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View of Monte San Salvatore, as seen from Piazza Luini, Lugano, Switzerland. Photo by Murdockcrc on

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Monte San Salvatore

The Monte San Salvatore is 912 meters high. This is a mountain in the Lepontine Alps above Lake Lugano and the city of Lugano in Switzerland.

Monte San Salvatore is a very special legendary mountain. The mountain was born out of an ancient sea. Its history gets lost in a dim and distant past.

The Monte San Salvatore funicular links the city with the summit of the mountain. The village on top of its peaks, Carona, is a popular destination to enjoy views over Lake Lugano. Moreover, to walk through the exotic plants and flowers of Parco San Grato.

Let’s learn about the top Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Monte San Salvatore:

1. The Mountain was Born Out of an Ancient Sea

At the beginning of the Triassic age, the waters of a primordial sea started advancing. The waters invaded the coasts of the old continent that existed at the time, Pangea.

This led the environment to be flooded. The environment had a warm tropical climate and a shallow sea.

 Climate was thus very favourable to the activity of marine organisms like corals. This contributed to the formation of coral reefs. When the algae, sponges, sea urchins and molluscs died.

They deposited their shells and skeletons on the sea bottom. The huge pressure exerted by the weight of the layers of sediments gave rise to San Salvatore’s dolomitic rock.

Later on, the African continental plaque moved north. The edges of the two plaques crashed violently into each other. This caused the upheaval and overlapping of the rocks on the sea bottom, thus giving rise to the Alpine chain.

During this event, Mount San Salvatore emerged from the sea. Evidence of its sea origin may be seen inside the museum in Monte San Salvatore.

2. The Mountain was Connected to the Archconfraternity of the Good Death and Oration

View of lake Lugano with Monte San Salvatore in the background. Photo by Jean Schmitt on

Monte San Salvatore was in the early years connected to the Arciconfraternita della Buona Morte e Orazione (Archconfraternity of the Good Death and Oration.)

This was a devotional order that appeared in the 1500s. The followers ensured the accompaniment to the gallows to those sentenced to death.

For the occasion, the Brothers wore a white cloth with a hood concealing their face. The sentenced were executed by hanging, drowning or even decapitation.

After the execution, the bodies were made presentable again by the Brethren. They performed religious rituals and burials.

3. Discover an Impressive Collection of Rare and Precious Objects at Monte San Salvatore Museum

On Monte San Salvatore there’s a museum. This museum is located in the old hospice. The museum exhibit two views of Monte San Salvatore.

The museum exhibit objects and documents related to the history and activity of the Archconfraternity. Moreover, In the museum, there is also an area dedicated to the historic meaning of storms and research on lightning.

Additionally, the museum has an impressive collection of a rare and precious objects. Some of these treasures are on public display to highlight and perpetuate the Brethren’s good work.

4. Pilgrims Made their Way on the Mountain Summit

Monte San Salvatore. Photo by VVicori on

During the 12th century, Pilgrims made their way up to the Monte San Salvatore summit. They climbed the mountain on foot since at that time there was no means of transport.

The pilgrims went to pay their respects to the Son of God. According to ancient legend, the Son of God took rest here afore his heavenly ascent.

5. The Church of Monte San Salvatore is Owned by the Confraternity of St Marta and the Good Death

The Bishop of Como, Lord and master of Vallugano sold his property in Ciona. He sold it to the chapter of san Lorenzo in Lugano in 1213.

In those years, at the top of the mountain, there was already a small chapel. The chapel was dedicated to San Salvatore (hence the name). The canons of San Lorenzo soon turned into a small church.

During the Feast of the Ascension in 1680, the Chapter of San Lorenzo transferred ownership of the church. It was transferred to the Confraternity of St Marta and the Good Death.

The Confraternity demolished the original church In 1703. The foundations were laid the following year. The church was completed in 1719.

6. A Miscellaneous Collection of Monte San Salvatore at the Curiosity Corner

Telephoto view of Monte San Salvatore. Photo by Chris j Wood on

Monte San Salvatore has a curiosity corner with various collections. The exhibition area houses an exclusive collection of objects, printed materials, photos and gifts.

Moreover, the curiosity corner of Monte San Salvatore has miscellaneous material. The materials were collected over various Centuries. Furthermore, the tangible collection is about the historical evolution of Monte San Salvatore and its funicular.

7. Monte San Salvatore Broadcasting Centre is the largest and most important

Another remarkable structure is the huge antenna of the broadcasting station. Monte San Salvatore Broadcasting station is owned by Swisscom Broadcast SA.

Monte San Salvatore station broadcasting station was built in 1957. It was initially built to broadcast a Seiss Television Programme.

There are numerous telecommunications services at the summit. These include SSR SRG Idée Suisse radio and TV programmes, private radio broadcastings, fixed and mobile telephone services, and emergency radio services.

8. The Mountain Features Hiking Trails

View from Monte San Salvatore southeast. Photo by Chubby on

Visitors enjoy hiking trails from Monte San Salvatore. From the top of the mountain, you can descend along the hiking trail. The trail leads to Ciona or Pazzalo and Paradiso.

The Hiking Trails offer magnificent panoramic views. It winds its way through an unspoiled and regenerating landscape.

9. Restaurant Vetta on Monte San Salvatore can Accommodate over 200 People

The restaurant on Monte San Salvatore has an open-air terrace. Moreover, a panoo veranda can welcome over 200 people.

The restaurant offers gourmet menus. The dishes are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors can enjoy the dishes with healthy products of the season, fresh from the market.

The Monte San Salvatore is comfortable and offers various dishes for lunch and snacks. Every day the restaurant offers a new dish.

10. Enjoy a High Adrenaline Adventure Sport through the Via Ferrata

View from the Monte San Salvatore, Lugano. Photo by Nikolai Karaneschev on

The Dolomite via Ferrata of Monte San Salvatore takes Visitors across the northwest rock face. The route is over 250 metres long and is challenging.

The climb is not a straight line but is fun and varied and its exceptional position offers superb views.