Discover Lugaggia

Lugaggia lies on the right bank of the Cassarate Valley, a few kilometres before the river flows into Lake Lugano. In the village, you’ll encounter sacred architectural history, historic houses and details in the lanes. The surrounding area is also characterised by trails through forests, villages and chestnut groves, as well as sections of former railway lines. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider local history and architecture alongside a bike ride or a walk in the countryside.

Buildings and local history

The Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo stands in the village centre and is dedicated to Saint Carlo Borromeo. Its rectangular hall has a barrel-vaulted ceiling. A barrel vault is an arched ceiling that extends lengthwise; in the oratory, it shapes the interior together with the rectangular hall.

The Chiesa di S. Pietro in Sureggio was built in the Romanesque period on the foundations of an oratory thought to date from the Carolingian era. The bell tower dates from the 12th century and is decorated with pilasters and paired arches. The church underwent extensive renovations in the 17th century, when a square choir and a barrel-vaulted roof were added. The church of Sureggio, in the former municipality of Lugaggia, preserves the oldest frescoes in Capriasca. They date from 1180, and four scenes are still visible. Thus, a presumed early predecessor, the Romanesque period, the 12th-century tower and the 17th-century renovation come together at this church as traces of different eras.

Casa Cattaneo, a 19th-century house on the Motta di Lugaggia, combines architectural features with a biographical story. These features include vaulted cellar rooms and a two-level garden. The house was the birthplace of architects Giovanni Quadri (1866–1892) and Ernesto Quadri (1868–1922); Ernesto lived there until his death in 1922. From Casa Cattaneo, he designed numerous notable buildings and monuments whose Art Nouveau influences remain visible today.

Lugaggia’s lanes reveal frescoes, fountains, dated lintels, arcades, washhouses, sundials and decorated portals. When exploring the village, it’s also worth looking out for the smaller details alongside the prominent buildings.

Spring, trails and landscape

Fontanìn da San Carlo is a spring in the forests of San Clemente, west of Lugaggia. It recalls Saint Carlo Borromeo’s stay in Sureggio and Lugaggia in 1570. Here, the connection to Carlo Borromeo is a historical reminder of his stay, while the oratory in the village centre is dedicated to him.

Sections of the former Lugano–Tesserete railway line have been preserved as trails in Lugaggia. The initial cycling connection between Canobbio and Lugaggia runs through the forest along a former railway line that linked the city with the surrounding area. If you’re planning to use this connection for a bike ride, check the current route conditions beforehand, as they may change.

The “Discovering Capriasca’s natural treasures” route connects Tesserete, Cagiallo, Lugaggia, Vaglio and Sala Capriasca. It passes through forests, villages and chestnut groves, and includes a walk and a picnic in the Lugaggia countryside. Different activities are therefore available: a cycling connection through the forest and a route that includes a walk and a picnic.

Festa di Redde

Festa di Redde offers another highlight. Its programme includes a lively market, exhibitions and enclosures with farm animals. Historical crafts are reenacted; sword fights, archery and music are also part of the programme. Individual elements may vary from one edition to the next, so if you’re planning a visit, check the details for your chosen date.

Discover more destinations: Paradiso, Sessa, Massagno, Pura Ti, Bedigliora, Cadro, Aranno, Vico Morcote.

For the main travel overview: Lugano.