From Morcote to Novazzano you can enjoy a great Swiss cycle route towards
Italy in a more than enchanting environment along the shore of the marvellous Lake
Lugano, a shining jewel of the Canton of Ticino, a superb highlight
of Southern Switzerland since a long time ago inserted as a Top destinations.
That stunning waters basin was frequently included as relevant stage in the iconic Grand Tour, that traditional trip of Europe flourished in the 17th century with pioneers wealthy young people who from different European capitals and cities planned unforgettable itineraries with destinations the sunny Italian lands and the French Riviera enjoying a stop in that magnificent corner of that Nation.
That stunning waters basin was frequently included as relevant stage in the iconic Grand Tour, that traditional trip of Europe flourished in the 17th century with pioneers wealthy young people who from different European capitals and cities planned unforgettable itineraries with destinations the sunny Italian lands and the French Riviera enjoying a stop in that magnificent corner of that Nation.
From
that stunning waters basin also called Lago Ceresio in a spectacular scenic route of approximately 25,0
kilometres you will reach a charming point of that Confederation characterised by verdant forests and picturesque
hilly plateaus ending that
fascinating experience at the local Cantonal frontier gateway to
the wonderful Italian province of Como with many options to continue in that land well known for its great and unique lake, the Lario with an endless list of other superb historic and natural attractions.
Since a long time ago
that Swiss area is a fantastic training place for many cyclists offering
magnificent proposals for all those who want to admire a unique scenery among the most
beautiful of Europe with a multitude of chances consisting in an ample variety of itineraries with different
coefficients of difficulty including some of them with stunning and challenging ascents and for that it is a favourite territory selected by several professional athletes apart prestigious races celebrated place in that stupendous land.
You will have the chance to be delighted since the beginning by an unforgettable lake shore as start point with superb views towards of the magnificent Alps, enchanted by stunning
landscapes and a notable historic patrimony of
extreme relevance admiring several Baroque, Medieval, Renaissance and Liberty
masterpieces, a reason more to combine sport, art, tourism, and nature which is also an absolute protagonist along that route.
A further great
detail as excellent combination in the case of a stay if you are planning a trip enjoying that wonderful corner of Switzerland is the presence of very
comfortable accommodations and camping with many
facilities to practise different
kinds of water sports, a further incentive for all those who are fond of those activities.
In addition something to take in consideration very appreciated by many people is the gastronomic aspect with the opportunity to taste a delicious local cuisine in the
iconic Grotti, those kinds of traditional taverns-restaurants offering
the most genuine, typical, local gastronomy in charming and cosy environments
highlighted by furniture and items linked to the deepest local cultural traditions.
Also that is undoubtedly a fabulous occasion unique in its kind considering that also the enogastronomic tours strongly entered since a long time go in a complete tourism as something of very trendy with many travellers often searching the best in terms of flavours and taste of the most traditional and rooted gastronomy of a selected destination.
Also that is undoubtedly a fabulous occasion unique in its kind considering that also the enogastronomic tours strongly entered since a long time go in a complete tourism as something of very trendy with many travellers often searching the best in terms of flavours and taste of the most traditional and rooted gastronomy of a selected destination.
Morcote is a very
pleasant and charming centre of 750 inhabitants not far from Lugano, a stunning city you can reach
by flight from different points of Europe thanks to the presence
of its International Airport of Agno located in its immediate
outskirts.(I wrote a post about that city if you are interested)
Naturally before to start your experience that splendid town deserves a visit, it is a small centre but with a magnificent architectural, historic patrimony and you will be immediately impressed for the extraordinary marvels it offers all around its boundaries.
One of its superb highlights are the renmants of an impressive medieval castle originally elevated the 12th century and largely modified three centuries later, famous residences of noble families as the Rusca from Como and the Milanese Visconti conquered later by the Swiss League in 1513, a date ocorresponding to the end of the influence of the Duchy of Milan in that land.
The fortress was largely destroyed but you can admire its pretty vast perimeter, a large section of the fortified walls, two scenic towers, one established on a circular base, the other elevated on a square plan and in addition the traces of the former drawbridge.
