Lugano Switzerland - The Mediterranean City
The city of Lugano Switzerland is after Zurich and Geneva the third largest financial centre in Switzerland. The main attraction is its location, a marvelous bay on Lake Lugano. It is situated in the Italian speaking Canton of Ticino with Bellinzona as its capital.
Ticino, the southern-most Canton of Switzerland has few scenic similarities to other regions of the country. The flourishing economic metropolis is embedded between the striking peaks of Monte Bré and San Salvatore. The way of life is of a southern atmosphere where you meet guests all year round from all over the world. This lends the city a refreshing cosmopolitanism. The city centre has lost a lot its charm over the years. Many old beautiful looking baroque houses and hotels from the 19-century had to make room for high-rises.
In 1996, the city founded the University "Università della Svizzera Italiana". One of Lugano's special pleasures is a walk along the lakefront promenade and up to the magnificent 17th-century Villa Favorita. It was built by Prince Leopold of Prussia and it is today the home of the prestigious Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. For a taste of "la dolce vita", check into the formerly private red-ocher Villa Principe Leopoldo built in 1926 atop the Collina d'Oro. 
Unfortunately, today Lugano Switzerland is built up with houses almost until the top of Monte Brè. Obviously, the city enjoys still a great attraction because nature and tranquility are at least found in the closer surroundings. By the way, there is a funicular that lifts you to an altitude of 1,000 m to the Monte Brè summit. However, for the best panorama head to the nearby 1,704 m Monte Generoso which reaches the summit in 40 minutes by cable car. Places of Interest in Lugano Switzerland St. Maria degli Angioli Originally the church belonged to a convent. It rescues the most famous Renaissance wall painting of Switzerland. The convent was founded 1490, nevertheless the church construction began only 1499, while the church initiation occurred in 1515. 
In 1848 the convent was left behind and at its location originated a hotel in the years 1852/54. In 1903, it became the famous Palace Hotel after it was raised by two floors. A wing of the convent with two superimposed cross halls has been preserved. In the years 1929/30, church restorations were carried out. The fresco painting of the passion and crucifixion of Christ is a masterpiece of Bernardino Luini. The middle arcade adorns the holy Rocco and Sebastiano (1529) and directly above the arcade are to be recognized the prophets. There are many other works to admire among them from Magdalena, the holy John and Thomas. Also to see are works from fighting Roman soldiers and above the cross floating angels. Overall it is worth to visit, especially if you like art on glass windows. Piazza della Riforma The places grouped around the "Palazzo Civico" form the center of the Old Town. Above all is the "Piazza della Riforma" which is surrounded by town houses of the 19-century. Restaurants, Cafés, and boutiques are lined up under the arcades. The "Banca della Svizzera Italiana" has its seat in the 18-century Palazzo Riva located at the Piazza Manzoni. Ships dock in front of the city hall on Lake Lugano. For shopping head to the "Via Nassa" on the south side and the "Via Pessina" on the north side with its enticing culinary and fashionable outfit. Museo Cantonale d'Arte In the centre of Lugano Switzerland is the Cantonal Art Museum located, which was inaugurated in 1987. It represents the cultural activity of Ticino. The permanent collections comprise the works of art of both Swiss-Italian, Swiss-German and Italian artists of the 19th and 20th-centuries. The works are from well-known artists like Hodler, Klee, Werefkin, Bill and others as well as from French impressionists like Renoir, Degas and many others. In addition, changing exhibitions take place all year round. Villa Ciani Also here in the city park where 1512 the "Kastell di Sforza" was destroyed by the Swiss confederates, is art presented namely in the exceedingly noble Villa Ciani. The city art museum has works of Foreign and Swiss artists from the 15. - 20th-century. This museum is open from Tue. - Sun. 10:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 18:00. Worth a visit is also the Cantonal natural history museum which is a bit further to the east with botanical, geological and pal ontological collections. The museum is open from Tue. - Sat. 09:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 17:00. Giardino Belvedere The from Lugano Switzerland to the south to Paradiso reaching the lake promenade lines up by Giardino Belvedere in which sub-tropical plants and sculptures alternate from internationally known artist. Here is also