Cà di ferro, Minusio

Along the tree-lined avenue of Rivapiana, on the shore of Lake Maggiore. From the centre of Minusio you take one of the roads going down to the lakeside in Rivapiana. Built in 1560 according to the wishes of the Uri mercenary leader Peter A Pro, as a military base for the recruitment of mercenaries. The complex includes one massive square plan building with overhanging top with walkway and gutters.  Alongside stands a rectangular two-floor building, with iron gratings on the ground floor windows.  Inside are corridors and hiding places. Upstairs are the rooms of the mansion. It’s also known as “La Vignaccia”. Close to Minusio are also the ruins of the “Fraccia”, a wall with towers built during the Fourteenth Century.

Further photographs and details may be requested from the Ticino Film Commission.