South of Melide, on the southern slopes of Monte Arbostora (839 m/2,753ft), a promontory projecting into the lake, is the old-world little town of Morcote (277 m/909ft; pop. 650), one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland and a great tourist attraction, with its beautiful setting and its well-preserved old houses and streets. In a
commanding situation above the village stands the pilgrimage church of the Madonna del Sasso (originally 13th C., rebuilt 1462, remodeled in Baroque style 1758), with a separate campanile; it contains fine 16th C. frescoes. From the church a flight of 408 steps goes down to the village on the shores of the lake. In the cemetery are the graves of Moissi, Eugen d'Albert and Balkanoff. There is a beautifully laid out park, the Parco Scherrer, with a collection of international art, culture and inspiration (opening hours given).
Facing Morcote across the lake is Brusino-Arsizio, which can be reached from Melide by way of Melano and Capolago.
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