Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Viewpoint · Lugano, Ticino
Monte San Salvatore
Hill of about 912 metres above Lake Lugano, reached by funicular since 1890, with a church and terrace at the top and views of the lake and the Alps.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Monte San Salvatore
Monte San Salvatore is the sugarloaf-shaped hill that dominates the Gulf of Lugano, south of the city. Since the 13th century, pilgrims climbed to the summit, where, according to legend, Christ paused on his ascent to heaven. At the end of the 19th century the site became a tourist attraction, and in 1890 the funicular leaving from the Paradiso district was opened.
The funicular climbs the slope in about 12 minutes, with a change of car midway, up to around 900 metres. From the top, at about 912 metres, you can see Lake Lugano with its arms, the city, Monte Brè across the way, the Lombardy plain to the south and, on clear days, the Alps as far as Monte Rosa.
At the summit there is a small church, with a panoramic terrace on the roof, a restaurant and a small museum. Trails descend from the upper station towards Carona and Morcote, passing through woods and villages.
San Salvatore and Monte Brè stand on opposite sides of the gulf: the former is better for seeing Lugano and the lake from above, with the city at its feet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1h30 to 2 hours, including the ascent and time at the summit.
Best time
On clear days, in the late afternoon, for the sunset over the lake. The funicular operates from spring to autumn and stops in winter; check the dates before you go.
How to get there
The lower funicular station is in Paradiso, about a 20-minute walk from central Lugano along the lakeside, or reachable by local bus. By train, Lugano-Paradiso station is a few minutes away.
Tip
Go up to the terrace on the church roof at the summit: it's the highest point with the most open view.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monte San Salvatore
How to go up Monte San Salvatore?
By funicular from the Paradiso district, in about 12 minutes, with a change of car halfway up.
Does the San Salvatore funicular operate in winter?
No. It operates from spring to autumn. Check the dates before you go.
San Salvatore or Monte Brè: which to choose?
San Salvatore shows Lugano and the lake with the town at its feet; Brè is on the other side of the gulf, with views over the town and San Salvatore. If you have time, it’s worth doing both.