Point 11 on the Malcantone Mining Park trail are the Bolle Mines

We are in one of the first areas to be prospected and mined for gold in the 18th century. The discovery of gold-bearing stones and their initial processing by artisans was made by a Trezzini from Astano, who had also requested permission from the Uri Landfogto, which governed the Bailiwick of Lugano. This activity did not obtain the authority’s permission but was nevertheless practised for a few years. The discovery of a millstone used to grind auriferous stones near the Lisora stream and now exhibited in Astano and the indication of this mill in Baglioni’s map confirm this activity. Baglioni’s map indicates in 1855 the existence of 8 mines in this area around the village of La Costa, one of which is the Sessa Gold Mine.

Of the Bolle Mines, one can still see the entrance to a tunnel that runs westwards, while the entrance to the tunnel leading to the larger mine that is oriented east-west and has several levels is no longer visible. This entrance was located near the north-east wall of the shed that is falling into disrepair. The area where the entrance to the main mine was located was the subject of excavation work in the 1970s that led to the formation of two ponds that were to serve as a tourist recreation area. These works were stopped because they were not authorised. It is likely that the access tunnel was destroyed with these works.