Lugano is the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland, picturesquely situated on the lake of the same name between the forested alpine slopes. It is famous for its climatic Old Town, which resembles the climate of the city of Lombardy.
Lugano was founded in ancient times by the Etruscans, and then it belonged to Rome. In the Middle Ages it was the area of constant rivalry between the principality of Milan and the bishops of Como, which was put to an end only by the city's entry into the Swiss confederation at the beginning of the 16th century. However, strong Italian influences were visible here, including in a characteristic building, typical of northern Italy, or the language used today.
Today's Lugano is a thriving conference, market and financial center that is among the most important Swiss headquarters of money-related institutions in Switzerland. At its heart is Piazza della Riforma surrounded by picturesque tenement houses in which restaurants and cafes operate. Nearby is the cathedral of St. built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Wawrzyniec, whose interior is covered with valuable frescoes. The Old Town filled with Renaissance and Baroque tenements also houses numerous museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts with a collection of paintings by Italian and European masters.
The area around Lugano favors active relaxation. There are over 300 km of hiking and biking mountain trails, and you can sail on the lake. Lake cruises and cable car up the Monte Brè summit, from which you can admire the city panorama, are very popular.
