Monte San Giorgio

Where marine fauna and other large animals once lived

You can enjoy a view over the lake and mountains offering unforgettable views of the city from the San Giorgio peak, at an altitude of 1,000 m in southern Ticino. You can reach the summit from Meride within a couple of hours’ walk while on the way down, you can choose the western route on one of the most interesting segments of the Geo-paleontological line. The Monte San Giorgio is the Swiss saurian mountain; it has gained prominence as a transnational location since 2010 when the extension of UNESCO also took place on the mountain’s Italian side.

Monte San Giorgio in the sunny south of Ticino has been a Mecca for fossil scientists since the 19th century, and a World Heritage Site since 2003 rising just under 1100 meters in height. Eager paleontologists have already discovered thousands of fossilized fish and marine saurian up to six meters in length and this was the location of a 100-meter deep ocean basin 230 to 245 million years ago. 

Today, the Monte San Giorgio rises like a pyramid at the southern end of Lake Lugano-within, packed with all kinds of fossils. You can stroll through the vineyards along the woody mountain’s southern slopes, sail through Meride ‘s idyllic area, or let yourself be pampered in the Mendrisiotto region’s grottos. In the various excavation sites about 80 different species of fish and 30 marine and land reptiles were discovered. Moreover, scientists have discovered hundreds of middle Triassic period fossilized invertebrate animals and plants, 230 to 245 million years ago. 

The Fossil Museum in Meride, restored and enlarged by the Ticino architect Mario Botta, exhibits a collection of fossilized animals and plants from Monte San Giorgio ‘s special UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You may select various itineraries to meet the San Giorgio. Initially, you can climb a wide paved mule track, shaded by a dense forest. The path then flattened. You’ll reach Cassina in about 45 minutes, where a chapel and shelter are located.

You will arrive at the fossil excavation site in a few minutes by taking the trail which climbs to the right of the chapel. Go back to the chapel, and follow the San Giorgio yellow signs. Walk another 35 minutes-with a final steeper climb-and eventually you’ll reach the top where a church was built. Spectacular view. The banks of the Lugano Lake, with Swiss and Italian towns and villages, the Malcantone, Morcote, the Arbostora, San Salvatore, Rovio and Arogno are especially visible.

UNESCO World Heritage ticket

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