You can continue with the charming Chiesa di Sant´Antonio Abate, a medieval Church dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbott, a stunning example of fine art dated the 13th century considered an artistic gem of the Middle Ages of Switzerland for its refined lines and beautiful frescoes on its marvellous facade depicting Saint Christopher and the Trinity, superb works dated the late 15th century.
Another great attraction is certainly the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria del Sasso, considered for position, historic value and image and the symbol of Morcote located on a spectacular, scenic hilly crest reachable by 404 steps but that effort is worth because once on the top you will enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Lugano and the striking landscapes of the Swiss Prealps.
That Church dedicated to St .Mary originally was erected in the 13th century but totally ended two centuries and half later when it had some modifications and its original Romanesque image was replaced by a stylish Renaissance profile.Other laborious works took place in the 16th century with a total arrangement of the apse and the addition of choir, long operations which ended in 1728 and approximately three decades later it was transformed with a new Baroque image.
That Sacred construction had some restorations in the 19th and 20th century and today it is very well conserved and it is greatly highlighted by a scenic domed bell tower, in its interior you can admire some chapels, frescoes dated the 16th and 17th centuries, paintings of the the early 17th century and carvings dated 1591 and in chapel you can admire a great work dated the 18th century consisting in a beautiful illusionistic ceiling painting.
Very close you can admire the Oratorio di Sant' Antonio da Padova, a splendid Baroque Chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua elevated in 1676 on an octagonal plan with a scenic roof topped by a polygonal turret and highlighted by outlines in ochre tonality.
In its interior you can admire you can admire some statue of Saints dated the 17th century among them that of St.Anthony of Saints, a beautiful choir and a marvellous dome with frescoes dated the 17th century depicting Biblical themes.
Morcote boasts many other beautiful buildings, as the Palazzo del Municipio, the Town Hall, a fine Neo-Renaissance palace dated the 19th century, some beautiful mansions such as the Villas Matilde, Angela and Foglia and worth a mention some renaissance houses as Casa Ruggia and Casa Buzzi.
A medieval structure of notable interest is the Torre del Capitano, the tower of the captain, a stone construction erected in the 14th century as check point and largely modified in the 18th century.
Naturally before to start your experience that splendid town deserves a visit, it is a small centre but with a magnificent architectural, historic patrimony and you will be immediately impressed for the extraordinary marvels it offers all around its boundaries.
One of its superb highlights are the renmants of an impressive medieval castle originally elevated the 12th century and largely modified three centuries later, famous residences of noble families as the Rusca from Como and the Milanese Visconti conquered later by the Swiss League in 1513, a date ocorresponding to the end of the influence of the Duchy of Milan in that land.
The fortress was largely destroyed but you can admire its pretty vast perimeter, a large section of the fortified walls, two scenic towers, one established on a circular base, the other elevated on a square plan and in addition the traces of the former drawbridge.
You can continue with the charming Chiesa di Sant´Antonio Abate, a medieval Church dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbott, a stunning example of fine art dated the 13th century considered an artistic gem of the Middle Ages of Switzerland for its refined lines and beautiful frescoes on its marvellous facade depicting Saint Christopher and the Trinity, superb works dated the late 15th century.
Another great attraction is certainly the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria del Sasso, considered for position, historic value and image and the symbol of Morcote located on a spectacular, scenic hilly crest reachable by 404 steps but that effort is worth because once on the top you will enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Lugano and the striking landscapes of the Swiss Prealps.
That Church dedicated to St .Mary originally was erected in the 13th century but totally ended two centuries and half later when it had some modifications and its original Romanesque image was replaced by a stylish Renaissance profile.Other laborious works took place in the 16th century with a total arrangement of the apse and the addition of choir, long operations which ended in 1728 and approximately three decades later it was transformed with a new Baroque image.
That Sacred construction had some restorations in the 19th and 20th century and today it is very well conserved and it is greatly highlighted by a scenic domed bell tower, in its interior you can admire some chapels, frescoes dated the 16th and 17th centuries, paintings of the the early 17th century and carvings dated 1591 and in chapel you can admire a great work dated the 18th century consisting in a beautiful illusionistic ceiling painting.
