Carasc Tibetan Bridge

The Ponte Tibetano Carasc spans two hundred and seventy metres across the Sementina valley at up to a hundred and thirty metres above the ground, opened in 2015. Its purpose was to reconnect the terraced settlements on either side - Curzutt above Monte Carasso and the hamlets toward Sementina - which had been abandoned as the population moved to the valley floor and which a restoration project has been bringing back into use, with the medieval church of San Bernardo and its frescoes among the buildings recovered. The bridge is a plank deck on cables and moves underfoot. Reaching it means the Mornera cable car and about two hours of walking, or a longer approach on foot from below.

What to look for

• 270 metres of span - up to 130 metres above the valley floor.
• Two reconnected hillsides - terraced settlements the bridge rejoined in 2015.
• San Bernardo at Curzutt - the medieval church with frescoes, restored.
• A moving plank deck - cables and boards, not a rigid structure.

When to go

March to November. A day.

What to expect

Access takes real effort - cable car plus two hours, or a long climb. The bridge sways and is hard for anyone afraid of heights. There is little shade on the terraces and Ticino summers are hot. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Bellinzona and its three castles are below; Monte Tamaro is west.

Key facts