Lugano

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16 July 2011

Lugano, largely a Swiss lake city, but under the joint influence of Swiss and Italian.  It was previously an Italian town  but took over by the Swiss since 1512.  It is now Switzerland's third most important financial centre.  Ha, HSBC erected a building in the little town centre. Apart from playing its economic role, Lugano is also a magnet attracting tourists with beautiful parks, flowers, churches and villas.

We headed from Milan to Lugano.  The journey lasted a bit more than half hour by car.  Getting away from Milan to the highway takes some time.  I forgot to take my passport.  Fortunately we were not stopped by the custom at the border.  A good start of the day.

My first visit to Switzerland is 1991.  Lugano is different from my impression of Switzerland, nice country houses, green mountain and picturesque surrounding.  I don't mean it's not beautiful, but different from my impression.

We parked the car at a multi-storey car park.  All full and finally we found a spot on the upper floor.  As long as you are heading to the direction of the lake, you won't lose your way.  We first passed through a park, a villa as the focal point, green, relaxed and surrounded by flowers and modern sculptures.   At the edge of the lake is a pleasant path, planted with many flowers.  It was dotted with locals, tourists, lovers and people with deep thoughts.












We visited Santa Mario del Sasso, a fourteenth century building with sixteenth-century frescoes.  They are well preserved and definitely worth a visit.


As a Swiss town, Lugano shares the luxury of this rich country.  Gorgeous buildings are full of luxurious shops.  Good is that this city is decorated with modern art.



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