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Sightseeing in Lugano - what to see. Complete travel guide

Lugano Lugano is a southern city in Switzerland, which is separated from the rest of the country by Monte Bre and San Salvatore mountain range. The city is located on the shore of Lake Lugano. Lugano became a major trading center already in the IX century. Because of this it was constantly conquered by different troops, including Spanish ones. Lugano became a part of the Swiss Union only in 1512. Nowadays this is one of the cities that belong to the Italian part of Switzerland. The city also remains the center of cultural and political life, industry and commerce.
Excursion over cultural sights of Lugano - 'must visit' points of interest
Lugano is the city of unique spirit and of rich cultural heritage. There are ancient squares and grand castles, various museums and art galleries among its sights. One of the most popular … Open
While visiting numerous architectural sights which are located in Lugano, you will find here magnificent parks with huge flower beds and subtropical unique plants. The main attractions of this place include the world's only museum of chocolate; Cantonal Art Museum, which art collections feature the works of Italian artists and other famous painters of Italian Switzerland; and the city museum, which exhibits a collection of works by local artists. You will also find several small historic towns near Lugano famous for their Italian influence.
On daytime Lugano offers numerous services mostly connected with recreational activities: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing boats and paraglayd, horse riding, golf and hiking on mountain slopes. At night the city offers various types of entertainment like visiting clubs, discos or attending an entertainment center named Kursal. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Your active city break in Lugano. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
During the warm season the main entertainment for city visitors is beach recreation as the lake shore has several well equipped places. Tourists are provided with various water … Open
An important religious monument for the city is the Church of San Rocco. It was built in the 15th century and has been almost unchanged for more than 500 years. The church has completely managed to maintain its unique appearance. The main values ​​are hidden within the walls of the church. They include the altar that was created over 500 years ago, as well as the beautiful frescoes of the famous master of Disco.
Lugano One of the favorite places for walks for locals and guests of Lugano is the Civico Park. It is located in a historic area, surrounded by picturesque old streets and symbolic monuments. For many years, in this park concerts are held in the open air in the warm season. They have become a good tradition for the city. The park got its name in honor of the palace of the same name located on its territory, which is one of the most spectacular in the city. This park will be an ideal place for outdoor recreation, because there are many walking paths on its territory, and there are also operational recreation areas.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Lugano
1. The main transportation means of the city is a bus. Tickets should be bought in advance in specialized POS terminals, set in the bus stops. The prudent tourists should better buy a day … Open
During a walk in the historic district, it is worth it to find the Church of Santa Maria degli Angelo. Outwardly, it is not particularly luxurious. This small church built from gray stone, was erected in the 16th century. Its main value is hidden inside. Visitors of the church can see the beautiful fresco of the artist Bernardino Luini, who was one of the best students of Leonardo da Vinci. He created his masterpiece in 1529.
Lugano Lovers of natural attractions are sure to be interested in the Montbray, located in the immediate vicinity of Lugano. One can get to its top by climbing a cable car. One of the best viewing platforms is located here, from which you can perfectly see the city and the lake. Many travelers prefer to climb to the top of the mountain by a cable car, and downhill, walk down the path to enjoy the natural beauty and visit several ​​miniature cities located in the foothill area.
Extraordinary weekend in Lugano - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet
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In the vicinity of the city is the Hermann Hesse Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous Swedish artist. He spent the last years of his life in the outskirts of Lugano. Here, he wrote some of his most striking works. Local beauties inspire the artist not only of painting, but also of literary activity. Museum visitors will have the opportunity to learn many interesting facts about his life.
Lugano - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in Lugano
♥   Shopping area ' Via Nassa' Lugano, 1.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Via Pessina' Lugano, 1.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Lugano
♥   Castle 'Cuasso al Monte Castle' Cuasso al Monte, 10.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Pontegana Castle' , 18 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Frascarolo Castle' Induno Olona, 19.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Velate Tower' Varese, 22.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Varese Castle' Varese, 22.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Lugano
♥   World Heritage Site 'Monte San Giorgio' , 9.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale della Val Grande' , 40.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   World Heritage Site 'Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch' , 87.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Lugano from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Crespi d Adda

From the series “16 Most Fascinating Objects of Unesco in Italy”
Check on the map:   Distance from Lugano center - 62.9 km.
Nowadays the old village attracts people who like architecture. There was saving a family palace of Crespi in neogothic style. Other beautiful buildings are the Crespi d'Adda church, workers’ houses. Nothing has changed for about a hundred years. If you want to become engrossed in the past, walk in this old village. Now it is quite hard to imagine that earlier this area was one of the most technically equipped in Europe. There was a modern lighting system and even a good-working aqueduct. … Read further

Basilica di San Lorenzo

From the series “Monuments of Byzantium: the most famous buildings”
Check on the map:   Distance from Lugano center - 62.5 km.
Several symbolic monuments are installed next to the basilica. A series of antique columns is the most unusual element of the surrounding area. They are preserved fragments of ancient Roman buildings. These columns were part of the baths in the 3rd century AD. The Basilica of St Lawrence has lost almost half of its values and original design elements for more than a thousand years of existence. A beautiful fresco has been preserved on the wall behind the main altar. Visitors can also see an ancient sculpture of Padre Pio. Its age is more than a thousand years. The painting under the dome was made already in the Middle Ages. But it continues to be considered a true work of art. … Read further

Duomo di Milano

From the series “15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Lugano center - 62.1 km.
The cathedral is so great that it can accommodate up to 40 000 people. About 3 400 beautiful statues decorate a hall. The main symbol and the gem is the golden statue of Madonna, the patron saint of Milan. Paintings on walls and a ceiling of the cathedral require special attention. Some of them were created by the outstanding artist, Simone da Orsenigo. The roof of the cathedral has the great viewing platform that offers a spectacular view of the historic streets of Milan. … Read further

Sightseeing in regions nearby Lugano

Varese
There are several attractive villas on the territory of the city. Each villa has its own cultural significance. For example, Villa Mirabello is now the home for the Archeological Museum that exhibits a collection of pictures created by famous Italian masters. You will ... Open »
Locarno
Locarno is a city located on the shore of Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Alpine ridge. The second name of this place is "City of Peace." Locarno got this name after the international agreement about peace had been signed here in 1925. Another reason for this name is ... Open »
Ticino
A lot of interesting excursions and activities are offered by Ascona. The town has several large pedestrian areas; there are parks, museums, theaters and entertainment venues in it. At the daytime most of the tourists go to the waterfront, where they can relax in one ... Open »
Monza
This town is located near Milan. Monza is well-known to all fans of Formula 1, because the main airfield is located here. First settlements on the territory of the town were founded during the Bronze Age; later this area was inhabited by colonies of Roman veterans. It ... Open »
Milan
Despite the fact that today’s look of Milan is determined primarily by modern architecture, this is a city where one will find a large number of historical sites and attractions. Visitors, who come to Milan for a couple of days, usually get quite a unilateral view of ... Open »
Bergamo
This square is also the location of another famous object – the Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore. The church is one of the oldest historical buildings. Also don’t forget to visit opened and fascinating Roman portal and Cappella Colleoni – they are all can be found on ... Open »
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