It is located on the border between Italy and Switzerland and belongs to the mountain range of the Lugano Pre-Alps: let’s discover the “balcony” considered the most beautiful in Italy.
A panoramic terrace “hovering” between Italy and Switzerland, suspended right on the border line between the two countries. We could say that it is enough to lean over the safety balustrade to find yourself in transalpine territory and it is actually like this: we are on the Mount Sighignolaat 1,320 meters above sea level, between the Italian municipality of Alta Valle Intelvi and the Swiss municipalities of Arogno and Lugano.
From Lugano the terrace offers a truly enchanting view of the laketogether with part of the urban center, surrounded by the imposing and majestic pre-Alpine naturalistic theater, presenting on the Swiss side a vertigo precipice that develops for the depth of almost a kilometer, right towards the lake.
The Italian side, on the other hand, is less steep and impervious, connected to the plain through wooded expanses that slope gently down to the valley and plain. And the immersion in the beauty of the place is such that too the FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano, declared it one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The terrace, on the other hand, it has rightfully conquered the name of “balcony” of Italy.
The nature trails to get to the balcony of Italy of Sighignola
The terrace, or belvedere or “balcony of Italy”, can be reached both by means of vehicles such as cars and motorcycles and, for the more trained and passionate, on foot or by bike. In all cases the experience will undoubtedly remain etched in the memory and the panoramas as well as the ravines that will be encountered along the way are simply unforgettable.
The area is full of paths and trails, ideal for excursions of all kinds for enthusiasts and athletes at any level of preparation. And that’s not all: even photographers by profession or by passion will be spoiled for choice, among truly incalculable views from which to take the perfect photograph, at any time of the day.
In particular, if you are lucky enough to visit the place on a clear day, admiring to the west it is possible to recognize Monte Rosa and also the Matterhorn. And yet from the terrace the view can range up to the Grisons Alps and the Apennines. Worthy of note, still on the top of the mountain, is a small votive chapel in memory of the Alpine troops who fell during the Great War.
For nature lovers and for those in search of relaxation and breathtaking beauty, without a doubt the balcony of Italy is one of the destinations that our personal “traveller’s logbook” cannot do without.
