Sights in Lugano
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Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
The simple Romanesque Chiesa diSanta Mariadegli Angioli, against which a now crumbling former hotel was built, contains two frescos by Bernardino Luini dating from 1529. Covering the entire wall that divides the church in two is a grand didactic illustration of the Crucifixion. The closer you look, the more scenes of Christ’s Passion are revealed, along with others of him being taken down from the cross and his resurrection. The power and vivacity of the colours are astounding. Less alive is Luini’s depiction of the Last Supper on the left wall.
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Via Pretorio 9 (Cherry Building)
The pink brick Mario Botta office block is known to locals as the Cherry Building because of the cherry tree planted on the roof. It was designed by Lugano's Mario Botta (born 1943 in Mendrisio to the south), who has made an international name for himself as a leading light in contemporary architecture. Best known for his work abroad (like San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art and the Kyobo Tower in Seoul), Botta has also left an indelible mark on and around Lugano.
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Campione d’Italia
The 12-storey casino, converted by Lugano’s favourite architect, Mario Botta, into Europe’s biggest in 2005, does a brisk business. Smart dress is required. From noon to midnight you can take bus 39 from Lugano’s Piazza Manzoni (one-way/return Sfr6.80/13.60) to Campione d’Italia. The last return bus leaves at 12.40am, and then there’s one at 6.39am.
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Banca del Gottardo
Banca del Gottardo is a series of interconnected monoliths designed by Lugano's Mario Botta (born 1943 in Mendrisio to the south), who has made an international name for himself as a leading light in contemporary architecture. Best known for his work abroad (like San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art and the Kyobo Tower in Seoul), Botta has also left an indelible mark on and around Lugano.
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Museo del Cioccolato Alprose
Chomp into some cocoa culture at the Museo del Cioccolato Alprose. This is a great place to take the children or anyone with a sweet tooth. As well as getting a chocolate-coated history lesson, you can watch the sugary substance being made and enjoy a free tasting. The shop, cunningly, stays open half an hour longer. Take the Ferrovia Ponte Tresa train (Sfr7).
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Museo delle Culture Extraeuropee
About 1.7km from central Lugano, in Villa Heleneum, is the Museo delle Culture Extraeuropee. The brew of tribal relics from far-off countries includes a collection of masks and statues soaked in sexuality. Take bus 1.
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Galleria Gottardo
Galleria Gottardo is a private foundation of the BSI (formerly Banca del Gottardo) bank, which puts on exhibitions ranging from sculpture to photography.
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Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
The early 16th- century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo boasts a Renaissance facade and contains some fine frescos and ornately decorated baroque statues.
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Museo Cantonale d’Arte
The Museo Cantonale d’Arte celebrates the work of modern artists (mostly 19th and 20th century masters) from the region.
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Museo d’Arte Moderna
There's creativity from the cutting edge at the Museo d'Arte Moderna. Housed in Villa Malpensata, it is one of the city's main art spaces.
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Villa Ciani
The ochre-hued Villa Ciani, just in from the lake, is also the site of regular art exhibitions.
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