Stone houses of Brione Verzasca in the Verzasca Valley

Brione Verzasca: a stone village above Lavertezzo

Brione Verzasca sits on the valley road between the dam and Sonogno, and it is a calm stop of old stone houses, a frescoed church and trails that start right in the village.

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By Lavertezzo.com editors · Updated

Brione Verzasca is one of the old valley villages that most visitors see only from the car window. It is on the road between the Verzasca Dam and Sonogno, so it fits easily into a day with Lavertezzo.

What to see

  • The village centre. Old stone houses with slab roofs, narrow lanes and fountains. Walk it slowly, it takes less than an hour.
  • The church. The parish church of Beata Vergine Assunta is reported to stand on the remains of a chapel from 1295 and to hold frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. Visit hours vary.
  • Castello Marcacci. A 17th-century building that was the summer residence of the Marcacci family. See it from the outside unless a local event opens it.
  • Paths. Trails start in and around the village. The valley is also a mountain bike route toward Sonogno.

How it fits your day

Combine it with the Verzasca Dam, the Ponte dei Salti and Sonogno and Corippo. A simple order by car: dam, Lavertezzo and the bridge at midday, Brione in the afternoon, Sonogno at the end. Without a car, use the PostBus, see how to get to Lavertezzo.

Be a quiet visitor. Brione is a living village. Stay on public lanes, do not enter yards and keep voices low.

NearbyLavertezzo and the bridgeFreeHalf a dayThe classic stopRead guide Sonogno hikeFree3.5 to 4 hoursA day on footRead guide

Where to stay

For a night in the upper valley, search the Verzasca area. For more choice stay in Locarno. See hotels near Lavertezzo.

Browse stays in the Verzasca Valley

Frequently asked questions

What is Brione Verzasca known for?

Its historic stone houses, the parish church Beata Vergine Assunta with medieval frescoes, and the 17th-century Castello Marcacci, once the summer home of the Marcacci family.

How far is Brione Verzasca from Lavertezzo?

It is on the same valley road, a few kilometres from Lavertezzo. By car it is a short drive, and the PostBus stops along the valley.

Is Brione Verzasca still its own municipality?

No. Since 2020 it forms, with Corippo, Frasco, Sonogno and Vogorno, the municipality of Verzasca.

Can I walk from Brione to Lavertezzo?

Paths follow the valley, and the Sentiero Verzasca passes through the area. Distances vary, so check a map and the bus times for your return.

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Keep planning

Sonogno & Corippo Visit Sonogno at the end of the Verzasca Valley and Corippo, a tiny stone village. Includes the Sonogno hike, how to get there and what to see. Read guide Sonogno hike Lavertezzo to Sonogno hike (Sentierone/Sentiero Verzasca): distance, time, ascent, direction, bus return, what to bring and safety near the river. Read guide Lavertezzo village Lavertezzo paese (the village): stone houses, church, the Ponte dei Salti, the Sentiero per l'Arte, where to eat and park, and how long to stay. Read guide Getting there How to get to Lavertezzo and Ponte dei Salti from Locarno, Lugano, Zurich and Milan: driving times, the PostBus along the valley, trains and parking tips. Read guide Hikes Hiking around Lavertezzo and the Verzasca Valley: riverside walks to the Ponte dei Salti, paths to Corippo and Sonogno, trail signs, safety and maps. Read guide