The town of Brè Lugano was connected to Lugano only by mule trail until 1912, when things drastically changed after a road for vehicles was built to Lugano.

Up till then, sheep raising was the main source of income, while harvests were brought to Lugano to be sold at the market. The only way to get to work in Lugano was on foot.

Job scarcity led some to emigrate to America, France, Algeria or to other parts of Switzerland.
It is interesting to note that Mount Brè sopra Lugano and Mount Boglia have few natural springs and water was in short supply in Brè Lugano until 1950. Spring-water wells can still be found in the town’s oldest homes. With the construction of the new supply network for potable water, almost all drinking water now comes from Lake Lugano.

The “Origins” – “Emigration”– sections evoke those not so far off times and show how difficult it was to make a living.