Corippo was the smallest municipality in Switzerland before its merging with four other municipalities in the Verzasca Valley. Additionally, it is a highly unique settlement located on a steep slope surrounded by meadows. Over the years, most of the municipality’s population has immigrated due to insufficient resources. There were still around 300 residents in the settlement during the 19th century while today there are only about ten people living in the town. The settlement has been under the state’s protection since 1975.
After the restoration of its rustic houses, Corippo became a scattered hotel in 2022.
The name of the village is first mentioned in 1224 as Culipo, then as Quorippo in 1374. It was originally a part of the larger commune of Vogorno before it became an independent entity in 1822. Built with local gray stones of Ticino and granite roofs, the village houses are resistant to harsh weather conditions. Accordingly, around 60 stone houses in the village managed to remain mostly intact. There have been a few changes such as the 17th-century Church of the Blessed Virgin Annunciata that was extended in the late 18th century. The European Architectural Heritage Congress also declared Corippo an “exemplary model” for historical preservation due to its architectural value.