Very close you can admire the Oratorio di Sant' Antonio da Padova, a splendid Baroque Chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua elevated in 1676 on an octagonal plan with a scenic roof topped by a polygonal turret and highlighted by outlines in ochre tonality.
In its interior you can admire you can admire some statue of Saints dated the 17th century among them that of St.Anthony of Saints, a beautiful choir and a marvellous dome with frescoes dated the 17th century depicting Biblical themes.
Morcote boasts many other beautiful buildings, as the Palazzo del Municipio, the Town Hall, a fine Neo-Renaissance palace dated the 19th century, some beautiful mansions such as the Villas Matilde, Angela and Foglia and worth a mention some renaissance houses as Casa Ruggia and Casa Buzzi.
A medieval structure of notable interest is the Torre del Capitano, the tower of the captain, a stone construction erected in the 14th century as check point and largely modified in the 18th century.
The departure of the cycle route is from a beautiful panoramic road flanked by the lake with a marvellous promenade dominated by mountains overlooking verdant forest, crossing
captivating small towns with picturesque and unforgettable panoramic views and scenic landscapes.
All the surroundings
are furthermore famous for the superb presence of elegant mansions
some of them decorated in a magnificent liberty style, undoubtedly a place you
have to visit if you are planning a trip to that great corner of Switzerland.
Skirting the
beautiful jagged coast highlighted by picturesque tiny bays and
fabulous natural coves, the route is since the beginning of a stunning beauty
and after approximately 11,0 kilometres along a road to remember forever in a gentle up and down
you will reach Melide.
That attractive town is historically
famous for a past linked to the Duchy of Milan, birthplace of famed architects as Domenico Fontana who worked for the Papal State in Vatican in the 16th century and famed for a
great tourist attraction as Swissminiatur which you can visit
enjoying that wonderful site founded in the year 1959 by Pierre Vuigner and Georges
Wütrich situated in a great space consisting in a beautiful
green area of over 14.000 square metres.
There you will have
the chance to admire the splendid miniatures of the main Swiss monuments including
small replicas of the Alps, main cities, towns, trains and a small
reproduction of the railway network of that country.
Dominated by the
enchanting silhouette of the Monte San Giorgio, a mount which was listed
as UNESCO patrimony site for its
unique beauty you will be delighted furthermore by the imposing presence and views
of other wonderful heights such as the Monte Generoso and the Monte
San Salvatore ideal places also for those who love trekking reaching those
picturesque summits boasting unforgettable panoramic views.
Undoubtedly that
scenery is a great place to take hundreds of magnificent
pictures and to enjoy in the case of a stay a lot of different outdoor activities but also for enjoyable walks along as a romantic lakeside promenade which conquers every visitor at first sight.
Another natural enchanting highlight in that concrete geographic point is that you are in one of the narrower sections
of Lake Lugano behind a promontory forming an amazing bay with a unique
view towards the opposite shore of that wonderful waters basin with captivating hills
surrounding the scenic municipality of Brusino Arsizio which with its
small inhabited centre is part of that stunning frame and also that image is to
immortalise in your most pleasant memories.
That town on
Lake Ceresio is also well known for its dam
bridge built by the engineer Lucchini
and developed to connect the two shores of the lake, a
masterpiece of civil architecture connecting the local coast to the area of Mendrisio.
Since its
construction it was internationally considered as a sort of "chef
d´oeuvre" crossing in a strategic point Lake Lugano improving the communication of the Nation avoiding a large tour and
journey around that waters basin in a point among the most fascinating landscapes you can admire in the entire country. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about Swissminiatur
and some information more regarding Melide too )
Once crossed that
iconic bridge cycling along the Strada Cantonale ,the Cantonal road on a
long flat stretch pretty easy, you have to continue towards the municipality of Bissone, another wonderful stage, very suggested to visit for
its enchanting environment and worth a mention the magnificent Parish Church
of San Carpoforo.
