This route takes you on the discovery of the Monte San Giorgio Region, UNESCO World Heritage.
The itinerary starts from the funicular station of Brusino.
Having put our bicycle onto the cabin we climb up to the fantastic panorama terrace of Serpiano (650 metres asl), from where we can enjoy a beautiful view over Lake Lugano. Now a long ride downhill begins immersed in green, till we come close to the centre of Meride. After a short uphill ride, the only one on this route, we arrive in the small village of Tremona, which is situated in a charming position at the foot of the Saint Agatha hill, surrounded by hills and cul-de-sacs.
We continue then in the direction of Besazio (there is a view point near the Church of Saint Antonino the Martyr) to visit its small centre; the ancient baptismal font now used as a fountain in the wide parish square is worthy of note.
Our long downhill ride to the valley ends with a visit to the village of Rancate, not far from Mendrisio. We leave Rancate along the downhill road called Via “Alla Rossa” and continue straight on in the direction of Riva San Vitale (a small detour on Via dei Gelsi in order to avoid traffic). Riva San Vitale is a village well-known for its cultural wealth: the Baptistery, the Temple of the Holy Cross and the Town Hall of the late Renaissance period.
We ride along the lake on Via Pojana and after a piece of flat road enter Brusino. The centre has maintained its architectonic features of lakeside burgh lined up along the shore and close round the church. To the north and south the holiday homes make up the continuity of the village along the shores of Lake Lugano.
On leaving the village we continue along Via San Giorgio to return to our hotel.
Note: it is possible to make the itinerary only when the Cableway leading to Serpiano is open, from the end of March to the middle of October
More info: www.funivia.ch // 0041 91 986 20 00
DETAILS:
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 22 km
- Difficulty: easy
- Starting point: Stazione funicolare di Brusino
- Arrival point: Monte S. Giorgio