Monte Generoso celebrates its 130th anniversary by Pamela Pintus
In a dream landscape, the cogwheel train of Monte Generoso starts its journey from Capolago on Lake Lugano, covering about 9 kilometers and reaching 1704 meters in height. What makes this short trip even more unique is the fact that it has been going continuously for 130 years. It is exciting to think how many people climbed its wagons and how many stories it could tell!
The Second World War seemed to end its very existence, and instead ... but let's go in order.
It all began with the construction of the Bellavista hotel on Monte Generoso, in 1867. To make it easier for tourists to reach these enchanted places, the construction of the cogwheel railway began in 1886 and was inaugurated in June 1890, with its first trip. At the beginning, of course, the wagons were pulled by a steam locomotive and this attraction had become an important reference point for tourism. The war, however, caused a drastic reduction in visitors and the owners decided that it was more convenient to dismantle everything and sell iron. Swiss businessman and politician Gottlieb Duttweiler opposed buying the railway to preserve all the beauty of the panoramic terrace. So, the history of the train could continue, transporting passengers to new points of attraction, such as the Observatorium built in 1996 and the ‘Fiore di Pietra’ (stone flower), inaugurated in 2017.
At this point, I cannot avoid telling you how to spend a day on Monte Generoso, among the most exciting excursions in the Canton of Ticino. This mountain is on the border between Switzerland and Italy and is one of the favorite destinations for trekking lovers. Hikers arriving at the summit can admire the famous stone flower, created by the architect Mario Botta.
Early in the morning from Capolago I took the cogwheel train which, on its way, plunges into the natural park of Monte Generoso. Here everyone can choose different kind of hikes, from a simple, quiet, and relaxing walk ideal for families, to more challenging mountain paths, which require more training. The trails cover more than 50 km, and they all offer the opportunity to admire unspoiled nature and endless views. From the summit, in fact, I was able to see the lakes of Lugano, Varese, Como and Lake Maggiore and many of the most important mountains such as Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa or Cervino. Very enchanting! The little train makes an intermediate stop at the Bellavista Refuge, from which some paths start.
The flora and fauna of Monte Generoso are incredibly varied. The goat represents the symbol of this place as from a few specimens present in the sixties of the last century, today there are over 300 of them. They are in flocks and have daytime activities, so it is not uncommon to meet some during the excursions. I would also add that they are not afraid of man, so you can get close to take a picture even at only 10 meters, without them running away: to the children’s delight, but also of adults. Bird species are also very varied, as Monte Generoso is in an important location along the migratory routes; normally kites, buzzards, great tits, woodcocks, tawny owls, woodpeckers, crows, thrushes and many others nest here, for which this is a place of particular interest for ornithologists. The same applies to the varied flora that finds in these places the suitable habitat to develop and thrive, thanks to the microclimate and calcareous soil. The same goes for the variegated flora which finds in these places the suitable habitat for developing and thriving, thanks to the microclimate and the calcareous soil.
Be careful, however, because the flowers cannot be collected: it is important to always show great respect for nature, simply admiring it where it grows spontaneously.
From a geological point of view, Monte Generoso offers the opportunity to discover and deepen all the secrets of the karst phenomena which, thanks to the flow of water on the limestone rocks, form natural works of art unique in the world, such as caves, deep furrows or stone boulders with strange features. Not to be underestimated, then, is the fact that the rock here is mainly sedimentary, whose origin is to be found at the bottom of the sea, millions of years ago. This detail has allowed the accumulation of shells and remains of mollusks that today manifest themselves with fossils, a means of telling the long history of Monte Generoso.
The stone flower was my arrival point even if from there, then I took a path among nature to admire everything I told you about. This structure was inaugurated in 2017 and seems almost clinging to the rocks, on a 400 m cliff, totally immersed in the beauty of these places; it is made with a stone of the same surrounding colors, almost emerging like a bud from the depth of the earth.
The name, after all, says it all. Here comes the cogwheel train, and there is the self-service restaurant “Generoso” as well as the restaurant “Fiore di Pietra” with a breathtaking view. The main attraction is the terrace with a 360-degree view, which offers a privileged place from which to admire an endless space. Captivated by all this, I stopped more than I should have, but it is a different experience than usual that everyone loves to live intimately, to get lost in their thoughts and considerations, so far from the frenzy of everyday life. Perhaps that is why, although there was already a large group of people, absolute silence reigned on the terrace. In the end, I was forced to get back on the move to take the path I had chosen to do, after all, full immersion in nature is the goal of this excursion.
At the end of the day I can state what I had heard, and that is an excursion to Monte Generoso. It is an experience not to be missed, especially if done with the historic cogwheel train.
What better occasion, then, considering that this year it celebrates its 130 years?
Even if it does not prove them, try to believe.
Have a good time ;)
Pamy Pintus
