Airolo is located in Ticino at the southern end of the Gotthard Pass. This is where the Valle Leventina begins, which stretches all the way to Biasca. To the west of Airolo, you reach the Nufenen Pass through the Val Bedretto. However, the history of Airolo has always been shaped by the Gotthard Pass, which was used for trade and transportation. The St. Gotthard Museum in Airolo explains the influence and importance of the pass road. The fortresses of San Gottardo and Fort Hospiz are also worth a visit. Several prehistoric settlements show that Romans were already living in Airolo in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. (Photo: Switzerland Tourism, Andre Meier)