the Villa Malpensata (19-century) situated which is used for exhibitions of contemporary art and architecture. The Villa Malpensata is open from Tue. - Sun. 09:00 - 19:00. Lugano Switzerland Restaurants Al Portone Luck, only luck feels one when visiting this elegant restaurant. The three generations of the family Galizzi offer here a diverse menu card. Even until this day is the eighty year old Nonna responsible for the Ravioli and the apéro dreams. Roberto and Silvio, father and son Galizzi motivate themselves with unconventional creations. The restaurant Al Portone is one of Lugano's best and for this reason expect to spend about 120 - 150 Swiss Francs. Quality really has its price! Villa Principe Leopoldo As in a film is it here, notes the young girl on our table. Not only she, also we and many other guests didn't let it take away from them to step under the stars on the terrace in front of the glass restaurant to admire the lake and the city. In the elegant atmosphere of this old building is waiting with a lot of modern supplements, one can feel incredible comfortable. To that contributes the extremely attentive, professional and above all the natural-hearty service as well as the excellent gourmet cuisine of Chef Dario Ranza. Restaurant Arté Already reading the menu card is a pleasure, because Chef Frank Oerthle always has new ideas to try out. The caramelized Trevisano and the bitter vegetable salad are served to the hors-d'oeuvre with veal. Leek he combines with crabs together with pasta and a piece of beef he puts a horseradish crust. The result is simple and creative dishes all prepared from high quality and strictly seasonal products. Restaurant Le Relais You really do get into holiday mood in this nostalgia hotel. The decoration in the halls and dining rooms is magnificent and elegant. The mood on the terrace under the white sunshades is very romantic. In this cultivated atmosphere expect top service, a respectable wine list and not only a classic Mediterranean offer but also one based on seasonal products with specialties from over the world. Osteria del Portico If you don't pay attention to the big metal plate with the hand written menu, you could easily miss the little "Osteria" with lots of "Italianità" close to the train station. A likeable trio takes here care of the guests. Mrs. Cécile Grüniger is the soul of the restaurant. For the wine consultation, sommelier Marcello Battaglia is in charge. And David Nori, a young man from the canton of Jura spoils the guests with culinary creations. The Osteria del Portico is climbing the latter quick but doesn't have yet the rating of the restaurant Al Portone. Ai Giardini di Sassa From the terrace you can see all the city lights of Lugano Switzerland and the food in the restaurant is actually very tasty. To the ambience fits the classical offer with a touch of creativity. With that lies Chef and owner Mauro Grandi in his "Ai Giardini di Sassa" just right. Also by the international clientele enjoys the restaurant rising popularity - no matter if not everything is prepared 100% in the kitchen. Lugano Switzerland Hotels Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence The Villa Principe Leopoldo is an elegant suite hotel which was once the villa of Prince Leopold von Hohenzollern built in 1926. This unique hotel is set atop on the beautiful Collina d'Oro (Golden Hill) offers spectacular views over Lake Lugano Switzerland. The splendors of the Belle-Époque are still evident in the luxurious suites which are decorated with marble fireplaces and many works of art. In 2002, it was rated as the hotel of the year 2002. Grand Hotel Eden The Grand Hotel Eden is located on the water front of Lugano Paradiso. It is modern and charming and specious suites are very comfortable to make your stay an unforgettable and relaxing experience. The service is of course top and the gourmet cuisine provides many specialties of Mediterranean food. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola This exclusive 5-star hotel is surrounded by a magnificent private sub-tropical park on the shores of Lake Lugano Switzerland. In the park, the sub-tropical flora and gardens are just bursting with flowers. The Villa Castagnola was once the home of a noble Russian family. In 1885, this impressive mansion was transformed into a hotel. It is a small hotel with only 75 rooms and 18 suites with a perfect harmony between tradition and design. Swiss Diamond Hotel Olivella Splendide Royal The Splendide Royal is located in the city center and probably Lugano's foremost, most fashionable hotel. You will notice the mild Mediterranean climate by its surroundings of lush gardens. The hotel inspires loyalty among its clients with more than half of the guests repeat visitors. 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