Discover Croglio: Church Art and Merlot History

Croglio is classified in the Swiss ISOS inventory as a hamlet or small village of local importance. There are several ways to shape your stay: explore church art and architectural history, follow the Tracce d'Uomo educational trail, ride a mountain bike route or discover the Merlot tradition around Castelrotto. You can plan your day around whichever of these topics interests you most.

Church Art and Architectural History

The parish church of San Nazaro and its forecourt in Castelrotto are cultural properties of cantonal importance. The church was mentioned in 1301 and acquired its present form around the middle of the 17th century; its bell tower dates from 1677. It has a Baroque high altar with 18th-century stucco and marble, as well as a statue of the Assumption by Antonio Camuzzi of Montagnola, created in 1690.

The church of San Bartolomeo in Croglio is also classified as a cultural property of cantonal importance. The Romanesque church preserves signed frescoes in the apse, dated to 1440. A bell bearing the year 1366 is located beside the figure of Saint Anthony the Great. Other cultural properties of local importance include Villa Orizzonte and Casa Devincenti-Zappa in Castelrotto, the Nevera in Ronco, the Bordonzotti family chapel, the Caseificio sociale and Luigi Rossi's grave in the cemetery in Castelrotto.

Tracce d'Uomo: Circular Trail and Historic Traces

The Tracce d'Uomo educational trail loops around Castelrotto in the Tresa Valley, revealing traces of earlier human activity amid scenic surroundings. It starts at the Centro scolastico Lüsc and follows a mule track. For planning purposes, the approximate duration is useful: the route is about four kilometres long and takes around two hours to walk without breaks. The Madonna del Piano–Castelrotto–Croglio section is also part of the cantonal hiking trail network in Malcantone.

The trail passes the wash trough of the old Fontana dei Terrieri, which dates from 1850, before reaching Castelrotto's village square. Another historic stop is a Caseificio that operated from 1886 to 1942. The Giazzera along the trail was built in 1875 and remained in use until around 1910. In this snow pit, about four metres deep, snow was packed down to store meat and dairy products. The Roccolo was built in the late 18th century for hunting migratory birds; a short detour there offers a spot for a barbecue break.

The landscape is also a feature of the circular trail: it passes through the Mirabell forest and on to Nisciora, known for its panorama; the return route runs through chestnut groves. The educational trail also passes through Merlot vineyards to Ronco, a hamlet of Croglio. Keys for the Caseificio, Giazzera and Roccolo are available from the Croglio municipal office. Check before your visit whether they are currently available.

Merlot, Art and a Cycling Route

The historic Tenuta Vallombrosa in Castelrotto is considered the birthplace of Merlot in Ticino. A total of 10,500 Merlot vines were planted on the Silenzio vineyard, covering an area of about 1.2 hectares. Giovanni Rossi is credited with bringing the grape variety to Ticino at the beginning of the 20th century. Tenuta Vallombrosa is now called Tenuta Tamborini-Castelrotto.

The park of the Art-&-Wine-Relais Vallombrosa in Castelrotto features an art trail about two kilometres long, where visitors can view 20 works of contemporary art. As participation is linked to staying at the accommodation, check separately before visiting. If you would rather plan a mountain biking route than a walking trail, try the Tresa Bike No. 353, signposted as a one-way route: it runs from Ponte Tresa via Pura and Castelrotto back to Ponte Tresa.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Castelrotto can be reached from Ponte Tresa via the road along the River Tresa. PostBus services connect Croglio with Ponte Tresa and Magliaso; Ponte Tresa is accessible by train from Lugano. Check the relevant timetables for your travel dates if bus or train connections are an important factor in choosing your hotel.

Discover more destinations: Castelrotto, Aranno, Lamone, Vernate Ti, Carona, Origlio, Melano, Cademario.

Return to the main travel overview: Lugano.