Astano – Lake, Mountain Landscape and History

Astano lies between Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore on a south-facing terrace at an elevation of about 630 metres. The village is at the foot of the water-rich Rogòria slope, below Monte Lema and on the Swiss-Italian border. The surrounding mountain landscape also includes Monte Rogoria, also known as Monte Rogorio or Motto Croce, at 1,184 metres above sea level. The particularly mild climate has helped make Astano a popular and well-known travel destination. The lake, mountain landscape and border history offer different points of reference to help you decide whether the village is right for your stay.

Laghetto and the trail from Monte Lema

Laghetto di Astano is one of Malcantone’s tourist attractions. A small bathing area lies amid greenery by the lake; its opening times may vary by season. Sport fishing is also possible at Laghetto, and you can rent equipment on site. Before you travel, check whether swimming and equipment rental are available during your visit.

The Monte Lema–Astano hiking trail offers a different sequence of landscapes: it descends from the summit of Monte Lema to Astano. It first crosses pastures. Almost halfway along is Passo di Monte Faeta, also known as Forcola; in the second section, the trail passes through woodland. Laghetto brings together activities by the water, while the hiking trail changes character along the way, from open pastures to forest. These offer two specific ways to enjoy nature, without implying a particular walking time or level of difficulty.

History, architecture and local culture

Astano’s origins date back to around the year 1000. By 1272, there was a provostship there for brothers and sisters of the Order of the Humiliati, as well as an oratory dedicated to Saints Anthony and Bartholomew. The Church of S. Pietro was built around the middle of the 17th century, replacing a medieval oratory. Several specific details come together at its main altar: it is made of Arzo marble, decorated with inlay work and was created in 1706 by Andrea Manni from Rovio. Arzo marble refers to the material, while the inlay work describes the altar’s decoration.

The ossuary stands beside the Church of S. Pietro. Its roof is covered with Piode slate, and a portico supported by Tuscan-order columns forms part of the building. The ossuary dates from the second half of the 18th century. Together with the church’s construction date and the older oratory, it offers a glimpse of the village’s different historical layers, while the altar and ossuary each feature their own materials and decorative elements.

Astano is also the birthplace of architect Domenico Trezzini. Commissioned by Tsar Peter I, Trezzini became the first builder and first city planner of present-day Saint Petersburg. This biographical connection leads from the history of a village in Ticino to the origins of the city on the Neva Delta.

The history of smuggling also forms part of the area’s past. The border barrier known as «la Ramina» was built on Italian territory from the 1890s onwards and was connected with this history. Historically, Astano was a border village in Ticino associated with smuggling. The Sagra dell’Alambicco adds a different local touch: it includes a typical gastronomic service.

Discover more destinations: Aranno, Lugaggia, Lugano, Croglio, Agno Ti, Muzzano, Carona, Arogno.

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