Monte Arbostora (Ticino, Switzerland)

Carona The village has antique roots and is very picturesque as many architects, sculptors, painters and artists have left behind their masterpieces around town. The town of Carona is located at 602 m above sea level between the summit of Mount San Salvatore and Mount Arbostora. In the well-preserved town centre that is characterised by its narrow streets and small squares, besides the brilliantly decorated residences, it is possible to admire the 16th Century parish church of S. Giorgio, with its lavish three-nave interior and the adjacent Municipal Loggia. The latter was built between 1591 and 1592 and stands out for its elegant five-arched portico and its façade richly decorated with trompe l’oeil architectural designs and paintings of the coats of arms of the twelve original Swiss cantons. Besides the parish church there are four other churches that merit a visit, especially the sanctuary of the Madonna d’Ongero on the Carona hill that is located in a splendid scenario of beeches and chestnut trees that make this a truly special place. Carona also offers plenty of leisure opportunities to nature and sports lovers, among which a fantastically positioned public swimming pool, long jogging tracks, two tennis courts, ideal trails for mountain bikes or simply hiking through marvellous chestnut woods and the San Grato Botanical Park. San Grato Park is a naturalistic jewel with an extraordinary collection of azaleas and rhododendrons. An explosion of colours, unique in our Canton both in terms of variety and number will leave numerous visitors breathless during the months of April and May. A splendid view of the lake and the surrounding mountains may also be enjoyed from the park. Vico Morcote Its pleasant position among woods and vineyards make this village a small architectural jewel and an attraction for tourists from all over the region. The old town centre of Vico Morcote is very well preserved, with narrow streets and porticoes, houses dating to the 17th and 18th centuries and a magnificent baroque church in a panoramic position. Besides its interesting historical-architectural heritage, Vico Morcote is at the centre of a dense network of trails and is thus the ideal starting point for excursions of great beauty in the midst of lush Mediterranean flora. Vico-Morcote Castle Morcote Castle on Mount Arbostora, at 475 m above sea level, dominates its surrounds. Built on the ruins of a Lombard Tower around 1100, it was donated by the Confederates to the Paleari family the 18 february 1517 who had distinguished themselves at the Battle of Giornico by refusing to support the Dukes through the deployment of troops, thereby facilitating the victory of the Confederate forces. Between 1450 and 1530 the Paleari were important landowners and mayors in the village. Two underground corridors connected the fortress with the village of Morcote 200 m below.