Lugano: Switzerland’s hidden gem

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Switzerland is a country most known for its skiing and chocolate, but few people are aware that the small European country also holds a hidden gem - the city of Lugano.
 
A four hour drive from Aviano, Lugano is the ninth largest city within Switzerland and has the third largest economy. Known as one of the busiest tourist destinations in Switzerland, the city offers breathtaking views and a number of historical sites and museums.

Due to its location, Lugano has also developed a microclimate that gives the city a unique climate, which makes the area warmer throughout the year than surrounding towns. Because of the microclimate, the area has a regular humid subtropical climate, making it a perfect location for tourists enjoy the outdoors. Lugano offers an abundance of parks, hiking trails, Nordic walking, guided excursions and sporting centers.

Lake Lugano, which surrounds the city, is an entertainment hot spot tourists and locals. On a typical date, tourists can view the city on one of Lugano's many boat city tours, participate in a variety of water sports, or fish off one of the many docks.

For those interested in the historical aspect of Lugano, the city has 17 sites registered as part of the Swiss heritage sites of national significance for tourist to visit. Some sites include the Cathedral of S. Lorenzo, Palazzo Civico and Biblioteca Cantonale.

One site frequently visited by tourists is the Museum of Cultures, which is located in Heleneum, a villa on the shore of Lake Lugano. Built by Johann Frederic Haflinger in the nineteenth century, the museum showcases the art collections of Serge Brignoni and Canton Ticino.

For tourists who enjoy more of a city atmosphere, Lugano offers an ample selection of restaurants, retail and nightlife. In the Lugano main square, tourists can enjoy a variety of restaurants from outdoor seating overlooking Lake Lugano, a local bistro or one of the many pubs throughout the city.

One last temptation for visitors of Lugano is the abundance of Swiss Chocolate. A staple of the Swiss economy, chocolate is available at almost any venue within the city. Tourist can also visit of the cities operation chocolate factories and learn how it's made, packaged and sent throughout the world.

Whether an individual loves the outdoors or just wants a day of shopping in the sun, the city of Lugano has enough to entertain any visitor.