A hike from Mendrisio through the Gole della Breggia ends at the piazza in Vacallo; the town’s history dates back to the founding of its own parish in 1573. Together with Vignalonga and local sporting facilities, this offers a range of ways to shape a stay—from history and exercise to regional food and wine.
Vacallo and connections to Chiasso
Vacallo is a municipality in the canton of Ticino, in the Mendrisio district, Switzerland, on the border with Italy. Today, it is a purely residential area within the greater Chiasso urban area. Check the timetable if you would like to plan your journeys around it.
Parish history and former livelihoods
In 1573, Vacallo separated from the Pieve di Balerna and established its own independent parish. The parish church is now dedicated to Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus (Santi Simone e Giuda Taddeo); it was originally dedicated to Saints Simon and Fidelis (Santi Simone e Fedele). The Church of Santa Croce is also among Vacallo’s religious buildings. These details give the town’s history a tangible setting without requiring an extensive sightseeing itinerary.
Agriculture and skilled trades were part of everyday life in the past. Viticulture, tobacco growing and the use of mulberry trees played an important historical role. Masonry and plastering were also highly significant trades. Many sought-after young tradespeople from Vacallo left to work in other Swiss cantons. Vacallo’s past can thus be viewed through a range of activities: working the land as well as skilled trades in demand beyond the region.
Distinguishing Vignalonga from a hike
The municipality holds Vignalonga every year. The 11th edition was a culinary walk through Vacallo’s vineyards and trails. At 14 stops, participants could sample local food and wines from the region. This made the event different from a hike, where the route and destination are the main points of reference. Check the event dates before planning your stay around it.
The 10.9-kilometre hike “Da Mendrisio attraverso le Gole della Breggia” ends at the piazza in Vacallo. The route passes through the Gole della Breggia. Trail conditions can vary by season, so it is advisable to check conditions before setting out. Vignalonga and the hiking route offer two distinct perspectives: a culinary walk during an event and a hike with a stated distance.
Swimming and sports
Chiasso’s municipal swimming facility is located within the municipality of Vacallo. It comprises four pools and a leisure area with football, beach volleyball, chess and games for children. The distinction is important: this is Chiasso’s swimming facility, located in Vacallo.
Vacallo’s sports facilities cater to athletics, football and five-a-side football, gymnastics, Indiaca, basketball, handball, volleyball and floorball. Sports activities for people with disabilities and people with paraplegia are also listed. This range differs from the more place- and trail-focused experiences associated with parish history, vineyards and hiking. One sports facility is lit for evening activities.
Discover more destinations: Meride, Ligornetto, Muggio, Besazio, Coldrerio, Chiasso, Stabio, Novazzano.
Return to the main travel overview: Mendrisio.
