Antica Pizzeria Del Sole

This small, family owned pizzeria is one of Riva's best hidden treasures. Being less than a minute walk from CESA, this is the place to go for a quick meal. There are over 20 different types of pizza and calzones to choose from. Don't worry- they have menus in different languages. If you are looking for a sit-down dinner with a waiter, this is not the place to go. There are no tables available, just a counter for you order your pizza or meal of choice.

Telephone number: 091.6305738

Summer hours:

Tuesday-Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Winter hours

Tuesday-Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Holidays
from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
CLOSED MON

Mini Bar

The Mini Bar is a local bar great for relaxing with friends and enjoying a few drinks. It is just a three minute walk from CESA, making this a gem for students. The bar itself is definitely "mini" with minimal seating. There are a few tables, two couch areas and, of course, seats at the bar.

Monday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.

Sundays and holidays
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Bar Ticino

Bar Ticino is a favorite for Virginia Tech students, and as you can tell from the sign on their window, Virginia Tech students are some of their favorite customers. A tiny bar only about a minute up the street from CESA, Bar Ticino is owned by Italians and has a lively and welcoming atmosphere with many locals frequenting the spot. You can order drinks from vino bianco (white wine) to red bull vodka shots. Appetizers, such as chips or bread and cheese, are also a popular menu option. Make sure you meet Nancy when you stop by – she is the sweetest Italian you’ll meet and she loves Hokies! Mention you’re from VT and if you’re lucky she’ll provide you with some free appetizers. Hours vary due to the family run business.

Caffe' Sociale

Caffe' Sociale is quietly placed on Lake Lugano, about a five minute walk from CESA. This indoor/outdoor social scene is a nice place to go if you are looking for food and fun. Along with a restaurant, there is a gelato stand, bar and two bocce ball courts. Although the bocce ball courts are for professional use only, you can grab a cone of gelato and watch a match or two. If you are full and ready for a walk, Lake Lugano is only a few short steps from the area.

Telephone: 091.648.17.89
www.ristorantsociale.ch

Monday-Saturday
7 AM-12 AM
Holidays
9 AM- 12 AM

Artigianale Zodiaco Gelateria

This gelato shop is right down the street from CESA, about a two minute walk. The shop is nestled along the road, right next to bar Ticino. There are many flavors to choose from, making this a great after dinner snack. The hours are very limited, so make sure you check the time before you plan to get a treat!

Telephone
 076.346.32.27

Monday-Friday

2:00-6:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday
11 am -12 pm  / 2:00 -6:30 pm

Riva Bike Trails

One of the activities that characterize Riva the most is, of course, cycling. Everywhere you turn you will see men and women biking their way along trails and down all the roads. Sometimes you will even see more cyclists than cars on a certain street! Riva offers an abundance of bike trails for the myriad of cyclists. These trails all include beautiful scenery, interesting places along the way, and a perfect tour of Ticino. Websites like www.mapmyride.com and www.routeyou.com offer detailed descriptions of popular cyclist trails in and around Riva San Vitale.

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is one of Riva's best locations. It is only a five minute walk from CESA. This is a great place to unwind after a day of class. Along with a tiny "beach," you can lay in the grass by the lake or play around in the open area. There is also a small cafe, so you can stop in there if you get hungry or thirsty. There is a 5 franc entrance fee, so make sure you don't forget your wallet! If you do not want to pay a fee, there are other areas around the lake that you can visit.

Riva Concert Hall

 If you are lucky, there will be a concert in town during your stay at CESA. Since these events vary, it is important to keep an eye out around town for concerts coming up. As you can see in the picture above, this is an example of how the town advertises concerts. Most concerts are free, depending on the performer. There are chairs set up for guests, so don't worry about standing. It is also important to know that the concert hall is an open building. If the weather is looking questionable, don't forget your rain jacket!

Gialdi Vini Brivio Winery

 

This winery is one experience you don't want to miss. Once you climb the hill to the wine shop nestled at the bottom of a mountain, you’ll be able to take a tour of where they make the wine – be careful though, for it’s only in Italian. A contrast from the sleek modern atmosphere inside the shop, you can also wander to the edge of the lot where there is a majestic view of the Swiss countryside. The rolling green mountains loom above various vineyards, gardens, and villas for a picturesque scene. When you go make sure you try the Mino Vini Bianco – a local favorite, and only 24.5 francs a bottle. Cantine Aperte is a  two-day wine tasting event. This event is free and only takes place once a year.
Location Via Vignoo 3 / CH 6850 Mendrisio
Telephone +41 091 640 30 30  
Monday -Friday
8 am- 12 pm/1:30-6:00
Saturday
9 am- 1 pm
Website: http://www.gialdi.ch/en/

Monte Generoso

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, Monte Generoso is the place to go. This trip/mini hike takes up a few hours of your day, so make sure you plan to do this when you have enough time! To get to Monte Generoso, you have to walk to the local train station, which is about a 15 minute walk from CESA. Once you arrive, you must buy tickets for the small train, which is 21 Francs with an educational discount. Once you catch the little shuttle to go to the top of the mountain, you have about a 30 minute ride. The shuttle does not drop you off at the very top, so once you get off you have to hike for about 5-10 minutes to get the very best views. With that being said, do not forget to wear closed toe shoes for the hike! Once you get to the top, you can see as far as Italy, along with full views of Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps.

Hours of Operation:
Everyday from March 16-October 20th
Times vary on weather and date
Website:
http://www.montegeneroso.ch/en/13/home.aspx
                                   

Santa Croce

According to World Travel Guide, this is one of the finest and oldest Renaissance churches in Switzerland, dating back to the 16th century. This building is also conveniently located right across from CESA. With it being so close to the villa, it can be overlooked. If you want to experience a historical landmark, this is the closest treasure to you.

Villa Maderni History and Facts

 

• Lawyer Abbondio Bernasconi, a leading figure in favor of Riva San Vitale and the last tongue of mendriosiotto land joining the Cisalpina Republic, built the Villa Maderni in the mid 1770s.

• The coat of arms placed on the front door of the villa belongs to the Bernasconi family and features a dagger and a star of clear Masonic origin. These symbols demonstrate the connection of Bernasconi to the “Loggia Masonica” (Masonic Lodge).

• In the villa a secret shelter was built where Bernasconi hid a portion of documents and reports he was mailing to Napoleon’s generals. The documents detailed the damages and fires that Riva had experienced from the sections against the republic.

• The tiles in the villa are the original tiles from when the house was built. Because of this there is no sealant on the tiles so shoes must be worn to prevent the oils from our feet from damaging the tiles. 

• The last owners of the Villa Maderni sold it since it was heir-less.

Villa Maderni

 

The Villa Maderni is a treasure in itself. It is often overlooked by students and staff since it is the place of stay. Residents are often trying to get out of the Villa to explore the rest of Riva, yet there is so much to explore in the Villa Maderni. The historical building displays many beautiful works of art, even in the floors and the walls. Outside the Villa, there are gardens that surround the building that can sweep you away with just the smell. Roses are popular in Riva, so there are more than enough roses to go around in the garden at the Villa Maderni.