Lugano City Guide
The sophisticated city of Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino, occupies an enviable position on the shores of Lake Lugano, with the Swiss Alps as a backdrop. Take a dip in the lake, visit the city’s fascinating museum and take the funicular up into the mountains.
What to do and see in and around Lugano
Lake Lugano
Beautiful Lake Lugano is 35 kilometres long and has shores in Italy and Switzerland. Admire the views of the lake against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, enjoy a wide range of water sports or just take a refreshing dip.
Museo Cantonale d'Arte
Opened in 1987, the Cantonal Art Museum has a permanent collection including 19th century and 20th century work by Italian and Swiss artists, such as Paul Klee.
Monte San Salvatore
Standing at a height of 912 metres, San Salvatore can be reached by funicular and offers fabulous views of the lake and the surrounding area. Once you get to the top you will find the San Salvatore Museum which is dedicated to the geology of the mountain and displays artifacts belonging to the 17th century hospice that used to occupy this site.
The Ciani Park
The Ciani Park consists of 63,000 square metres of tranquil parklands overlooking Lake Lugano. Full of oak, plane and wild cherry trees as well as flowers specially chosen to complement the colours of the lake and general environs.
St Lawrence Cathedral
The façade of Lugano’s St Lawrence Cathedral or San Lorenzo Cathedral is a splendid example of the Lombardy Renaissance style. Have a look inside to explore the numerous frescoes and artifacts of the interior.
Belvedere Gardens
Lugano’s Belvedere Gardens are an oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for nature and art lovers with many Ticinese sculptures on display alongside the beautiful flowers and trees that grow here.
St. Mary of the Angels Church
This former monastery dates back to 1499 and is a treasure trove of Renaissance frescoes. You can find this beautiful church behind the Belvedere Garden.
Piazza della Riforma
This elegant 19th century square in the centre of the city is home to the Lugano Market which takes place twice a week on Tuesday and Friday, and is the place for local flowers, fruit and vegetables and observing the local way of life.
Monte Brè
Visitors to Lugano can reach the top of Monte Brè, 916 metres up, by the early 20th century style funicular. When you reach the top there is a short trail to the traditional Ticinese village of Brè.
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