The 220-meter Verzasca Dam holds the distinction of being one of the highest in Europe, but to the world it's known for James Bond's death-defying jump in the opening scene of GoldenEye.
But the dam is a modern intrusion that has not spoiled one of the most beautiful of the Ticino's many river valleys. As the river tumbles down its rocky course, its notoriously emerald green waters form waterfalls and swimming holes surrounded by ledges for sunbathing.
It passes beneath stone bridges and through ancient alpine villages. The best known of both - and with a picturesque waterfall, too - is Lavertezzo.