It is one of the best examples of Baroque Churches elevated in the 16th century in the Canton of Ticino with a touch of Neo-Renaissance inspiration in some details. It was listed as Swiss Patrimony Heritage site containing relevant frescoes and stuccoes in its interior.
It is one of the best examples of Baroque Churches elevated in the 16th century in the Canton of Ticino with a touch of Neo-Renaissance inspiration in some details. It was listed as Swiss Patrimony Heritage site containing relevant frescoes and stuccoes in its interior.
Bissone is
characterised by a good number of historic buildings mainly dated the late 19th century lining
the lakeside road and beneath the Monte Sighignola, a stunning peak which with its captivating silhouette and
an altitude of 1320,0 metres is one of the most attractive local heights
offering in all its surroundings special trails for all trekking lovers who can
find there a Mecca with an ample variety of itineraries of immense beauty.
Immediately after that centre you will reach Maroggia, another attractive municipality lying on a wonderful promontory, a place highlighted by a pretty wide beautiful bay and with a
striking panoramic view towards another headland towards the Italian province of Varese and at the mouth of one of the most scenic arms of that striking waters basin.
That place boasts important historic monuments as the
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pietro, a
splendid Church dedicated to St.Peter elevated in the late 16th century and according to some historic documentations it was developed on the
foundations of another Sacred structure dated the 8th century.
The route in that point is
spectacular because it offers the last magnificent lakeside views, a series
of changes of slopes with a beautiful panoramic bend from which you can admire on the
other shore you can admire Morcote, the place where you started the cycle route.
After approximately 2,0
kilometres pretty easy without difficulties you will cross the inhabited core
of Melano, famous site for a historic past linked to Como which made of it
one its important strongholds as relevant port on Lake Ceresio and it was in
addition a notable site for the production of silk.
Cycling for other 3,0
kilometres you will enter in the
boundaries of Riva San Vitale and in that point the lake ends forming an
ample gulf with a scenic coastline highlighted by
charming tiny coves.
A stop and the visit of that site is pretty recommended due to a relevant presence of considerable architectural attractions as the stupendous Battistero di San Giovanni, a medieval baptistery dated the 5th century dedicated to St.John which for its value is one of the most notable masterpieces of the entire Canton.
A stop and the visit of that site is pretty recommended due to a relevant presence of considerable architectural attractions as the stupendous Battistero di San Giovanni, a medieval baptistery dated the 5th century dedicated to St.John which for its value is one of the most notable masterpieces of the entire Canton.
You can also dedicated a visit the Chiesa Parrocchiale, the Parish Church another stunning jewel
of the Middle Ages dated the 10th century and some beautiful Neo-Renaissance
buildings, among them the Palazzo della Croce, a splendid palace boasting fine lines a stylish architectural layout in its main facade.
A further highlight is the Chiesa di Santa Croce, an extraordinary Religious construction ended in the late 16th century highlighted by an impressive cupola and an imposing high front side characterised by architectural elements of high artistic school.
A further highlight is the Chiesa di Santa Croce, an extraordinary Religious construction ended in the late 16th century highlighted by an impressive cupola and an imposing high front side characterised by architectural elements of high artistic school.
Riva San Vitale is
also well known to be the seat of the Centre
of European Studies and Architecture of Virginia Tech, that prestigious
American University founded in 1872 in Blacksburg.
That place in addition is also well known to be the cradle of that notorious soft drink called Rivella invented by Robert Barth in
1952 using for its composition milk whey, different minerals, lactic acids and
lactose, a sort of icon all around Switzerland but also with an extreme popularity
in Germany.
The Grotto Pojana
is a good opportunity to try the
delectable local specialities of that very pleasant restaurant returning there after your cycle experience to have a great dinner or the day after for a delicious lunch.
That establishment offers some of the traditional local delights such as Brasato alla Ticinese with Polenta, Risotto with Pesce Persico, rice with fish lake, fried bleak with potatoes, excellent Swiss cheeses, salami and a wide selection of other plates next to a selected list of fine wines in an ideal environment eating in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
That establishment offers some of the traditional local delights such as Brasato alla Ticinese with Polenta, Risotto with Pesce Persico, rice with fish lake, fried bleak with potatoes, excellent Swiss cheeses, salami and a wide selection of other plates next to a selected list of fine wines in an ideal environment eating in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
A stop along its
lakeside promenade is an additional suggestion taking numerous pictures
because the striking local bay transmits deep inspirations
and special sensations for its lights, colours and contrasts of a marvellous fascination.
