EN

What to Do in Mendrisio? Journey Through History and Must-Do Activities

Mendrisio is a municipality in Ticino, with a population of about 15,000 as of 2025. The town is located in the Southern Alps at the border of Switzerland and Italy. Most residents speak Italian, but some also communicate in German and English.
Mendrisio

What sets Mendrisio apart? That would be its Mediterranean climate, featuring milder winters and sunnier days compared to the rest of Switzerland. Another thing. The town is about one hour from Milan International Airport, making it a convenient getaway.

History of Mendrisio

Mendrisio draws a number of visitors every now and then with its interesting history as evidenced by ancient buildings, homes, and churches.

The town's name was first recorded in 793 AD, but settlement dates to the Roman era. Several fortifications were constructed as the town grew into an administrative center surrounded by vineyards and agricultural fields. Evidence of those developments still stands till now.

Different families ruled Mendrisio over the years. The Torriani family governed until 1140, followed by the Como family, whose reign ended in 1335. Milan’s then took control and continued until 1402 before the Swiss Confederation ultimately conquered it in the 15th century.

Mendrisio remained under the shared administration of the Swiss and Italians. Its administrative and developmental history reflects its significance for the two bordering countries.

Things To Do in Mendrisio

Many people consider Mendrisio for tourism, study, work, and living. This to-do list highlights the key recreational activities you can enjoy in the area:

  1. Tour Mendrisio’s Historic Center

You begin your tour at the historic center. With its thick-walled homes and buildings, the historic center offers a detailed perspective into Roman civilization and architecture. It features ancient churches, castles, and residential houses that have stood and served for centuries. That architectural history is carried to the mountainsides of Monte Generoso, where the locals built farmhouses. Many homes are only occupied from April to October, with most remaining vacant during winter.

To understand Mendrisio's architecture and culture better, visit the Museo d’Arte Mendrisio. The museum offers an archaeological and chronological walk-through of Mendrisio.

The Academy of Architecture is also located in the town and helps you connect yesterday’s architecture to the current real estate designs and developments.

Touring Mendrisio’s historic center enriches your understanding of the Swiss-Italian connections in the region.

  1. Shopping in FoxTown Factory Stores, Mendrisio

Shopping at FoxTown should be on your bucket list regardless of what brings you to Mendrisio. It is the single location that enjoys the highest activity all year long.

FoxTown is home to many lifestyle brands. The complex is where you go shopping. You are also likely to meet and greet many people, both locals and visitors, in their leisurely walk. FoxTown fills your shopping bag and makes new connections in one experience. Should you need to play, there is a casino in FoxTown’s vicinity.

FoxTown has something for everyone.

  1. Sightseeing at the Magnifico Borgo

There is a reason Mendrisio is described as a magnificent town. It offers many tourist attractions, from the snow-capped mountains to the blooming meadows on the hillsides. The lovely natural environment is one reason why many travel to the town.

Mendrisio is also home to a range of wildlife, with more species than other parts of Switzerland. The warm Mediterranean climate is responsible for the diversity across the region, even Ticino.

Apart from sightseeing, Mendrisio has various recreational activities on offer– hiking, biking, and skiing. Not to mention, the interaction of mountain peaks, valleys, rivers, and lakes makes Mendrisio a vital tourist destination, particularly in summer.

  1. Experience Good Friday in a UNESCO World Heritage

Your Easter holiday in Mendrisio will be like no other. The town's Easter procession is included in UNESCO’s Intangible World Heritage. It runs through historical narrow alleys connecting ancient church buildings, such as the Church of Santa Giovanni. You have to be there to experience it.

Participating in this annual activity helps you recreate the crucifixion and resurrection. It also connects you to the people and their culture. As realistic as the precession can get, it is entirely bloodless yet exceptional.

  1. Participate in the Annual Wine Festival

Another way to connect with the culture of Mendrisio is through the annual wine festival. You can indulge in tastes and flavors from local vineyards at the event.

Mendrisio gives you some of the best merlots in the region. The wines are naturally matured in cellars that are cooled by air currents from the local mountains. Cellars in Mendrisio are mostly private and remain undisturbed for most of the year. Many are open during the wine celebrations, so you may get the chance to visit some of the cellars.

Find Real Estate in Mendrisio with Suisse Immobilien Group

Owning real estate in Mendrisio is the best way to enjoy the town hassle-free. At Suisse Immobilien Group, we help clients find the ideal property for investment.

Our rich experience in the region distinguishes us in the real estate space, making us the best source of property advice and shopping. Whether for vacation, commercial purposes, or a family home, we get low-risk and high-return investments in Mendrisio.

The Suisse Immobilien Group is an excellent real estate agency in Lugano that can help find property in Ticino.