Ticino: description of the region

The river Ticino in Switzerland has its source in the S. Bernardo area. It is 248 km long and is a tributary of the Po, which flows just beyond Pavia. Along its path, through the Bedretto and Leventina valleys, it is joined by the Brenno and Moesa from the left, the Bellinzona baths, and at Locarno it flows into Lake Maggiore, from which it emerges in Sesto Calende. It gives its name to the Italian canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Most of the water ends up in ditches and canals for irrigation or hydropower. This usage of the river began in the early Middle Ages.

Ticino is still recognized as the most beautiful river in Europe, for the color and clarity of the water, the intriguing shape of some of its bends, the idyllic tranquility of certain parts. Unfortunately, in the sixties and seventies, the intense industrial development of the areas in its path, the hydroelectric and agricultural exploitation of its waters, and roads and urban settlements have badly tarnished the beauty of the Ticino and the purity of its waters. Thanks to the process of de-industrialization and the creation of the Park and water purifiers, the situation has improved. The extraction of sand and gravel from the floor have been prohibited since 1980, allowing the river to regain its natural structure, wandering freely and creating beautiful oxbows and meanders. After crossing the Moraine hills south of Lake Maggiore, and 50 km of the middle stretch, the river separates into several branches that contain a myriad of small islands that are continually reshaped by the river, especially when the water rises.

Regarding the landscape, in the park one can distinguish four zones: the river valley, the irrigated plains, the dry plateau and the hills.
The Park includes several nature reserves, such as Zelata in Bereguardo, Vigano in Golasecca, the Turbigaccio at Lonate Pozzollo and La Fagiana, at Pontevecchio di Magenta. The most beautiful lowland forests, such as those of Pavia and Zerbolò, bequeathed by Joseph Negri, are protected by nature reserves.

At Ponte della Becca, where Po and Ticino converge, we are witnessing a fascinating and, in some ways, unique show. The (nearly) azure waters of Ticino and the brick red of the "grande padre" do not disappear quickly: each of the two rivers retain their natural color. And so, for a small stretch of the Po there are two colors: blue on the left and brick on the right.
Do not miss the many historical and architectural points of interest (for example the Morimondo Abbey, the Sforzesca of Vigevano, the villas of Navigli), aligned along the canals or the ancient streets, overlooking the valley of the Ticino and immersed in the varied landscape of this slice of Lombardy.

(Main source: wikipedia)

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Lugano: history and development
Ticino: description of the region
The Swiss context: geography and languages

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