Medieval frescoes, different phases of construction and a versatile sports hall offer several ways to plan a trip to Cadempino. The churches reflect a long, complex building history, while Palamondo is a venue for sports and occasional events. There is also a route from Lamone through forests and vineyards, as well as a historic connection to Cureglia. You can focus on architecture and art, or include the sporting facilities at Palamondo in your plans.
Church art from different centuries
The Chiesa dei SS. Gervasio e Protasio probably dates from the 11th century and was extensively remodelled in the 17th century. Its original bell tower features blind arcades and biforate windows: two-part window openings that are among its distinctive architectural details. The tower is one of the oldest in Ticino. The south exterior wall of the nave also features a fragment of a late Gothic fresco depicting Saints Christopher and John the Baptist.
The paintings also point to different periods. During restoration work, Romanesque frescoes depicting Saint Gervasius, the Annunciation, the Visitation and the Nativity were discovered; they date from the late 11th to early 12th century. An altarpiece from 1661 depicts the Madonna of the Rosary and Saints Gervasius, Protasius and Dominic. The building history and artworks therefore do not represent a single historical moment, but rather several layers that can be considered separately.
Further church architecture and art history can be found at the Oratorio di S. Zeno and the Chiesa di S. Andrea. The Oratorio di S. Zeno dates from the late 15th century and was extended in 1765 and 1827. Its late Gothic altar fresco depicts the Madonna and Child, as well as Saints Zeno and Augustine. The rooms beside the oratory once served as a hermitage; this use is mentioned as early as 854. The Oratorio dei SS Gervasio e Protasio is thought possibly to have been built before the year 1000; a document mentions it before 881.
At the Chiesa di S. Andrea, the combination of different styles takes centre stage: it has a Romanesque bell tower and a Neoclassical façade with a portico of Tuscan columns. The Madonna chapel houses a gilded, polychrome wooden statue from the 17th century. Those particularly interested in architectural styles will find a different focus here than in the frescoes and artworks of the Chiesa dei SS. Gervasio e Protasio.
Sport and events at Palamondo
Palamondo is a versatile sports hall. Sports played there include basketball, volleyball, inline skating, futsal and floorball. The hall has belonged to the municipality of Cadempino since the end of 2010. The playing area covers 800 m² and is fitted with boards. The facilities include four team changing rooms, a separate changing room for referees and a first-aid room. The stands offer around 500 seats; there is a bar on the upper floor.
Palamondo is also occasionally used for non-sporting events such as meetings, dinners and concerts; the programme may vary. If you are planning a specific sporting activity or event, check availability in advance.
Getting there and the landscape
At Lamone-Cadempino station, the Lamone-Cadempino La Gerla P+Rail facility is located south of the station, within the municipality of Cadempino. It has 72 parking spaces. As capacity and arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest details before travelling. The location and number of parking spaces provide guidance for getting to the P+Rail facility.
A route leads from Lamone through forests and vineyards to the Oratorio di S. Zeno. Sótt Gacc is listed as a forest and chestnut grove. An old route from Cadempino to Cureglia is also listed. These routes and landscapes offer a different focus from the art-historical details or sporting facilities at Palamondo.
Discover more destinations: Arogno, Lamone, Astano, Vernate Ti, Roveredo, Origlio, Bedano, Neggio
For the main travel overview: Lugano.
