Lugano is a city in Switzerland. The city's attractions

Lugano is a city in Switzerland on the shore of a lake, surrounded by mountains. What else do you need for a good holiday? And if you add a little Italian character and cultural activities, then you can immediately buy tours to Switzerland. But first let's learn more about it.

Picturesque Lugano

Lugano is a city in Switzerland, in which the population mainly speaks Italian. It is located in the territory of the canton of Ticino. For its special character and climatic conditions, Lugano is often compared to Rio de Janeiro. The climate here is mild, so the weather in Lugano is usually comfortable for tourists. In winter it is not too cold, but in summer there is almost no heat.

The mountains of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Bray, with a height of 1000 meters, surround Lugano from both sides. And Lake Lugano opens from its coastline a view of the mountain of Monte Generoso, which is on the opposite shore.

Many travelers buy tours to Switzerland to enjoy the peaceful lakescape scenery of Lugano. The lake is considered one of the highest alpine lakes. It is located 270 meters above sea level. Dozens of cruises depart for romantic trips along the Lugansk lake.

City `s history

In the Middle Ages, the main occupation in the city was trade. In the fifteenth century, Lugano became the arena for opposing the political movements of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, after which he transferred to the administration of Milan.

In the XVI century the city passes to the Swiss Union and remains in its composition until 1798. During the French Revolution, he is part of the Helvetian Republic and becomes its main city.

The republic lasted only 5 years. After its collapse, Lugano passes into the administration of the canton of Ticino, of which part is still.

Lugano attractions: park and museums

On the shore of the lake is the Civico park with flower beds, trees and Villa Chiani. A neat park is interesting not only for beautiful alleys and flora, on its territory is the Palazzo Civico - a magnificent monument of architecture.

The old villa of Chiani belonged to the city businessmen before the brothers Giacomo and Filippo. In the early XX century, went to the disposal of city authorities. In the villa opened the city museum, which combined the expositions of the Museum of History and Fine Arts. In addition, the villa has a greenhouse with camellias, rhododendrons and other flowers.

Villa Malpensata, once owned by a wealthy patrician, is now the Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Cultures has collected various ethnographic materials from Asia, America, Oceania, as well as the collections of Emma Nodari, Serge Brignoni. Cantonal Museum of Art presents permanent collections of paintings of the XIX-XX centuries, as well as exhibitions devoted to contemporary art.

The obligatory program of many trips includes the Museum of Chocolate, which is located at a local chocolate factory. The museum conducts lectures on the production of chocolate and master classes for its preparation.

The streets of the city

Lugano is a city in Switzerland, the history of which is many centuries old. The streets of the Old Town retained the charm of the old time, many houses remained from the Middle Ages. The proximity to Italy played a role, the streets and architecture resemble the Italian style.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the oldest building, dates back to the 9th century and combines the features of several styles. Initially it was made in the Gothic style, but after the reconstruction, Renaissance features were added. Later, the Torrichelli brothers decorated the temple with baroque frescoes.

Not far from the cathedral is Villa Castagnola with a collection of works by famous artists. In the Cathedral of Lugano, there are examples of ancient frescoes and statues. The Roman Church of St. Mary is worthy of attention, thanks to the old look and frescoes inside, depicting biblical subjects.

Be sure to see the architectural monuments that created Ticino Mario Botta, and the shopping street Via Nasa. Here is also the back of the city government, decorated with allegorical sculptures. They denote Religion, Power, Consent and Freedom.

Neighborhood

Nearby with Lugano you can find many interesting things. The city of Belinos with a medieval Milan castle is only half an hour from Lugano. It is best to come here on Saturday, when the local market opens.

Just three kilometers away is the city of Melida and the park "Switzerland in Miniature." More than 100 models represent the famous buildings of the country. Spielon Castle and the Federal Parliament, the Cathedral of Lausanne, the tower of Bern, the operating funicular and miniature railway - all Switzerland in one place.

In the mountains there is the village of Karona, home to only 600 people. In the village there is a mountain botanical garden with unique plants. On a fairly small territory there are five churches that should not be bypassed.

The fishing villages of Gandrija and Morkote, located nearby, will meet with hospitality. And fish restaurants will prepare delicious dishes from freshly caught fish. You can get to the villages on the way, but it's more pleasant to do it on a boat.

If you go in the northern direction, then about two kilometers from the city you will get to Campione. This is an Italian enclave that belongs to Lombardy, although it is located on the Swiss territory. Here there are two currencies, and control of various spheres of life is realized by Italy, then Switzerland.

Conclusion

Lugano is a city in Switzerland, which looks more like the coast of Italy. Medieval Italian architecture, a picturesque lake and mountains around make this city unique.