History
Malcantone
A valley full of history and myths.
A valley full of history and myths
Malcantone was already settled and farmed in Roman times. The name of the valley remains unclear to this day. Various theories refer to Latin terms such as "Malus Angulus" or the meaning of "unsafe area", as the region was once a place of refuge for warriors, smugglers and refugees.
First mention of Miglieglia
Miglieglia was first mentioned in a document in 1180, at that time under the name "Mullielia". Over the centuries, there have been many other name variations such as "Moliella" and "Mulielia". Today, the inhabitants of Miglieglia are still known as "i Müi" (mules).
Tragic conflagration
On January 18, 1478, a conflagration destroyed almost the entire village of Miglieglia. Only four out of forty houses were spared, including the Chiesa degli Apostoli Santo Stefano al Colle, which was built around 1444.
Foundation stone of Casa Santo Stefano
The foundations for today's Casa Santo Stefano were laid in this century. The "Casa Uva" served as a doctor's house, while the "Casa Erbe" housed a bakery in the lower part and an osteria on the mezzanine floor.
Miglieglia becomes a parish
In 1621, the municipality of Miglieglia was given its own parish. A few years later, the baroque parish church of Santo Stefano was built.
Renovation of Casa Santo Stefano
A private initiative was launched to renovate and convert the two historic houses, "Casa Uva" and "Casa Erbe". The aim was to preserve the typical and simple Ticino style.
Opening of Casa Santo Stefano
The hotel was opened in May 1988, at that time still under the name "Garni Santo Stefano e Centro di formazione e di cultura". The "Casa Erbe" served as a guesthouse for individual guests, while the "Casa Uva" was used for seminar guests.
New property - Casa Santo Stefano
In 1996, Angeli and Christian Wehrli took over the house and continued to run it under the new name "Casa Santo Stefano".
An innovative financial concept
Two years later, the shareholder partners were paid off thanks to a creative financial concept - "loans against interest in kind". Friends, relatives and regular guests supported the continued operation.
Acquisition of the "Casa Trà"
In 2020, the "Casa Trà" was purchased between the two existing buildings to expand the range of services.
New hosts
Cristina Mathis and Matteo Previsdomini have been running Casa Santo Stefano as passionate hosts since the beginning of 2024. With their experience in yoga and the hotel industry, they continue to shape the hotel in a modern tradition.
509 BC.
12th century
1478
17th century
1621
1986
1988
1996
1998
2020
2024
