Miglieglia is a village in the municipality of Lema in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It lies at 717 m above sea level, above the Magliasina Valley on the forested southeastern slope of Monte Lema. The mountain trails, educational nature trail and historic sites in the village offer different ways to spend your stay.
Mountain Trails and Routes on Monte Lema
Monte Lema has an 80-kilometre network of hiking trails. The trails offer views of lakes and green meadows. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out.
The Lema–Tamaro crossing is 13.1 kilometres long and takes about five hours without breaks. It is rated as moderately difficult (T2) in technical terms. The Monte Lema–Miglieglia route is a direct but steeper descent: it takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes and is considered difficult. This is a significantly shorter stated journey time, but it is not an easier rating. The duration and difficulty of both routes depend on conditions and your individual pace.
The second stage of the Sentiero Lago di Lugano leads from Miglieglia to Capanna Tamaro along the ridge between Monte Lema and Monte Tamaro. Along the way, views stretch across northern Italy and Ticino to the Alps. For this stage, cable car No. 309 from Miglieglia to Monte Lema is recommended. Check route conditions and recommended connections before setting out.
Discover Nature and Look to the Skies
The educational trail on Monte Lema combines nature and learning. Panoramic benches and picnic areas complement information about 50 different tree species. Other stations cover butterflies and animal tracks. The trail’s facilities and information may change; follow the information on site as you go.
Monte Lema is also home to the observatory of the Le Pleiadi association. It is used to observe stars, planets, galaxies and nebulae. Visits and guided activities may be seasonal.
Village History and Religious Heritage
The Caséra di Miglieglia, also known as Ra Caséra, is located on the main path from Miglieglia to Monte Lema. It was formerly used for processing milk, storing cheese and, at times, as accommodation. Simple information boards explain its former purpose.
The old church of Santo Stefano al Colle is in the upper part of the village, in the cemetery, and dates back to the 12th century. It preserves late Gothic frescoes from the 16th century, which were restored in 1970.
Santo Stefano al Colle is also associated with the religious tradition of the Apostolare, which means asking the Apostles for grace. In Ticino, this tradition is particularly associated with the church in Miglieglia, among other places.
The elevations also provide a geographical frame of reference: the former municipal area extended from approximately 505 to 1,619 m above sea level; Monte Lema reaches 1,619 m above sea level.
Discover more destinations: Muzzano, Capriasca, Savosa, Roveredo, Taverne, Bogno, Aranno, Cadro.
For the main travel overview: Lugano.
