Steeped in rich culture and endless lakeside beauty, the Ticinese village, Morcote, was voted the most beautiful Swiss village in 2016. Also called the Pearl of Ceresio, this lakeside paradise is just 13 km from Lugano, making it the perfect place to take a break from modern life. When you visit, you’ll see this Ticinese beauty is more than just a pretty face; it is a resort village of two geographical halves: one spread over the hillside and the other along the lakeside!
The historical village is famed for its natural beauty and charm and belongs to the rich list of Switzerland’s historical sites. From dining in lakefront cafes to hiking on pebble stone paths and enjoying Lake Lugano in peace, there is indeed no reason to not leave the city behind and explore one of the most photographed villages in Switzerland.
Below we have rounded up the best things to do and see in Morcote to let you experience it fully this summer!
Perched on the placid Lake Lugano, the Swiss Heritage Site of Vico Morcote
What’s the history of Morcote that makes it part of the amazing Swiss Heritage sites?
With its origins dating back to the 10th century, when it was first recorded as ‘Murcau’, the village of Morcote provided a strategic location on Lake Lugano for trade between Northern Italy and the Swiss Canton of Ticino. Fishing, farming and shipping dominated the medieval-era industries of Morcote. This culminated in a castle, built around 1100, to protect and control trade on the lake.
In 1422, the Duke of Milan granted the village special rights including tax, fishing, market and self-governance privileges. The Plague of 1432 almost spelt disaster, with only 7 families surviving but Morcote still provided a strategic settlement from which commerce could endure and flourish. But after a power struggle for Lombardy between Milan and Como, the region came under the control of the Old Swiss Confederation. However, under the new rule, Morcote was able to retain its privileges (including tax autonomy and exclusive fishing rights over the entire lake).
![The parish SS. Fedele e Simone on the hill of Morcote and overlooking Lake Lugano]( "The parish SS. Fedele e Simone on the hill of Morcote and overlooking Lake Lugano")
Aerial view of the church SS. Fedele e Simone overlooking Lake Lugano
In addition to economic prosperity, the village experienced a flourishing artistic renaissance as a community of artists relocated there at the end of the Middle Ages. The church of Santa Maria del Sasso (originating from the 13th century) established its self-sufficient parish in 1583. In the 19th century, tourism became another major economy for Morcote, with wine production and handicrafts providing new commercial sources throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, tourism still dominates this picturesque lake village.
Is Morcote, Switzerland worth visiting?
Morcote's combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and charming ambiance makes it a worthwhile destination for travellers seeking a unique and serene Swiss experience with an Italian touch.
Discovering Morcote attractions
Lakeside promenade: a romantic walk along nature and architectural beauty
Half of Morcote village is characterised by a quaint lakeside front lined with flowering oleander trees, amazing lake-view cafes and restaurants like Barcaioli and Caffe Vecchio a Teatro, gift shops and bobbing fishing boats. Along the lakeside, you’ll want to take your time and soak up the gentle pace. Walk under the shade of old pine trees and eye-catching arcades in front of picturesque merchant townhouses and regal landmark buildings like the stucco-fronted ‘Palazzo Paleari’ and the well-preserved ‘Torre del Capitano’ housing the Ticino Poster Museum.
![Lake Lugano promenade in Morcote village, Ticino, Switzerland]( "Lake Lugano promenade in Morcote village, Ticino, Switzerland")
The peaceful embankment of Morcote
Just behind the scenic lake road, where you can also book your stay, you’ll discover the atmospheric mediaeval heart of Morcote. Home to winding cobbled streets, meandering, you’ll easily want to get lost amidst these ancient passageways! Accompanying this endless charm, are also a host of must-see Morcote attractions.
Lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets of Morcote
Scherrer Park: a dreamlike showcase of nature and design
The first Morcote attraction proudly offers fans of world-class gardens the perfect chance to immerse themselves freely within the botanical and architectural splendour of Scherrer Park. The ambitious transformation from a former rural house and stable block in 1930 to the paradise of today was the bold creation of St Gallen textile merchant, Hermann Arthur Scherrer.
Enjoy a tranquil afternoon in Park Sherrer
Bequeathed by Scherrer’s wife to the Morcote council in 1969 for public enjoyment, visitors will enjoy taking a magical step into this timeless Eden. Adorned with exuberant world architectural styles, sub-tropical species and an exotic collection of cypresses, fragrant plants, flowering camellias, elegant palm trees and bamboo to name just a few, this unique garden attraction is not to be missed! The gardens also host artistic and cultural events given that the Morcote weather is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate for a major part of the year. So, stay tuned to the local tourist site for up-to-date information.
Editor’s Tip: Soak up the full natural and architectural beauty of Ticino by visiting its best parks!
The harmony of art and nature in Park Scherrer
Santa Maria del Sasso: an enchanting walk into history
The second geographical half of Morcote hugs the lush slopes of Mount Arbostora. This elevated section is connected to the lakeshore by medieval passageways, secret cobbled streets and a scenic 400-step footpath, which offers a picturesque pilgrimage climb past terracotta rooftops, various religious shrines and ecclesiastical structures (including the Chapel of Sant’Antonio Abate, otherwise known as St Anthony the Abbot), to the scenic Church of Santa Maria del Sasso.
The ancient stone stairway to Chiesa Santa Maria del Sasso
Rebuilt in 1462 and featuring 16-18th century frescoes, the church is a beautiful example of the Baroque and Renaissance style. Hike up to Swing the World in Morcote for the most spellbinding views that stretch far and wide, across Morcote village and the tranquil expanse of Lake Lugano, to the authentic, unspoilt Italian side.
The bell tower of Santa Maria del Sasso on the way back from Swing the World
Adjacent to the picturesque church, the smaller octagonal-shaped Baroque Chapel of S. Antonio da Padova (1676) offers stucco and fresco work by local artists. The site is also home to a steep sloping cemetery, which displays local family memorials and tombstones of prominent global figures and deserves a visit for the view. The religious complex and tranquil lake view scenery promise a fascinating journey back in time, as well as the perfect moment for some escapism.
The Baroque Chapel of S. Antonio da Padova close to the cemetery of the village
Another local beauty spot is the ancient Morcote castle. Enveloped by the vineyard terraces of the celebrated local winery, the scenic walk up to this tranquil castle is more than worth it! The surrounding wine estate also provides a magical backdrop for further sightseeing, romantic weddings and wine tasting experiences!
Editor’s Tip: Visiting with family? The Swissminiatur and the mountain-top San Grato Park are a must-visit, located just a 10-20 minutes’ drive from Morcote.
How to reach Morcote?
Morcote can easily be reached by car, bike or bus, in around 30-40 minutes from Lugano. You can also take a 45-minutes ferry ride from Lugano Centrale or Lugano Paradiso. But if you really wanna soak up every inch of the unique Swiss landscape, then take the funicular from Paradiso to reach Mount San Salvatore and hike to Morcote from there: The route is the perfect combination of stunning views and sunny pathways, lush greenery and the typical alpine grandeur.
Stay the night in Morcote or take a day trip to the village from Lugano!
Nederlands
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Français
Aerial view of the church SS. Fedele e Simone overlooking Lake Lugano 
