Welcome to Lugano, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino, where Switzerland has an Italian accent. This city rose out of its strategic position, just below the best alpine passes. These passes were used by Celts, leaving their mark. The same was done by the Romans, leaving Lugano the oldest sacred building in Switzerland. Thanks to the Italian culture and influence, Lugano has a Mediterranean ambience, with its sunshine, vegetation, inviting lake, and shopping. But there is more to Lugano than shopping and relaxation, so come with us to discover the ancient history of this beautiful city.
Enjoy the views of the lake under the mulberry trees (a favourite of silkworms, dating from the time when silk was a local industry). Across the lake, we can see the Casinò di Campione, which dominates Campione d'Italia, a tiny Italian enclave surrounded by Switzerland on all sides. Pass Via Canova, the elegant street of Lugano, and also the Palazzo Reali, a museum with exhibits of 19th and 20th-century art. In the middle, we will find Piazza Riforma, known as the living room of the city.
Not to miss is also the Grand Café al Porto, the most historic café in town, open since 1803 and a testimony to the 19th movement that led to the unification of Italy by Giuseppe Mazzini and fellow Italian patriots. Also here is where US intelligence officer Allen Dulles (future head of the CIA) met with Nazi and Italian representatives to organize the end of WWII. A flair for history, espionage and glamour is certainly in the air.
