Convento di Santa Maria Assunta

The Santa Maria Assunta monastery complex at Bigorio, in the municipality of Sala Capriasca in Ticino, is the oldest Capuchin foundation on what is now Swiss soil. It sits on a wooded slope above the village, in the hills north-east of Lugano, and still works as a place of quiet, prayer and hospitality.

What is the Bigorio convent?

Two friars founded it in 1535: Pacifico Carli, a mason from Lugano, and Ludovico Filicaia from Florence. It was the first Capuchin house in the Swiss lands. In 1565 some of the brothers moved on to a new convent at Sorengo.

An older chapel dedicated to Santa Maria, dating from the 13th century, stood here before the Capuchins arrived and belonged to the parish of St Stephen in Tesserete. Saint Charles Borromeo consecrated it as a monastery church in 1577. Until 1888 the convent belonged to the diocese of Como, then to the Apostolic Administration of Ticino, and since 1971 to the diocese of Lugano.

What can you see?

• The church of Santa Maria Assunta – a plain rectangular nave with a choir. Inside is a Renaissance Madonna and Child; tradition says the Savoy court gave it to the friars.
• The convent buildings – the present form comes from a rebuild in 1760–1767, followed by further additions in the 20th century.
• Via Crucis chapels – the outdoor Stations of the Cross date from 1797 and line a path through the trees.
• Museo del Bigorio – a small collection of objects tied to Capuchin daily life and devotion.

How do you get to Bigorio?

The convent stands above Sala Capriasca in the Capriasca valley, at roughly 46.072 N, 8.950 E. The easiest approach is by car or bus to Tesserete, then a walk uphill along a forest road. The surrounding hills are popular with hikers, so you can combine the visit with a longer walk.

Can you stay overnight?

Since 1967 the convent has served as a centre for spiritual and cultural formation and keeps up a long tradition of welcoming guests. Rooms are available, including a bed-and-breakfast called Ar Convént. It suits anyone who wants calm away from the bustle of Lugano.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn, when the woods are colourful and the paths are dry. In summer the shade and altitude keep it cool. This is a working convent, so keep your voice low, dress modestly and respect prayer times.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the Bigorio convent? Pacifico Carli of Lugano and Ludovico Filicaia of Florence, in 1535.

Is it really the first Capuchin convent in Switzerland? Yes. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland calls it the first Capuchin settlement in the Swiss lands.

Who consecrated the church? Saint Charles Borromeo, in 1577.

Can visitors stay the night? Yes. The convent offers guest accommodation and the Ar Convént bed and breakfast. Booking ahead is wise.