comes alive every year during the traditional patron saint festival (June 24 or the closest Sunday). Not to be missed, if the chance arises, is the traditional parade of the historic militia. It is said to be a custom born from a vow made by some Blenio valley inhabitants who participated in the Russian campaign in Napoleon's armies. If they survived, they would honor the patron saint by establishing a symbolic army.

After picking up the keys to the church, which are available in Acquarossa at the Ristorante Stazione, Ristorante Valsole, or Ristorante Rubino, you set off through green pastures along the road leading to the Nara parking lot. Then you follow the marked trail that first slightly ascends and then descends toward Negrentino. A recently built pedestrian bridge allows hikers easy and safe access to the church. Upon reaching the church, you can admire its beauty while savoring the panorama that opens onto the valley floor and the majestic surrounding mountains. The path then continues downhill along the marked trail toward the locality of Prugiasco. Here, at the end of the descent, you can take the return bus or stop briefly for a short but valuable visit to the parish church of S. Ambrogio, built in the 1700s.