Our Location
Riva San Vitale is a small town of about 2,600 people located in the Canton of Ticino, in the southern part of Switzerland, near Lugano. Italy's border is only 10 miles away. The town is situated between two mountain peaks, Monte Generoso and Monte San Giorgio and borders Lake Lugano.
What to Expect at the Steger Center
Grounds
A spacious garden and patio and a gated courtyard bordered on one side by former horse stables.
Amenities
An espresso machine, bikes, guitars, yoga mats, basketballs, and soccer balls to use for recreational activities around town.
What to Expect in Riva San Vitale
Eating/Errands
To eat around town, take a quick walk from the Center to reach various restaurants, gelato stores or the local supermarket. The post office, pharmacy, and ATM are also within walking distance.
Getting Around
Riva is served by the Capolago-Riva San Vitale train station, which is a 10-minute walk from the Steger Center. This station connects to many major rail stations, making travel throughout Europe simple. Many students take the 20-minute train ride to the city of Lugano for additional shopping, recreation, and sightseeing opportunities. The neighboring town of Mendrisio is a 20-minute pedal away via a convenient bike path. Buses provide a link to the train station, as well as nearby towns.
Things To Do
The local middle school allows Virginia Tech students to use their basketball courts and soccer fields after the schoolday is complete.
Historical Sites
The town dates back centuries, and many local buildings are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. The center faces Via Settala, an ancient Roman road. The Riva San Vitale Baptistery dates from the 5th century and is the most ancient stonework Christian monument in Switzerland. The Ferrovia Monte Generoso SA is the one of the oldest cog railway still in service in Switzerland. For more than 130 years, this train has been making the daily journey to the summit of Monte Generoso.