The energy places of Arcegno

From the church of Arcegno, walking towards the old center, take via Sant'Antonio. On a curve of the same street there is a staircase carved into the rock. At the top of the stairs, at ground level, you see a first cup-marked boulder easily reachable. After the village center, walk for 10-15 minutes on the road that crosses the Pestalozzi holiday camp. A few meters after the blue house – Casa Johanna Spyri – take a path on the left that leads to the corner of the woods, where on the opposite bank of a usually dry stream there is a boulder carved with signs, cup marks, and channels. Returning to the road, known as Strada dei Polacchi, continue for a further 10 minutes to the Pozz di Butt pond, where you also find a chapel, a wooden bridge, and a small rocky hill. Here, continue past the wooden bridge and along the slightly uphill path at the foot of the hill until you reach the rocky summit of the Barbescio hill, from which you enjoy a beautiful view towards Locarno. From there, descend back to Strada dei Polacchi, continuing right along the road until you notice a meadow with several parking spaces.

Continuing straight ahead, after a few meters on the left, a path ascends into the woods and becomes a slippery trail that in less than 60 meters leads to the Pagani Cave. Retracing your steps, continue to the Pozz di Butt pond. Here you can go down and take the path running parallel to Strada dei Polacchi back towards the village. This path passes near the pond known as Bollettina Lunga and after a final effort of 100 steps, returns to Arcegno.

This route requires a stable and sure footing, as some paths are steep or can be slippery.