ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 4 h 25 min
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Ascent 660 m
Intro
A short climb leads to the UNESCO World Heritage of Monte San Giorgio, the fossil mountain with its 300 million years of history. Via the fascinating villages of Meride and Tremona you reach «Magnifico Borgo» Mendrisio, famous for its elegant historic buildings.
Description
The stage begins at the pier in Morcote, where the boat takes you over the water to Brusino Arsizio in a few minutes. If you'd rather not travel by boat, you can start your hike directly on the other side of the lake. Here, the path quickly leads into the forest, and a steep, varied ascent to Serpiano begins. Alternatively, you can deal with the altitude difference by taking the Brusino Arsizio – Serpiano cable car.
On a plateau on the western slope of Monte San Giorgio lies the Spa Hotel Serpiano. You will soon reach the route's highest point at Casa Doganale, 669 metres above sea level. A slightly descending trail leads on gravel roads and forest paths through the valley between Monte Pravello and Monte San Giorgio to Meride.
Two hundred forty million years ago, there was a 100-metre-deep ocean basin here. Due to numerous spectacular fossil finds, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the finds are on display in the fossil museum in Meride. Nestled between gently rolling hills, the town with its pantile roofs is reminiscent of Tuscany. The buildings have spacious courtyards with porticoes, elaborately laid cobblestones, elegant iron doors and wall fountains. The village is situated in a landscape characterised by viticulture and was once home to many artists.
Winding forest trails lead downhill and climb again on the eastern slope to the village of Tremona. On the way, a cosy grotto invites you to play petanque with fantastic views. In the archaeological park in Tremona, the remains of a medieval settlement have been uncovered. They allow a detailed reconstruction of everyday life in the Middle Ages, which can be viewed through 3-D glasses.
Now a long descent takes you via Rancate to the industrial area of Mendrisio. Walking along the Morea, you reach the stage's destination at the railway station. The old town attracts visitors with its narrow alleys, old palazzi, terracotta-tiled roofs, baroque churches and the medieval tower on the Piazza del Ponte. One of the famous neoclassical houses is the former Beata Vergine hospital.
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 |
Morcote
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Mendrisio
|
| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
660 m
|
| Descent |
620 m
|
| Distance |
14 km
|
| Duration |
4 h 25 min
|
| Duration back |
4 h 15 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
All year
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
Quick Facts
Route number
