Chapter 1 – Settlement & Foundations
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.
The history of settlement in Corippo is shaped by its extreme topography. At an average elevation of approximately 560 metres above sea level, the village clings to a steep, south-east-facing slope between the Valle Verzasca and the Val di Corippo. The first documented mention of the settlement dates to the year 1224, when it appeared in a document under the name «Culipo». Later, in 1374, the spelling «Quorippo» can be found in the records.
First documented mention as «Culipo».
The spelling «Quorippo» appears in the records.
Population peak of 315 inhabitants – no new building for over a century.
For centuries, farming on narrow terraces was the sole basis of existence. Every square metre of arable land was of incalculable value. This extreme scarcity of space led to a remarkable architectural phenomenon: during the period of peak overpopulation in the mid-19th century – around the year 1850, the village recorded a maximum of up to 315 inhabitants – not a single new building was erected for a span of more than 100 years. The land had to be reserved entirely for growing food, pasture, and the essential chestnut forests.
Despite its small size, Corippo demonstrated an early drive for independence. Discover how the «squadra» system, shared commons and inter-communal ties shaped village politics from 1822 to the 2020 merger.
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