The family Riva of Lugano

The family Riva of Lugano, where some of them still live today, has been mentioned since 1447 in the register of the patricians of Lugano.

It almost certainly originated in Como, from where they transferred themselves to Lugano, probably after living some time in Riva San Vitale. In fact, during mediaeval times and at the beginning of the year fifteen hundred, Lugano was dominated by Como which explains the intense administrative and commercial relations between the two cities. At that time, the family Riva probably dedicated themselves to commerce.

After the conquest of Lugano in 1513 by the XII Cantons of the Swiss Confederation, the family Riva devoted themselves to real estate, financial and legal activities. Furthermore, thanks to their good relations with the Swiss, especially with the Canton Lucerne, they participated intensely in the civil and legal administration of the city. They also received Italian nobility titles.

There are still three palaces built by the family Riva during the 18th century in Lugano: in piazza Cioccaro, in via Pretorio and in via Magatti.

During the 19th and also the 20th centuries, some members of the family Riva emigrated and created new family branches in Uruguay, Peru and Argentina, as well as in French and German Switzerland.

Today, members of the family Riva are living in two continents: Europe and America.