Monte, a Historic Mountain Village
in the Valle di Muggio

Monte is 682 m above sea level, located above Mendrisio in the Valle di Muggio, the southernmost valley in Switzerland. The village was first mentioned in 1420 and is included in the inventory of protected townscapes of national importance. Monte is inhabited by 92 residents all year round. But there are many more who spend every free minute here. Monte impresses with its original and untouristy character and the great friendliness of its residents. 

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«The most beautiful landscape in Switzerland» – the valley received this honorable award in 2014 from the «Foundation for Landscape Conservation Switzerland». Characteristic of the Valle di Muggio is the tranquility, the beauty of the landscape and last but not least the contact with nature. The animal and plant world is of particular interest to passionate hikers. Because the summit of Monte Generoso, on whose southern flank Monte is located, was in the last ice age a nunatak, it towered alone above the sea of ice. Therefore, numerous animal and plant species were able to survive the ice age in the summit area and later spread from here again. Many of these species only occur on Monte Generoso – and are protected. But there are also deer, chamois and lizards. In addition, numerous species of birds inhabit the valley, such as nuthatches, wrynecks, magpies and tits. And in the woods there are many sweet chestnuts and beeches.

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Thanks to the efforts of the Ethnographic Museum of the Muggio Valley historic buildings have been restored, such as the Bruzella mill, the Roccolo at Scudellate (a brick tower for bird hunting) and the snow cellars.

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