Cascina in Valsolda

The cluster is in the Valsolda valley on the Italian side of Lake Lugano, with steep pre-Alpine slopes and narrow wooded side valleys rising directly above the settlements. Lake Lugano is inside the area and is the defining feature of daily life here, with small lakeside hamlets and the road running along the shore. The area is close to the Swiss border and the nearest larger town is Lugano, which provides most higher-level services, rail connections and employment. Como is the nearest larger Italian city with the wider service base around the south end of the lake system. The valley is known for its historic lakeside villages and for Antonio Fogazzaro, who set parts of his work here.