Trasquera: Ponte del Diavolo, mountain tulips and history

Trasquera combines historic buildings, impressive paths and a distinctive landscape at the transition between Trasquera and Bugliaga. Those wishing to combine culture and nature on their trip to Italy will find tangible traces of several centuries here: from Ponte del Diavolo to churches and memorial sites, as well as mountain tulips and traditional cherry paths.

Bridges, churches and memorial sites

Ponte del Diavolo is located on the road from Trasquera to the hamlet of Bugliaga and crosses the Rì stream. It was built in 1880 and opened on 10 September 1880. The bridge is approximately 100 metres high, and its arch spans 33.30 metres. Remains of the Vallo Alpino fortifications are also visible at the entrances to Ponte del Diavolo and Ponte del Diavolino.

The Oratorio di San Rocco dates from the period of the plague epidemics that afflicted Trasquera in the 15th and 16th centuries. On its southern façade, the year 1637 is painted beneath depictions of Saints Roch and Sebastian. The small building thus bears a visible date marking that directly enhances the historic character of the place.

The parish church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius also dates back a long way: it was already mentioned in the statutes of the Divedro Valley in 1321. The present parish church was created through an extension after 1550. The Cimitero della Peste del 1600 commemorates a plague epidemic in which almost one hundred people died in Bugliaga and Trasquera.

Mountain landscapes and paths

The high plateaus of Trasquera and Bugliaga descend towards Monte Teggiolo. Along the mountain tulip trail, visitors can explore characteristic houses made of wood and stone, situated above the deep gorges of Gondo. The combination of landscape and traditional architecture gives this path a clearly recognisable regional character.

Numerous specimens of the rare mountain tulip (Tulipa australis) grow on the pastures between Bugliaga and Balma. The spectacular cherry blossoms in spring in Trasquera and Bugliaga are linked to the local cherry-growing tradition. For nature observation, spring is therefore the specific time of year to visit, when the cherry blossom takes centre stage.

The Sentiero del Kirsch leads to places where kirsch was once distilled and marketed. The hiking trail designated F32 leads from Iselle to Alpe Pianezzoni.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

A shuttle service runs from Varzo FS railway station to Trasquera; Trasquera is also accessible by car. When choosing accommodation in Trasquera, you can incorporate these two travel options into your personal planning and combine your stay with the historic sites, paths and landscapes in the surrounding area.

More places for planning your trip: Traffiume, Premia, Varzo, Ghiffa, Valstrona, Trarego Viggiona, Masera and Baveno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.