Novaggio between hiking trails and village culture

Novaggio is in the Malcantone, in the municipality of Lema in the canton of Ticino. The village is situated on a promontory between the Lisora and Magliasina basins, at an altitude of around 640 metres above sea level. From here, there are views of Lake Lugano, the small lake at Ponte Tresa and the Magliasina Valley towards Arosio. Lugano railway station is about 7 kilometres away to the west as the crow flies.

Hiking trails with different themes

The Sentiero delle Meraviglie starts and ends in Novaggio. The route is 6 kilometres long, includes 360 metres of ascent and has a stated duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes. Around twelve themed stops focus on mills, hammer mills, furnaces, mines and castles. They explain how people used to live in the valley. The distance, elevation gain and duration provide a clear framework for the tour; the stops add cultural and historical themes.

The Sentiero della Pace connects the districts of Novaggio and Curio. It therefore has a different point of reference from the themed route that starts and ends in Novaggio. For short walks, trails to the Fonte di Armida are also accessible from Novaggio.

Churches and religious architecture

The Chiesa di San Siro has been documented as a religious building since 1352. The present Baroque building was constructed in the first half of the 17th century. Its neoclassical frescoes date from the late 18th century and are works by Ferdinando Pelli of Aranno and Giacomo Donati. The church thus showcases distinct phases of architecture and art.

The Chiesa di San Pietro was also first mentioned in 1352 and rebuilt in the early 17th century. Its neoclassical façade features a Renaissance portal. In the Sacred Heart chapel is an 18th-century painting depicting Saint Peter in prayer, attributed to Giuseppe Antonio Petrini.

The Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario, also known as della Morella, is in the woods along the old path to Pura and was once a pilgrimage destination. The present building dates from 1597 and was built over a chapel several centuries older. Some chapels from a Way of the Cross with modern frescoes remain along the approach.

Village art and crafts

The open-air murals by NovaggioArte can be seen on a stroll through the narrow lanes of the village centre. The Maglio del Malcantone offers another glimpse into local history: it was built in 1860 as an iron workshop where tools and everyday items such as scythes, spades and hoes were made. The Maglio is considered the only lever-operated tilt hammer mill currently preserved in Switzerland.

Landscape and historical landmarks

Alpe Paz is characterised by green meadows and wooded areas and is considered a peaceful natural landscape. The old stable on the alp was converted into a multipurpose room, also used for woodland classes; the renovation was completed in September 2024. The room is available for conferences and courses.

The village’s history stretches back a long way: Novaggio was first mentioned in 1335 under the name Novizio. A small medieval castle stood northeast of the village on the hill of A Castéll; it is mentioned from the 13th to the 15th century. The evidence spans the village’s early history, religious buildings and the Maglio’s craft heritage.

When looking for a hotel in Novaggio, you can take the focus of your trip into account: a tour with a clearly specified route and duration offers a different experience from a walk to the Fonte di Armida or exploring churches, murals and crafts. This lets you choose a destination based on the themes that interest you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vico Morcote, Bogno, Magliaso, Cadempino, Morcote, Muzzano, Aranno, Cademario

For the main travel overview: Lugano.