While both Switzerland and Italy are known for many different reasons, sometimes even making you forget that they are neighboring countries, the line between an Italian and Swizz holiday getaways can get surprisingly thin.
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A town in southern Switzerland – Lugano, is a municipality in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Situated on the shore of a lake by the same name and surrounded by mountains, it makes for a scenic and quiet getaway.
The area has been inhabited since the early Stone Ages, with relics found within the city limits. But most olden architecture that you’ll find across the city to feast your eye upon, the most outstanding buildings date from the 19th to 20th century, as those were the times the city has seen the biggest growth spurs.
Lugano Webcam View of Lugano Lake
But what really makes the city shine is the location. Lake Lugano is the perfect place for a romantic evening and the mountain carved skyline makes it feel both comforting and inspiring.
Lugano Webcam View from Ticino Canton
The weather is just as wonderful as well, with average temperatures around up to 30 degrees Celsius during the summer months (86 degrees Fahrenheit), while the winters feel more Swiss, with averages around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
When it comes to activities, if you like to take it slow, you are bound to enjoy your stay. The city’s strength really comes from its surroundings and the beautiful little corners scattered all across the shoreline. You’ll find many great opportunities for Architecture and Art tours, but even if by yourself, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy.
One of the most enticing aspects of the area is the lake and the plethora of little villages right on the edge of the shore, most streets having stores, houses, or government buildings on one side and water on the other. You can probably already imagine how great the views look from a local cafe where you can almost reach the water from your table.
This aspect also leads to many great photos, for example, Centro storico Gandria, is quite literally a village on the mountainside, starting right at the bottom, touching the lake, and climbing up halfway the mountain.
The location is said to feel as if traveling back in time, entering the narrow labyrinth of buildings, alleyways, and towers – all in timely and wonderful stone construction, covered in leaves of all kinds of greenery.
The location is covered in rustic and romantic corners to choose from all over the place. The city of Lugano by itself has an array of architectural spots and views like no other and on a tour with a local, you’ll quickly find out that the city is home to many secrets and interesting stories in places you wouldn’t expect.
From the different periods in architecture to the history behind the churches and many other aspects a tourist wouldn’t come across, a tour by a local, which are not just available, but recommended, will give you the best look into the history and secrets of the lake-side town.
Depending on which side of the city occupies your mind the most, the Swiss Alps or the Italian speaking locals, you might forget just how close Italy is situated away from the city. Many popular tours in the location include both the Swiss side and the Italian side.
Lake Como and Lake Lugano being the two biggest nearby lakes, a day trip spending some time in both of them is not only achievable but even recommended. It is also a great opportunity to see just how blended these two worlds have gotten and a reminder that even though the countries are known for almost opposing things, they are still neighboring countries.
But if you still can’t pick if Switzerland or Italy is the country you are trying to visit, feel free to take a look by using one of the free webcams you can find on this site!
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