Monte San Giorgio: a sea of memories
Overview
Intro
Even though Monte San Giorgio was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the mountain itself and the area around it remain unchanged. Fossils up to 240 million years old – often in perfect condition – are concealed in this mountain. Some of the most important finds can be admired in the Fossil Museum in Meride.
Description
Meride - Spinirolo - Crocifisso - Serpiano - Alpe di Brusino - Pianascio - Pissarda - Albertina - Meride
An informative nature hike explains the complex geo-paleontological history of Monte San Giorgio, an area recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
This circular trail of moderate difficulty passes near to the Fossil Museum. On the Swiss side, the circular trail is 12.3 kilometres long, with access from Brusino Arsizio, Riva San Vitale and Meride. On the Italian side, the trail is connected to the Swiss route and is accessible from Besano, Porto Ceresio and Viggiù. The route is dotted with around 20 information boards, which tell visitors the story of the events that took place over a period of 350 million years, making the mountain one of the most important places in the world for fossil finds.
Places to eat and drink: Capolago, Riva S. Vitale, Meride, Serpiano, Alpe di Brusino. Accommodation: Capolago, Riva S. Vitale, Serpiano. Miscellaneous: Church of Santa Croce in Riva S. Vitale, Fossil Museum in Meride
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Meride
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Meride
|
| Elevation level - Direction |
Before alps, Round trip
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
483 m
|
| Ascent |
551 m
|
| Descent |
551 m
|
| Distance |
12 km
|
| Duration |
3 h 45 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
March - November
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| Category |
Active, Adventure, Nature
|
| Suitable for children with age |
6 - 9 years, 10 - 13 years, 14+ Years
|
Organizzazione Turistica Regionale Mendrisiotto e Basso Ceresio
Via Angelo Maspoli 15
6850
Mendrisio
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)91 641 30 50
Fax +41 (0)91 641 30 59
info@mendrisiottoturismo.ch
mendrisiottoturismo.ch
