Biasca: A Historic Town with Plenty to Explore

Biasca is a place where history, nature, and adventure merge. Having been around for hundreds of years, the town seems to have seen it all—wars, catastrophes, industrialization, growth of religion, and more. Still, it stands strong.
Biasca is a beauty. Surrounded by nature, the region comprises forests, valleys, waterfalls, wildlife, serene woodlands you name it. So, there are plenty of activities you can engage in and make your visit here unforgettable.

The history of Biasca

Here’s a glimpse of Biasca’s journey through time:

Early beginnings

Biasca history can be traced back to as early as the 10th century when the Bishop of Vercelli handed the town’s control over to the Bishop of Milan. What followed though was a series of conflicts as different families tried to rule the town.
First, it was the Orelli family in the 12th century, then the Visconti two centuries later, before the Pepoli family took over. There was a brief period of relief when Biasca gained limited self-governance towards the end of the 14th century. Other raids came later, and Biasca eventually fell into the hands of the Swiss Confederation in the 15th century.

From a simple village to an industrial hub

Politics aside, Biasca underwent significant transformation between the 19th and 20th centuries. This can be attributed to the road network and the Gotthard tunnel. The once rural Biasca became urbanized and that meant improved economic activities. Think of a boost in the silkworm and granite mining industries, among others. Since then, most development has centered on the Biasca industrial zone. The service sector has also grown over the years, thanks to the town being the hub for the Tre Valli region.

Religious heritage

The Church of San Pietro is at the center of Biasca’s religious history. It was around when the wars started and still stands to date. It was officially recognized as a collegiate church in 1398 and led by a group of clergy, with the dean as the head. It was also given the right to collect tithes. Other significant churches in Biasca’s history include Church of San Martino and the Church of SS Giacomo e Filippo (which is no more).

Things to do

Now that you have an idea of what Biasco’s history looks like, check out activities you can do to make your stay/visit exciting:

Tour the church of San Pietro

It sits on a scenic hillside overlooking the town. While here, you can appreciate the medieval Romanesque architecture at the time of its construction. It’s defined by ancient frescoes, rounded arches, and a simple yet grand front wall. You will also love the serene surroundings, perfect for photography, reflection, and cultural exploration.

Go to the Santa Petronilla Waterfall

From the church, you can head directly to this waterfall; it’s just a short distance away. Santa Petronilla is immersed in nature—the trail winds through dense forests and gives you a glimpse of local wildlife. Not to mention the great views of the sun-kissed Blenio valley. Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll be treated to colorful reflections and rainbows in the water. You can relax here by cascading the waters, setting up a picnic, or taking some nice pictures.

Step into the past at Museo Forte Mondascia

Situated at Via alla Centrale 4 in Biasca, this museum is a great place to learn about the town’s military history. Explore the different exhibits displayed, including fortifications and military artefacts used in the past. In case you want to visit other historical military sites, events at the fort or thematic conferences, that can be arranged. The museum is open throughout the week except on Sunday.

Enjoy the thrill at Biasca Ice Rink

Ready for some more fun activities? Head to the Ice Rink. Situated at the Biasca Sports Complex, for ice skating. There’s no need to bring your own skates as you can rent them on-site. Haven’t skated before? Don’t worry; instructors are there to guide you. The complex also hosts local hockey games, which can add excitement to your visit. Remember to bring snacks or grab a bite nearby to re-energize.

Savor the local cuisine

Immerse yourself into Biasca’s culinary traditions by indulging in some local foods. For an authentic experience, go to Grotto Pini, a restaurant popular for its traditional dishes and nice ambience. There’s a lot of specialities you can savour—polenta, risotto, luganighetta, and more.

Find your dream property in Biasca

In case you want to buy property in Biasca, Suisse Immobilien Group is a great real estate agency option to consider. We’ll not only make the property hunt easier, but also fast and efficient. Expect us to go an extra mile just to ensure you get maximum satisfaction.