Bignasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bignasco
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 Bignasco
Location in Switzerland
Bignasco
Location in Canton of Ticino
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Ticino | |
| District | Vallemaggia | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 81.43 km2 (31.44 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 443 m (1,453 ft) | |
| Population | ||
| • Total | 306 | |
| • Density | 3.758/km2 (9.733/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
6676
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Bignasco is a charming village located in the Vallemaggia district in Ticino, Switzerland. It's now part of the nearby town of Cevio.
Contents
Where is Bignasco?
Bignasco is a village in the Swiss region of Ticino. It sits right where two rivers meet: the Maggia River and the Bavona River. It's also quite close to the border with Italy.
A Look Back: Bignasco's History
Bignasco was first mentioned in records way back in 1230. Back then, it was known as "Bugnascho."
Village Life and Changes
In the 1300s, Bignasco worked together with nearby villages like Cavergno and Menzonio. Even so, each village managed its own affairs. In 1483, Bignasco became its own church parish, separate from Cevio.
Later, in 1781, Bignasco gained the right to hold two fairs each year. This was a big deal for trade! A few years later, in 1786, Bignasco and Cavergno decided to go their separate ways.
Jobs and Emigration
For many centuries, people in Bignasco mostly worked in farming and raising animals. Some also had crafts or worked as seasonal travelers. During the 1700s, many people moved to Italy and Holland for work. However, in the 1800s, fewer people left Bignasco.
In the early 1960s, using hydropower (energy from water) brought new jobs. It also helped build important things like roads and buildings in the area.
The Maggia Valley Railway
From 1907 to 1965, Bignasco was the last stop on a railway line. This railway connected the Maggia Valley to a town called Locarno. It was used to transport a type of rock called gneis out of the valley. Tourists from Germany and England also used the train to visit the beautiful valley.
Becoming Part of Cevio
Bignasco used to be the largest municipality (like a small town area) in its district. It even included a small village called San Carlo. However, on October 22, 2006, Bignasco joined with the village of Cavergno. Together, they became part of the larger municipality of Cevio.
Old Buildings and Churches
Bignasco has some interesting old buildings. The main church, dedicated to Archangel Michael, was built in the 1400s and has been updated many times. There's also a chapel called S. Maria del Monte with beautiful old paintings from 1512.
You can also find two buildings from the 1500s. There are also two "torbe," which are old granaries (places to store grain) built on stilts. Plus, there's a bridge from the 1600s.
How Many People Lived Here?
Here's how the population of Bignasco changed over the years:
- In 1669: 103 households
- In 1801: 215 people
- In 1850: 202 people
- In 1900: 179 people
- In 1920: 143 people
- In 1950: 186 people
- In 2000: 306 people
Famous People from Bignasco
- Carla del Ponte (born in 1947) is a well-known person from Bignasco. She used to be a prosecutor who worked on war crimes cases. She was also the top lawyer for Switzerland.
