Scenic Lugano

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Day 5 - On this day we can choose to spend a free day in Milan or take the Optional Excursion to

Lugano, Switzerland



 From Milan we will travel by bus, about an hour and a half, across the Swiss border to Lugano, the  largest city in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.  Lugano is on the northern shore of Lake Lugano,  south of the first ridge of the Alps, but it is surrounded by mountains, two of which are the "twin peaks" of Monte Bre' and Monte San Salvadore.  The city of Lugano is 63% in Switzerland.  The remaining 37%, mostly smaller communities, is in Italy. Lugano is one of Switzerland's most important financial cities with its conference, banking and business center.  While the citizens of Lugano might be busy at work while we are there, we hope to enjoy "dolce far niente" - an Italian idiom meaning "pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness"- while we soak in the beauty of Lugano's mountain scenery, historic squares, sacred buildings and botanical gardens.




Bell Tower - San Lorenzo Cathedral

PIAZZA RIFORMA

Piazza Riforma is Lugano's main square.  How it got its name is an interesting story.  During the Italian constitutional reform movement of 1839, Italian revolutionaries from Milan crossed the border into neutral Switzerland.  They met in this square to plan for the Italian unification. The political debates often became explosive.  Today, it is a peaceful place for locals and visitors to gather at the outdoor bistros for lunch.  Among the beautifully painted buildings is the yellow neoclassical 1840 Town Hall, far left in photo.

VIA NASSA

Another must-see area is Lugano's Via Nassa, known for its historic arcades.  Back in the 17th C those outdoor arcades provided a sheltered place for stall-holders to set up their goods and conduct business.  Today the arcades give Lugano its Mediterranean charm and lead to chic boutiques, expensive jewelry stores and pleasant cafes.


The cuisine in Lugano has a Lombardy influence featuring cold cuts, honey, bread and wine.

Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli


 A highlight of our visit will be the tour of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli which contains the finest early-Renaissance fresco in Switzerland depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ.

For slide show, a 360° panoramic view and details of the mural and church: 

View the video of the church.

CIANA PARK


A short walk from Old Town is Villa Ciani and its 63,000 square meters of botanical gardens featuring historical and sculptural exhibitions, statues, fountains, exotic trees and beautiful views of Lake Lugano and the twin peaks of Monte Are' and Monte San Salvatore.


Photo credits in order:
4. Public Domain






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