Lugano, the "pearl of Lake Lugano", lies in a bay half-way down the lake, flanked by Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè. It is the largest and most important town in Ticino, and the beauty of the town and its setting makes it one of Switzerland's most popular holiday resorts
during the warmer months of the year. The architecture and way of life of Lugano show distinctly southern characteristics, as does the plant life.
Lugano has a notably temperate climate, with plenty of sunshine of moderate intensity and mild air temperatures with little variation over the day.
Cars are best parked in the multi-story garages in the middle of town (signs). Trolley service between Paradiso and Castagnola, from Pregassone to Breganzona, from the center to Vezia, from the station to Viganello and Cornaredo. Local boat services to several destinations. Funicular (90 seconds) from the station to the old town (Piazza Cioccaro). Bus from Lugano to Brè-Dorf.
The town and surrounding area lie directly on the important north-south traffic route, both road and rail, over the St Gotthard. Flights from Lugano-Agno airport to Zürich, Geneva, Basle, Berne, Paris, Nice, Venice and Florence.
Along the shores of Lake Lugano traces of the Etruscans and the Gauls have been found, together with remains of the Roman, Lombard and Frankish periods. During the Middle Ages the town was under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Como and thus became involved in the conflicts between Milan and Como. After the conquest of Ticino by the Confederates Lugano was from 1512 to 1798 the seat of the district governor. The opening of the St Gotthard railroad in 1882 gave fresh impetus to the development of the town, particularly as a tourist and holiday resort.
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