ED-MEDIA: About Lugano

The Italian flair of Switzerland. The Mediterranean region seems to begin on the southern side of the Alps. There is a feel of Italy, with palm trees at clean beaches and lanes and alleyways leading to piazzas and churches. But the Alps are always close by. Mountain tours that start in snow, ice and rock, end in balmy chestnut forests. Gentian blooming on Alpine pastures and wooded hills rising to high peaks on the shores of Ticino's lakes contrast with rich camellia on lakeshore promenades. If you want la dolce vita, search no more - it is waiting for you in the numerous sub-tropical parks and gardens. If you crave excitement, take a whitewater ride. And if you prefer cultural pursuits, they're available at every turn; romantic landscapes have always attracted poets and artists and inspired architects to dream up daring constructions - often based on ancient architectural tradition. A rich blend of past and future, north and south, mountains and plains, nature and culture, city and country - that's Ticino in a nutshell.

In the past decades, the City of Lugano has become a renowned holiday resort that attracts tourists each year from all over the world. Its mild climate together with the beauty of its natural assets make the City an ideal place where you can spend a delightful holiday. The City also offers a wide range of leisure activities, such as water sports, golf, free climbing, tennis, cultural events, such as music festivals, exhibitions, and shops of all kinds. Here the visitor can explore Lugano's history and tradition. Numerous classical and modern jazz concerts are held every year and have become extraordinarily popular. The world-renowned Thyssen-Bornemisza art collection can be viewed at the Villa Favorita, directly on the lake. Also the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli and the cathedral San Lorenzo are well worth a visit. Add to your list visits to the Villa Heleneum museum, which exhibits the impressive Sergio Brignoni collection, the renovation of Ciani Villa and, last but not least, the Historical museum in Saroli Villa. The exhibitions of visual arts at the Malpensata Villa, home to the Museum of Modern Art, represent a significant feature of the City's cultural scene.

A must for all tourists, the beautiful Lugano Lake is extremely versatile, and the best way to see its many characteristics is from a boat. For truly superb views of its magnificent scenery take a rack-railway or funicular to Monte Generoso, Monte Bré or Monte San Salvatore. Ciani Park is situated by the lake and near the busy centre of Lugano. It is believed to be one of the most beautiful parks in Switzerland and subsequently attracts many tourists. Enormous trees,charming winding pathways and a stunning array of flowers characterize the park. Nestled between San Salvatore and Monte Bré, the town is often referred to as "the pearl on Lake Lugano." Reaching up the hillside on a bed of terraces, the old town has many historical buildings. For those who prefer a little more action and excitement, the place to go is Palazzo di Riforma. Vibrant and very lively, this is the pulsating heart of the town.

There are many shops and boutiques. Here elegant, there quaint, and all friendly and within easy access along the Via Nasa and its side streets. Everything has been provided to ensure the expectant tourist's immense satisfaction. Shopping should be high on the agenda of any visit to Switzerland, and there are some things that you just can't go past. Such as the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Swiss chocolate. It's no accident that the Swiss have the highest rate of chocolate consumption in the world - with such a vast array of exquisite temptations available, how could they possibly resist? And it's also something more than a coincidence that high quality watches and pocket knives are often preceded with the word "Swiss." Neatly situated between France and Italy, Switzerland is right in the heart of the worldwide hub of high fashion. Exclusive boutiques abound with the latest creations of leading designers from Paris and Milan - the world's unparalleled style capitals. Some of Switzerland's most notable boutiques can be found on Zurich's infamous Bahnhofstrasse. Another popular shopping precinct is in the medieval arcades of Berne, where old cellar vaults house specialty antique stores, traditional cake cafes and nostalgic old-town curios. The arcades also provide a good selection of designer fashion, watches, jewelry and modern luxuries. A special Swiss shopping experience is a visit to one of the colorful and eclectic street markets, with offerings of local produce and handcrafted treasures.

Visit one of the small secluded fishing villages scattered along the lake, such as Gandria or Morcate; all quaintly picturesque. Take a seat at one of the friendly local restaurants. Under a vine-covered garden terrace, this is an idyllic setting to sip a cool glass of wine while enjoying the local fish specialities, the glorious scenery and the exquisite ambience. Most of Ticino's restaurants are in the tradition of the great Italian cuisine and are often featured in restaurants' guides for recognition of excellence. Restaurants in Ticino are not strictly elitist gastronomy. "Grotti" style restaurants offer fantastic regional dishes as well as regional wines.Lugano also offers a wide range of international cuisine.

A town with a Latin temperament. The perfect venue for sitting beneath swaying palms and whispering cypress trees. Lugano is an ideal location for ED-MEDIA 2004, June 21-26, 2004. We look forward to seeing you there.

Explore Lugano, Switzerland online at:
http://www.lugano.ch
http://www.lugano-tourism.com
http://www.switzerlandtourism.ch