Welcome to Corippo
An Alpine Village Through the Ages
Nestled into the steep flanks of the Verzasca Valley lies Corippo, a place that embodies the architectural and historical essence of alpine life in the Canton of Ticino like few others. For a long time, Corippo was known as the smallest political municipality in Switzerland. Yet behind this statistical fact lies a far deeper story of adaptability, the will to survive, and the sensitive stewardship of cultural heritage.
From the first documented mention in the 13th century, through the heyday of subsistence farming, to the massive waves of emigration that nearly depopulated the village – the history of Corippo is a microcosm of the entire Alpine region. Today, the almost entirely preserved historic centre is strictly protected as a national monument.
Through the innovative “Albergo Diffuso” project, Corippo has found a way not only to preserve its centuries-old stone houses but to fill them with new life. This website serves as a comprehensive archive and invites you to explore the history, architecture, craftsmanship, and families of Corippo in detail.
Seven Centuries in Motion
- 1224
First documented mention as Culipo.
- 1374
The spelling Quorippo appears in the records.
- 1822
Corippo gains political independence as a sovereign municipality.
- ~1850
Population peak of 315 inhabitants – no new building for over 100 years.
- 1975
The village centre becomes a national monument; Fondazione Corippo is born.
- 2020
The municipal merger creates the new Comune di Verzasca.
- 2022
Albergo Diffuso Corippo opens with ten rooms in restored houses.
Explore the Chapters
Six chapters trace the arc from medieval origins through architecture, craftsmanship and migration to today’s revitalisation as an Albergo Diffuso.
Chapter 1 – Settlement & Foundations
The Origins – Life on the Steep Slope
Walking through Corippo's narrow lanes today, it is hard to imagine that this village once sheltered nearly 315 souls – yet went over a century without a single new house being built. The answer lies in the extreme topography and a settlement history reaching back to 1224.
Read chapter →Chapter 2 – Material Culture
Architecture of Survival – Stone by Stone
Every stone in Corippo had its place – not for aesthetic reasons, but out of sheer necessity. What looks like a picturesque postcard village is in truth a response to cold, steep slopes and lack of space, perfected over centuries. Since 1975 the entire clustered settlement has been a listed national monument.
Read chapter →Chapter 3 – Subsistence & Craft
Self-Sufficient Craftsmanship
Nothing was bought that could be made by hand. From livestock on the alpine pastures to hemp in the fields and chestnuts in the grove – every task in Corippo was a link in a chain of survival that sustained the village for centuries.
Read chapter →Chapter 4 – Migration & Decline
The Great Exodus – Ghost Village and Gold Rush
Of nearly 300 souls, only nine remained. The story of Corippo's great exodus leads across ship passages to California, goldfields in Australia, and silent terraces where the forest slowly reclaimed the land.
Read chapter →Chapter 5 – Faith & Custom
Faith, Tradition, and Legends
Processions through steep lanes, an auction on the village square, and a maccheronata for all: Corippo's customs have outlasted emigration, isolation, and even the municipal merger – and continue to connect the scattered descendants with their homeland to this day.
Read chapter →Chapter 6 – Modern Reinvention
Revitalisation – The Albergo Diffuso
What to do with historic stone houses whose owners left long ago? Corippo's answer was the Albergo Diffuso: since 2022, ten carefully restored rooms in once-abandoned rustici have welcomed guests from around the world – while village life carries on.
Read chapter →Stay in Corippo
Discover carefully restored traditional houses, each offering a unique window into Corippo's timeless charm
