"Swiss Italian City : Lugano" a Lugano Travel Page by Pakistaniguy

First Visit: December 2001
Second Visit: August 2004

Due to the Alpine barrier, the climate in the southern canton of Ticino tends to be warmer and sunnier than the rest of Switzerland and palm trees are not uncommon. This, in addition to the Italian language and culture, gives the area a distinctively Mediterranean flavor. The canton's capital, Bellinzona, features three formidable fortresses with crenellated walls. Lugano is an inviting and relaxing lakeside town. Part of the vast Thyssen-Bornemisza art collection is located in a lakeside villa here. Cablecars provide access to panoramas at the top of some of the green mountains around Lugano. Locarno is also a lakeside resort. Its principal attraction is the Madonna del Sasso Monastery, which offers great views of the town and Lake Maggiore.