From there after that great visit you have
to take a road called Campagna Adorna following the
indications towards Mendrisio-Novazzano-Italy. The route starts to have some
changes in terms of altitude changing from approximately 280,0 to 350, metres and you have to continue along Via Canova in a territory which starts to be
pretty hilly and picturesque.
After a small hamlet called Colombera, you will take Via Boscherina a long straight
road with a couple of pleasant bends following along Via Casate. That point is very
charming because looking at towards south you will see a chain of hills dividing the Swiss Canton of Ticino and the Italian Region of Lombardy.
Historically that
area was an important cross point and transit when those heights were crossed since
ancient times by merchants who along paths developed in that woody area managed their
trades especially devoted to fabric and textiles products from Italy to Switzerland.
After that scenic view you have to continue taking Via delle Vigne, a road which directly leads to Novazzano.
After that scenic view you have to continue taking Via delle Vigne, a road which directly leads to Novazzano.
That centre was
originally founded in the early Middle Ages but probably settled much
before by Celts, Etruscans and later by the Lombards around the 6th century, a poulation who established around the current boundaries a network of
fortified structures that despite they disappeared characterised the denominations of some neighbourhoods of that municipality.
Along the stream
Roncaglia you can see some old former
mills which in the past were the main structures linked to one of the most important local activity consisting in the production of flour.
All around that town you will notice the presence of
several old farms and granaries confirming the considerable agricultural tradition of that centre.
You can
also appreciate historic buildings of notable interest as the Chiesa dei
Santi Quirico e Giulitta, a Sacred Temple presenting a current
Baroque image but highlighted by a magnificent Romanesque bell tower dating
back the 11th century.
Totally
surrounded by forests and hills Novazzano is also an ideal and perfect land for mountain bikers who can find along that
Swiss-Italian border a multitude of mixed trails with a stunning prolongation to the nearest Ronago, a small town where is situated
another frontier.
Despite its small size that place is well known to organise different kinds of events such as a lively Carnival, a Beer Feast and a gastronomic fair with protagonist Gnocchi, all that managed by the active Pro Loco, an Institution devoted to promote local tourism and different kinds of cultural activities.
Despite its small size that place is well known to organise different kinds of events such as a lively Carnival, a Beer Feast and a gastronomic fair with protagonist Gnocchi, all that managed by the active Pro Loco, an Institution devoted to promote local tourism and different kinds of cultural activities.
A further alternative
if you want to continue cycling on road for a few kilometres more and you can entering in Italy through the Italian-Swiss
border of Bizzarone, a gate directly leading towards a large woody territories crossing the municipalities of Valmorea,Uggiate Trevano
and Faloppio all centres part of the province of Como, a beautiful, scenic hilly verdant environment packed by forests rich of mushrooms, chestnuts ,secular
oaks and many pine trees.
I added some links below in the case Switzerland and the Canton of Ticino are in your future plans of holidays and I included some suggested accommodations.
I added some links below in the case Switzerland and the Canton of Ticino are in your future plans of holidays and I included some suggested accommodations.
That itinerary is very
pleasant, a magnificent experience with fantastic and unforgettable views in a land offering a great variety of attractions in which a lake, mountains ,hills, a captivating green countryside are combined
with a good number of historic attractions all together in those 25,0 kilometres making that route, very complete in a stunning Eden delighting every tourist.
All that will show you
something very special enjoying a beautiful cycle route admiring the beauty
of that Swiss territory in which history and nature are mixed in a
picturesque scenery very difficult to forget on the road towards Italy.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Morcote
Albergo Ristorante della Posta
Hotel Albergo Ristorante Rivabella
Swiss Diamond Hotel Lugano (at Vico Morcote)
Useful Links
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks a lot to read and note.