Astano lies between Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, combining a lake landscape with mountain scenery and a long local history. When planning your trip, you can choose different areas of focus: at the Laghetto di Astano, swimming and sport fishing take centre stage; the Monte Lema–Astano trail passes through pastures and later through woodland; and in the town, you’ll encounter architectural landmarks from several centuries. This lets you explore water, hiking landscapes and culture as different facets of Astano.
Between Lakes and Mountains
The town sits on a south-facing terrace at an altitude of about 630 metres, at the foot of the water-rich Rogòria slope and below Monte Lema. Its location between Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, and on the Swiss-Italian border, gives Astano a clear geographical setting. The surrounding mountain landscape includes Monte Rogoria, also known as Monte Rogorio or Motto Croce, at 1,184 metres above sea level. The exceptionally mild climate has helped make Astano a popular and well-known destination. The terrace, slope and named mountains are as much a part of the town’s description as its lake landscape.
At the Laghetto di Astano
The Laghetto di Astano is one of Malcantone’s tourist attractions. There is a small bathing facility in a green setting by the lake. Its operating schedule may vary seasonally. Before travelling, you should also check whether sport fishing and equipment rental are available locally on your dates. Sport fishing is possible at the Laghetto, and equipment can be rented there. Swimming and fishing are two different activities available at the same lake; when planning, you can decide which matters for your stay.
The Hiking Trail from Monte Lema
The Monte Lema–Astano hiking trail descends from the summit of Monte Lema to Astano. It first crosses pastures. The Passo di Monte Faeta/Forcola is almost halfway along the route; the second section passes through woodland. The trail is therefore defined not only by its two endpoints, but also by the changing landscape: open pastures at the start, the pass roughly midway, and woodland in the later section. Unlike at the Laghetto, the focus here is on a route through different landscapes.
Local History and Architecture
Astano’s origins date back to around the year 1000. In 1272, Astano had a provostry of brothers and sisters of the Order of the Humiliati, with an oratory dedicated to Saints Antonio and Bartolomeo. The Chiesa di S. Pietro was built around the middle of the 17th century, replacing a medieval oratory.
The main altar of the Chiesa di S. Pietro is made of Arzo marble, decorated with inlays and was created in 1706 by Andrea Manni of Rovio. Next to the church stands the ossuary, which dates from the second half of the 18th century. Its roof is covered with Piode slate, and its porch is supported by Tuscan-order columns. The architectural features described here range from the oratory and church to details of the altar and ossuary, with different materials and clearly distinguishable architectural elements.
Trezzini and Border History
Astano is the birthplace of architect Domenico Trezzini. Commissioned by Tsar Peter I, he became the first builder and first city planner of what is now Saint Petersburg. This biographical connection adds a link beyond the town to Astano’s cultural history.
The history of the border and smuggling is also part of Astano’s past. Historically, the town was associated with smuggling as a border village in Ticino. The historic border barrier known as «la Ramina» was built on Italian territory from the 1890s onwards and was connected with the area’s smuggling history.
The Sagra dell’Alambicco in Astano includes a typical gastronomic service and adds a culinary aspect to the landscape and historical themes.
Discover more destinations: Arogno, Porza, Melano, Bedano, Roveredo, Collina D'oro, Barbengo, Paradiso.
For the broader travel overview: Lugano.
