Lugano

About

The shores of Lake Lugano have been settled since the Stone Age, but the Lugano city proper can trace its roots back to around the 9th century. For centuries, warring powers clashed over the city, until it finally fell under Swiss dominion in 1513. Situated on a lakefront, and with a strong Italian history, it’s no wonder the town centre has Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, complete with subtropical plants. The city is a treasure-trove for art lovers, with the 16th century Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli filled with fine frescoes by Renaissance masters, while the San Lorenzo Cathedral, with its Lombardy Renaissance facade in the style, contains countless frescoes and Baroque artefacts. For a more contemporary experience, the Museo Cantonale d'Arte exhibits paintings by Klee, Renoir and Degas.