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Lugano

Culture of Lugano. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

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 and visited place of recreation of the city is still Parco Civico set in the historic area. Its territory hosts a significant architectural landmark being the Palazzo Civico. The scenic park has turned to a place of different events, concerts and performances which are carried out on the open air stage.

Shopping in Lugano - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

The city's main shopping street is Via Nassa, its length is more than 400 meters. This is a continuous series of shops of various categories. Here you can find elite boutiques of famous …

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The sightseeing tour of Lugano should include the visit to the church Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli. Built in 16th century, this church is the genuine incarnation of the Romanesque style. The church features inimitable inner adornments. Its walls are covered with skillful fresco paintings created in 1529 by the genius artist Bernardino Luini. The church of S. Rocco is a landmark of the earlier period. It was established in 15th century. The church has by miracle preserved its original look till now. In the course of its history the building has never been remodeled or reconstructed. This religious building will be of great interest to any visitor.

The most visited cultural site of Lugano is Art Museum named Städtisches Kunstmuseum. It is located on the territory of the marvelous country villa Malpensata. In the middle of the 19th century the villa was owned by a wealthy patrician who in a later date conveyed the stunning house to the museum. Today the museum presents a rich collection of the paintings of local artists of the 19th – 20th centuries. Another museum named Museo cantonale d’arte is of the same interest. It was established in 1987. The museum also keeps an interesting collection of paintings among which the works of the artists of Italian Switzerland prevail. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Guide to Lugano sightseeing - things to see and to visit

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. …

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In the suburbs of Lugano the world renowned chocolate museum Alprose is placed. This is an astonishing place. It is one of a kind museum which objects are anyhow considering popular chocolate treat. An exciting shop is located near the museum. There one can buy sweets and chocolate souvenirs for loved ones. Among other sights of the city one should pay attention to the Municipal Art Museum located on the territory of the Villa Caini. Its exhibition presents numerous priceless historical documents and papers as well as precious objects of arts.

In Lugano and around it, one can discover picturesque natural attractions such as majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, wonderful meadows, hills, and lowlands. Monte San Salvatore, Monte Boglia, and Monte Bre are the most popular routes for those looking for aesthetic enjoyment. Another place of pilgrimage for tourists is the trail called Sentiero dell'Olivo. The path stretches through thickets of olive trees, hence the name. Breathtaking views of Lake Lugano await all tourists here.

Family holidays with kids in Lugano. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.

The Swiss city of Lugano surrounded by picturesque mountains is a great vacation destination for the whole family. And not only because of such a beautiful frame in the form of the Swiss …

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Well, those who can’t imagine their vacation without cultural pastime watching theatrical performances and listening to quality symphonic music would rather prefer Palazzo dei Congressi and Lugano Arte e Cultura (or simply LAC). It is worth noting that the buildings are also valuable as monuments featuring outstanding architecture. Among the modern structures, Banca del Gottardo building is of special interest. Its design was developed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta. The building strikes passers-by with its original appearance and some impressiveness at the same time - exactly what the bank needs.

Another beautiful Mario Botta's creation is Edificio Ransila I, which attracts visitors with the equally original architecture. It is noteworthy in that at the very top of the building one can see nothing but a tree - something really unexpected for passers-by. Lugano boasts several more remarkable religious attractions, one of which is Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the city's main Catholic cathedral. Built in the 15th century in an eclectic style (the building combines Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements), it has replaced an older building that was first mentioned in 818. The shrine is also striking with its interior decoration, which, given its modesty, is very attractive.

Cuisine of Lugano for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe

The best gastronomy landmark of Lugano is the Principe Leopoldo restaurant. Its chef is a genuine wizard of gastronomic art. Each day the restaurant is visited by hundreds of attached guests …

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In addition to the above, the city has many other hard-to-ignore monuments of sacred architecture. For example, there is something to be said about the history of Chiesa Santa Maria di Loreto. The shrine was built in 1524, some elements were added to the building later, and today locals and tourists can see a wonderful example of how Renaissance and Baroque are seamlessly combined in its architecture. Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata and Chiesa San Carlo Borromeo stand out with their interior decoration - visitors to the shrines will be particularly impressed by frescoes within their walls. Connoisseurs of sacred architecture should in no way miss some other interesting buildings - Santuario della Madonna d'Ongero and Parrocchia Sacro Cuore.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Lugano and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Lugano and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Lugano is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Lugano - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Reference information

Map of all palaces

Public palaces near Lugano
♥ Palace 'Royal Villa of Monza' Monza, 51.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Castello Sforzesco' Milan, 61.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Palazzo Litta' Milan, 61.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Lugano
♥ Santuario-Basilica di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Morbio Inferiore, 16.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte, Carese, 20.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica di S. Giorgio, Como, 22.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica Cattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Como, 22.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica di S. Vittore Martire, Varese, 22.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica Santuario della Madonna del Sasso, Locarno, 23.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Monastero di Santa Maria di Torba, Torba, 31.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Culture of Lugano. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Lugano and surroundings

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Lugano

Landmarks of culture on Lugano map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Lugano