Contra Dam, Arch dam in Ticino, Switzerland.
The Contra Dam spans 380 meters across the Verzasca River, rising 220 meters high with a structural design that curves between the valley walls.
Engineer Giovanni Lombardi designed this hydroelectric infrastructure, which required five years of construction before its completion in 1965.
The dam gained international recognition when it appeared in the opening sequence of the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye.
Three Francis turbines generate 105 megawatts of power while the reservoir holds 105 million cubic meters of water for energy production.
The structure experienced a series of small earthquakes due to water load after the initial filling of its reservoir, continuing until 1971.
Location: Canton of Ticino
Official opening: 1965
Elevation above the sea: 436 m
GPS coordinates: 46.19660,8.84824
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:22
These Swiss locations offer authentic experiences away from common tourist routes. The selection includes mountain inns, waterfalls, UNESCO sites, historical churches, lakes, bridges, valleys and medieval castles. Each place displays the natural and cultural diversity of Swiss regions.
Switzerland offers a multitude of remarkable sites in its alpine region. We focus here on the main riches of Switzerland's natural and architectural sites, including mountains, lakes, alpine passes, dams, and tourist attractions.
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Convento di Santa Caterina
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Oratory of San Martino
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Torre del Comune
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Santi Carpoforo e Gottardo Parish Church and rectory
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Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine
4.4 km
Oratory of Saints Anna and Cristoforo
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Corippo
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Elisarion museum
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Casa Bianchetti
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Madonna del Sasso Museum
4.8 km
Locarno chapel of the Resurrection
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Palazzo della Società Elettrica Sopracenerina
5 km
Ca’ di Ferro e oratorio della Vergine dei Sette Dolori
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Cantonal library Locarno
5 kmReviews
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