Anzonico lies at an altitude of 984m and together with the neighbouring municipalities of Calonico, Cavagnago and Sobrio forms the so-called Traversa. From here there are magnificent views over the Bassa Leventina. Anzonico suffered a devastating catastrophe in 1667 when an avalanche destroyed parts of the village including the church and killed 88 inhabitants. The village was rebuilt at a more sheltered location. From 1850 onwards, Anzonico’s population decreased. Around 100 people live here today and several rustici or typical cottages have been converted into holiday homes.

Tourism linked to the Strada Alta is, beside the fast dwindling agriculture, one of the few ways of earning a living in the mountain villages of the Traversa, which are often almost totally depopulated during the winter months. Anzonico is 6km away from the valley village of Lavorgo and can be reached from there by post bus. Narrow cobbled streets and densely interwoven terraced houses of stone and wood lend an idyllic charm to the tiny village which time seems to have left almost untouched.

An information trail close to the intersection of the Ri di Laium devotes itself to the function of the protective forest. Here at the eastern end of the village is the Sant’Antonio da Padova Chapel, a baroque structure built in 1687. The parish church is consecrated to St John the Baptist and located 250m to the south of the village. At the Angone mountain pasture, the beautiful 17th century oratory of Beata Vergine is well worth a look.

Below Anzonico the Gotthard Railway runs spectacularly through two loop tunnels through the Biaschina, a popular photo opportunity especially in conjunction with the bends of the main road and the high bridge that carries the motorway through the narrow valley.