The green hilly landscape of the Capriasca, covered with chestnut and beech forests, stretches north of Lugano to the foothills of the Ceneri. This region, with Tesserete at its centre, is little known by tourists.

Many of the villages lying closely together and benefiting from the mild climate of Capriasca still present themselves as a historic unit, often dominated by the towers of their mainly baroque-style churches. The main sightseeing attraction in Tesserete (528m) is the San Stefano parish church. The Romanesque bell tower of an earlier church soaring seven storeys from the centre of today’s church facade can be seen from afar. The opulent interior of the church with its baroque chancel is dominated by the neoclassical altar, ornate choir stalls, numerous notable paintings and frescoes, and richly appointed side chapels.

To the east of Tesserete, a beautiful view opens up to the Denti della Vecchia. The ascent through the primal Val Colla to this striking, craggy mountain peak is also a popular route. The extensive chestnut forests with their woodland paths are, in general, found to be a true El Dorado for hiking and biking.

The views towards Lugano, the lake and San Salvatore that appear only a short walk away from Tesserete are superb. The trail first leads down to Ponte Capriasca, past the picturesque village square of Origlio, a pretty holiday resort surrounded by vineyards, and on to the little lake of the same name, with dense reed belts, which are a protected breeding area for birds. A short climb leads up to the pilgrimage church of San Bernardo with the superb views previously mentioned.

The Santa Maria von Bigorio Monastery a little above Tesserete is worth a visit. Founded in 1535, it was one of the first Capuchin monasteries in Switzerland. It has been a centre for religious, spiritual and cultural seminars for many years. A small museum is dedicated to the monastery life of the monks.

The parish church of San Ambrogio in Ponte Capriasca houses an exceptional work of art, probably the best reproduction of the «Last Supper» by Leonardo da Vinci. It was created in around 1547/48 by one of Leonardo’s pupils. Many other churches in the area are worth visiting, such as in Campestro above Tesserete: the small Sant' Andrea Church with Gothic frescoes in Giotto style.

Highlights

• San Ambrogio Church in Ponte Capriasca – houses a particularly good reproduction of da Vinci’s Last Supper, created by a pupil of Leonardo.
• Denti della Vecchia – scenic hiking and biking destination with panoramic views to the Italian, Ticino and Valais Alps, and also through the trees to Lago di Lugano.
• Val Colla – belongs to one of the primal valleys of the Luganese at the foot of the Denti della Vecchia, with small sleepy villages on the slopes and extensive chestnut forests.
• Mountain huts - the Capriasca and Val Colla are departure points for the ascent to the Capanna Monte Bar, Capanna San Lucio and Capanna Pairolo huts. Wonderful views.