No. 841
The three interlinking tenements from Cugnasco provide an interesting combination of different styles of house and structure which are characteristic of stone buildings in the Ticino.

The oldest part of the building was constructed around 1740 and represents the simplest type of “tower” house with only one room on each floor. The bedroom is built above the kitchen with the fireplace on ground level. The second building phase occurred as early as the 1760’s. A square building with living quarters was added to the “tower”. The third and the most recent building from the 1850’s is a double house typical of the region. Over a vaulted cellar, there are two kitchens, each with its own fireplace and chimney. The bedrooms are situated above them. The fittings of the three dwellings are in accordance with the times of 1750, 1850 and 1950.

The kitchens in the double house are good examples of typical kitchens of the Ticino and the Mediterranean area. Contrary to what was found in the rest of Switzerland, the houses did not have a living-room. Daily life was consequently played out, above all, in the kitchen which was mostly the only heated room in the house. There was always a fire burning or glowing in the hearth. In winter, people liked to sit by the fireside to warm their feet and to pray before going to bed.

In the 19th century, the village of Cugnasco belonged to the parishes with the highest emigration quotas. The parishes often loaned money for the journey to those willing to emigrate. In such a register, one finds the names of the house owners Giulieri.

In the 19th century, the village of Cugnasco belonged to the parishes with the highest emigration quotas. The parishes often loaned money for the journey to those willing to emigrate. In such a register, one finds the names of the house owners Giulieri.