When exploring Lugaggia, you can choose between buildings in the village and trails through the countryside. In the centre of the village stands the Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo; west of the village lies the Fontanìn da San Carlo spring in the forests of San Clemente. There are also architectural traces in Sureggio, Casa Cattaneo, and sections of the former railway line that have been preserved as trails in Lugaggia. These offer different starting points for a stay, whether you want to focus on architectural history, details of the village, or outdoor activities.
The Oratory and Village Lanes
The Oratorio di San Carlo Borromeo stands in the centre of the village and is dedicated to Saint Carlo Borromeo. It has a rectangular hall with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The barrel vault forms a long arch over the hall, accentuating its clear rectangular shape. In the lanes of Lugaggia, you can discover frescoes, fountains, dated door lintels, arcades, wash houses, sundials, and ornate portals. These details, too, draw attention to different aspects of the village.
Casa Cattaneo and the Quadri Brothers
Casa Cattaneo stands on the Motta di Lugaggia. This 19th-century house has vaulted cellars and a garden on two levels. It was the birthplace of architects Giovanni Quadri (1866–1892) and Ernesto Quadri (1868–1922). Ernesto Quadri lived there until his death in 1922. From Casa Cattaneo, he designed numerous notable buildings and monuments; their Art Nouveau influences are still visible today. In this way, the architecture of the house connects with the history of the two architects.
Sureggio: Several Historical Layers
The Chiesa di S. Pietro in Sureggio was built in the Romanesque period on the foundations of an oratory thought to date from the Carolingian period. Its bell tower dates from the 12th century and is decorated with pilasters and paired arches. The church was extensively renovated in the 17th century, when a square choir and a barrel-vaulted roof were added. The church in Sureggio, in the former municipality of Lugaggia, also preserves the oldest frescoes in Capriasca. They date from 1180, and four scenes are still visible. The building’s history therefore reveals distinct historical layers: the tower from the 12th century and the 17th-century renovation.
Forest, Spring, and Trails Along Former Railway Lines
The Fontanìn da San Carlo is a spring in the forests of San Clemente, west of Lugaggia. It commemorates Saint Carlo Borromeo’s stay in Sureggio and Lugaggia in 1570. Sections of the former Lugano–Tesserete railway line have been preserved as trails in Lugaggia. An initial cycling connection from Canobbio to Lugaggia passes through the forest along a former railway line that connected the city with the surrounding area.
Another perspective is offered by the “Discovering Capriasca’s natural treasures” route. It connects Tesserete, Cagiallo, Lugaggia, Vaglio, and Sala Capriasca, and passes through forests, villages, and chestnut groves. In Lugaggia, this route includes a walk and a picnic in the countryside. Unlike the cycling connection between two places, this route links several place names across a landscape that includes forests and chestnut groves. If you are planning a specific outing, it is advisable to check the current route and conditions.
Festa di Redde: A Varied Programme
The Festa di Redde programme includes a lively market, exhibitions, and enclosures with farm animals. Historical crafts are also reenacted, alongside sword fights, archery, and music. Individual elements may vary from one edition to the next. If you are planning to attend for a particular event, check the details for that specific edition.
Discover more destinations: Carona, Maroggia, Bogno, Sessa, Rovio, Sigirino, Lugano, Paradiso
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