Capuchin friars monastery, Bigorio

The first Capuchin convent in Switzerland, founded in 1535, is located on a promontory in the Capriasca valley. Recently restored, now also used as a seminar centre. Spread over three levels, with a view of Capriasca and the Lugano valleys. It includes a church, a churchyard, an internal courtyard protected by the high walls of the convent, long and silent corridors, seminar rooms and the cells of the friars who live there all year round, as well as a garden overlooking the valley. Excellently maintained and used as a home for seminars and study days, the three-level structure, with a view of Capriasca and the Lugano valleys, provides an environment for profound reflection and calm.

Starting this year, the convent has also opened a Bed & Breakfast. The B&B ar Convént offers its guests 9 welcoming single and double rooms completely renovated plus a complete apartment. The names of the rooms, as well as their decoration, are inspired by the Canticle of the Creatures, an ancient poetic text by St. Francis of Assisi dating back to 1224. The rooms are all different, modern and deliberately spartan, with neutral colors and natural materials. You breathe the atmosphere of warmth, peace and the centenary history of the Convent, where wood and stone are the masters. The touch of color is given by the suggestive photographs of Ely Riva, which portray the beauty of the nature of our territory. Water, sky, trees and stars loudly evoke the words of the Canticle of San Francesco.

Interior and exterior visible on the website www.bigorio.ch