Lugano is a city in southern Switzerland and its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is closely related to that of Italy’s northern Lombardy region.
Lugano is a city in southern Switzerland and its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is closely related to that of Italy’s northern Lombardy region. This mix is reflected in its architecture and cuisine. The city stands on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains. Its main square, Piazza Della Riforma, is ringed with pastel-colored, neoclassical palazzi.
1. Lake Lugano
By far the main attraction of Lugano is its beautiful, eponymous lake, which measures 50 square kilometers in size. It is a glacial lake situated on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Try boating or other water-based activities in the Lake, or just sit back and enjoy the view. The most popular are the morning cruise and the panoramic cruise, both lasting three hours, and you can also set off to see Lugano’s city lights twinkling on the lake at night.
2. Monte Brè
Monte Brè is a small mountain east of Lugano on the flank of Monte Boglia with a view of the bay of Lugano and the Pennine Alps and the Bernese Alps. It is considered one of the sunniest points in Switzerland. With a magnificent vista over Lugano, Monte Brè is Lugano’s closest mountain and it can be reached via funicular rail. Clattering up the mountainside since 1912, the funicular railway has a maximum incline of 60.5% and more of a vintage feel than San Salvatore, even though it’s actually newer.
3. San Lorenzo Cathedral
The lovely cathedral of San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence) was built in the High Middle Ages. It was rebuilt in the 15th century, and its exterior facades reflect this 15th-century rebuilding instead of the original Middle Ages, with an imposing white Carrara marble a beautiful rose window, and busts of the Kings David and Solomon. From the front of the cathedral, there’s an attractive view over the patchwork of the terracotta roofs of the Old Town.
4. Hermann Hesse Museum
The Hermann Hesse Museum is located in Montagnola, near Lugano, and houses memorabilia from his time here for the 43 years up to his death. The Camuzzi House, where all of these are housed, is where Hesse wrote many of his most famous works, including “Siddhartha” and “Steppenwolf“. He also painted several watercolors. It was during his time in Montagnola that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1946.
5. The Olive Grove Trail
Not only for the olive lovers, but there’s also a fascinating olive grove trail that passes through the area where ancient olive trees used to grow. The remains of them are still visible and olive trees have recently been re-introduced to these areas. The path starts in Gandria and there are various signposts and panels describing various aspects of the olive tree: its history, botany, cultivation, cultural uses, and products thereof. The walk is about two hours long and it’s an easy, relaxed walk, allowing you to enjoy the countryside and the beautiful olive trees.