Lake Lugano Lago di Lugano or Ceresio
Lake Lugano (in Italian Lago di Lugano or Ceresio), on the southern edge of the Alps, lies mainly within the Swiss canton of Ticino, the remainder being in the Italian province of Varese and Como. Lying at an altitude of 270 m/ 886ft, it has an area of 48.7 sq. km/19 sq. mi, with a maximum depth of 288 m/945ft. From the west end of the lake the River Tresa flows into Lake Maggiore. The climate already shows distinct Mediterranean characteristics.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Monte Generoso
At the south end of Lake Lugano is Capolago (277 m/909ft), from which a rack-railroad (cog-railroad) serves Monte Generoso (1,704 m/5,591ft; hotel-restaurant), with superb views of the Alps and the Lombard plain, including Milan.
Mendrisiotto
The administrative district of Mendrisiotto (pop. 47,590), with a total area of 133.61 sq. km/51.6 sq. mi, lies at the southernmost tip of Switzerland (most southerly point in Chiasso-Pedrinate). The most easterly finger of Lake Lugano drives a wedge through this area which is in contrast to the more mountainous surroundings.
Riva San Vitale - Baptistery, Switzerland
1km/ 0.6mi west of Capolago in the village of Riva San Vitale there is an octagonal baptistery (fifth C.)
Santa Croce Church
The church of Santa Croce (16th C.) in the village of Riva San Vitale is one of the finest Renaissance churches in Switzerland.
Balerna
The road from Mendrisio to the Italian border passes Balerna (310 m/1,017ft; pop. 3,500), which joins up with the commercial center of Chiasso. It was once an important religious center. There is a ruined castle, Schloss Pontegana, which was built before the Langobard period.
Bezasio
Just before the Italian border is Bezasio (501 m/1,644ft; pop. 410), known for its "brocatello" red marble.
Bissone - Lake Lugano, Switzerland
Across the causeway from Melide, and south along the far side of the lake, is Bissone (274 m/899ft; pop. 720), which dates back to Roman times. It has well-kept patricians' houses with impressive arcades and facades. The Tencalla museum contains ancient exhibits with an exhibition of painting and sculpture by local artists.
Hours
April 8 to October 21
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Boat services
Very pleasant round trips on Lake Lugano are run by the motor-ships of the Lake Lugano Shipping Company (SNL; head office in Lugano, information in harbor).
Brusino-Arsizio
Beyond Riva San Vitale is Brusino-Arsizio (277 m/909ft; pop. 380), which lies within the administrative district of Lugano, but from the tourist point of view belongs to the fertile and densely populated Mendrisiotto area. This picturesque village lies at the foot of Monte San Giorgio.
Campione d'Italia
Across the causeway, to the north of Melide, is the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia, with the 14th C. church of the Madonna dei Ghirli.
Chiasso
Chiasso (239 m/784ft; pop. 8,850) developed into an important center for trade and transport due to its strategic location. First mentioned in 1127 Chiasso gained independence in 1416. Surrounded by hills it has long been a transit town, its status as a customs-point contributing to its economic growth. The Palast Züst (1906 by C. Brambilla) and the 18th C. Neo-classical Camponovo Palast (formerly Matti) are worth visiting.
Ligornetto - Vela Museum
A museum devoted to the artists of the Vela family.
Hours
March 21 to November 17
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Melano - Lake Lugano, Switzerland
Melano (296 m/971ft; pop. 875) at the foot of Monte Generoso, has patricians' houses including the Haus Fogliardi with fine Baroque decoration.
Meride
To the south of Brusino-Arsizio, surrounded by fertile fields, lies the village of Meride (583 m/1,913ft; pop. 270), now a protected area. There are interesting 18th C. houses, such as the Haus der Oldelli with magnificent arcades and colonnades, and a local museum.
The museum, opening hours given, contains a collection of plant and animal fossils.
The museum, opening hours given, contains a collection of plant and animal fossils.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Meride - Fossil Museum
Fossils and reproductions of dinosaurs, fish and invertebrates of the Triassic period from the Monte San Giorgio region. Photos of archaeological digs.
Meride Museo dei Fossili Monte S. Giorgio
Commune di Meride
CH-6866 Meride
Switzerland
Commune di Meride
CH-6866 Meride
Switzerland
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Rancate - Giovanni Züst Cantonal Painting Gallery
A collection of paintings by local Ticinese artists from the 17-20th C including Giovanni Serodine, Giuseppe Antonio Petrini, Luigi Red, Ernesto Fontana, Adolph Feragutti-Visconti and Antonio Rinaldi are housed in this former church hall.
Hours
March 1 to November 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Serpiano
A cableway runs to Serpiano (645 m/2,116ft; extensive views), reached by cableway or by road from Mendrisio.
Stabio
Stabio (375 m/1,230ft; pop. 2,800) dates back to pre-Roman times with evidence of Etruscan, Roman and Langobard settlements having been found. It was the chief town in the region under the Romans and contains interesting burghers' houses and a local museum.
The museum (opening hours given) contains collections on local farming and hunting, as well as an important collection of moths that are harmful to agriculture.
The museum (opening hours given) contains collections on local farming and hunting, as well as an important collection of moths that are harmful to agriculture.
