“We architects are eclectic. Hence we must travel. “
Lugano is a town lying on the lake Lugano, situated in Ticino, southern Switzerland. It is amidst the Lugano Prealps mountain ranges and is known to be the ninth-largest Swiss town. Lugano is a major tourist attraction in Switzerland. The Town has a rich historical background and has its fair share in the Swiss heritage site of national significance. An Accumulation of significant Swiss architecture, Lugano has an array of locations including museums, universities, churches, buildings, etc.
Here are places, an architect must venture into:
- Villa Favorita
While rowing in the lake, this villa seems to be an organic structure of teak wood and stucco finish, seated in the cradle of the well-preserved gardens of the 17th century. The architecture is pure Ticino style. The freestanding ensemble was constructed somewhere between 1687 and 1932. The eminent interplay of light and materiality is mesmerising on the façade as well as the interiors.
- Villa Ciani
A beautiful mansion of a typical neoclassical shape, homogeneously submerged into the beautiful public park. Villa Ciani is a grand property, composed of frescoed rooms. It has public and private spaces for intimate gatherings and vivid events such as exhibitions, fashion shows, photographic services, banquets, small conferences, etc. It was built in the mid -1800’s, indeed the traditional wealth of Lugano.
- Swiss Customs Museum
A contemporary ensemble standing on the shore of Lake Lugano amidst lush green tropics, the Swiss Customs Museum is a symbolic architecture. An exclusive location that is accessible only by boat, the museum was founded in 1935 in a barrack, formerly used by the guards at the borders to facilitate global trade. One cannot miss the national asset while in search of architectural beneficiaries in Lugano.
- The Piazza Della Reforma
It is an inviting place to relax and witness the vibrant ambiance, bistros, and restaurants that are grooved inside the ornate arches of the plaza. It is the city square that was built in the years 1842-1844. Due to the location parameters, the history of this space has political events, and battles.
- Wilhelm Schmid museum
The museum is situated at Brè Sopra Lugano, celebrating and appreciating the masterpieces of an extraordinary Swiss artist of the 20th century, Wilhelm Schmid. Pioneering representatives of the revolutionary, New Objectivity, and Nordic Magic Realism movements, this museum offers a unique opportunity to appreciate and imbibe knowledge from his artworks and a must-visit for creators.
- Palazzo Civico or City Hall
The Government of Ticino built an administrative building with a prestigious look to meet the official requirements of the town of Lugano. The need of the hour was the idea of its construction. It was created in the public interest and with the pupil’s monetary funds. The thought was hence, represented with a rendered sign at the main façade of the city hall.
- Bellinzona castles
One of the finest examples of mediaeval defensive architecture, it is situated in the Alps. A double circuit of walls was built to strengthen the fortification in the 15th century. Bellinzona was at a strategic position for centuries on the routes over the alpine passes. The castle dominates the town even today and proves to be an important landmark.
- Lugano Cathedral
It is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The original Romanesque building was expanded and renovated in 1905-1910. The façade is a pure ensemble of Carrara marble and has extensively decorated Roman triumphal arches to adorn the cathedral even more.
- Lugano art and cultures.
Built by architect Ivano Gianola, it is located on the lining of the lake. The distinctive building is a contrast to its prominent neighbouring churches from the 16th century. On the hind side of the massive fronts, the traditional creativity of Lugano finds a plethora of exhibit space of around 2500 square metres.
- Church of San Rocco
The church was built to help the poor and the sick during the plague year 1478. The church’s facade is carved intricately out of Istrian stone, by Antonio Abbondi. There are statues and relief features of saints all around the church. One can find beautified portraits against the stone walls.
- Brè-Aldesago
Brè-Aldesago is a quarter of the Swiss canton accessed by a steep and winding road from Lugano to Aldesago village. The old town setup of this locality is 420 hectares. The colourful washes of the typical Swiss construction have tourists in awe, making Brè-Aldesago, a resort, and residential suburb.
- Alprose chocolate museum
The museum takes us on a journey, down the timeline of historical events of Lugano with the chocolate, an eternal product. The museum has a variety of objects on display as well as tasting. It also consolidates the tradition of Swiss chocolate.
