On the border between Switzerland and Italy, in the wonderful setting of the Lugano Pre-Alps, lies a mountain that is generous in name and nature. Monte Generoso is famous for the great biodiversity of a rich ecosystem, with its numerous species of flowers, amphibians and, above all, insects, many of which are only found in this area. Its proverbial generosity is also linked to its geographical position and the mountain’s particular morphology, as from its summit there is a 360° view of the Muggio Valley, the Alps and Lombardy. On a clear day it is even possible to make out the Madonnina of Milan Cathedral in the distance.
The experience begins at low altitude, where Camping Monte Generoso is located, offering various facilities for those staying on the lakeside and wishing to engage in water sports. From Capolago, on the shores of Lake Lugano, the Monte Generoso rack and pinion railway starts, built by Carlo Pasta and inaugurated on 4th June 1890. The forty-minute journey includes two intermediate stops, that of San Nicolao, the starting point for numerous winding trails of varying degrees of difficulty, and Bellavista, at an altitude of 1,223 metres, where the Ticino grotto of the same name has recently reopened after a lengthy works of renovation.
Reaching the summit, at an altitude 1,704 metres above sea level, the eye is caught by an imposing structure that, despite its modernity, blends perfectly into the surrounding mountain landscape. It is the Fiore di pietra, designed by Ticino architect Mario Botta. Opened in 2017, the octagonal building has five floors enclosed in as many 'petals'. Combining originality, architectural merit and functionality, the Fiore di pietra slopes outwards to allow light to enter perpendicularly through the large windows so it has natural lighting for much of the day. The external roof is made of Lodrino limestone, in keeping with the landscape of the area in which it stands.
The building designed by the architect from Mendrisio consists of numerous spaces including an exhibition area, which regularly hosts cultural events and exhibitions by local artists, as well as a conference room and two restaurants. The self-service restaurant offers quick dishes for frugal but tasty meals. In contrast, the à-la-carte restaurant at the Fiore di pietra lends itself to more special occasions. Overlooking an all-round panorama that can be enjoyed from the large windows, the Fiore di pietra restaurant provides a gastronomic experience dedicated to the discovery and promotion of Ticino's culinary tradition. The three food choices, the Bellavista, Self-Service Generoso and Ristorante Fiore di pietra, all rely exclusively on prime quality zero-kilometre ingredients to reduce the environmental impact and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
Sustainability and respect for the environment are indeed key to all the services relating to the Ferrovia Monte Generoso. Its praiseworthy approach that has earned it much recognitions and numerous awards, including Swisstainable and certification by the Nature & Economy Foundation. Through ad hoc projects, one of which being the maintenance of the so-called ‘prati magri’ or thin meadows, the Ferrovia Monte Generoso is constantly working to preserve the wild flora and fauna. Recently, an ancient ‘bolla’, i.e. a reservoir once used to water grazing cattle and now an ideal breeding ground for amphibians, has also been restored. While at Bellavista, stone and old rotting log ‘hotels’ have been made for the proliferation of insects, as well as the alpine rosalia, currently at risk of extinction.
Framed in a breathtaking panorama, Monte Generoso enables the visitor to enjoy its beauty from different perspectives, according to the tastes and passions of all. At the summit social events such as the Sunset Apero and the Grill and Chill are held, while there is also the chance to do trekking, mountain biking, bird watching or paragliding. The presence of the Monte Generoso railway means that sports enthusiasts and nature lovers have access to a complete and all round experience of the mountain.