INTRODUCTION     TOWNS AND VILLAGES     TRANSPORT     HOW TO GET THERE     INTRODUCTION     MONTE GENEROSO     MONTE SAN GIORGIO     THE PARK OF THE BREGGIA GORGE     MUGGIO VALLEY     PARK OF THE PENZ HILL     THE PRE MURIN PARK     FORTHCOMING EVENTS     RECURRING EVENTS     SPECIAL EVENTS     TICINO, LAND OF CYCLING     MEETING FACILITIES     INTRODUCTION     MUSEUMS     ART GALLERIES     HISTORICAL BUILDINGS     CINEMA TEATRO CHIASSO     WALKS     MOUNTAIN-BIKE PATHS     THEMATICS PATHS     TREKKING     GUIDED EXCURSIONS Towns and villages Besazio Arogno Arzo Balerna Besazio Bissone Brusino Arsizio Bruzella Cabbio Caneggio Capolago Casima Castel San Pietro Chiasso Coldrerio Genestrerio Ligornetto Maroggia Melano Mendrisio Meride Monte Morbio Inferiore Morbio Superiore Muggio Novazzano Rancate Riva San Vitale Rovio Sagno Salorino Stabio Tremona Vacallo The village of Besazio lies in a charming position between hills and vineyards, and was therefore defined by a famous writer as “The little Siena of the Mendrisiotto”. Its origins go back a very long way, as is confirmed by the Church of St. Antonino (8th century), the foundations of mansions and tombs from the Roman period and the ancient baptismal font, now a fountain in the wide parish square. Originally the activity was predominantly agricultural, supplemented by the extraction and finishing of the precious Brocatello red marble. A distinguished citizen is the benefactor, Antonio Maria Fontana (circa 1600-1668), whereas the Abbot, Antonio Fontana (1774-1865), is a native of Sagno but resided for a long time until his death in Besazio. Interesting buildings: Parish Church of the lmmacolata (18th c.) with the works of famous artists from Ticino such as Bagutti, Rinaldi and Vela inside the building. Church of St. Antonino (6th c.). Bourgeois house belonging to the village authorities (early 19th c.). Villa Battaglini (owned by Mr Höfemeier), with Roman foundations. The Patrician Realini house, known for its loggias. Luigi Castle of Luigi Zanini. Excursions: The entire region offers possibilities for short, easy walks, or longer hikes towards the higher villages from where you can reach Serpiano or Monte San Giorgio. Altitude: 497 m. above sea level Population: 580 Surface: 0,9 km2 Distances: Mendrisio: 3 km Lugano: 21 km Town Hall: +41 91 646 62 42 www.besazio.ch cancelleria@besazio.ch Transport (symbols):