Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
centre, the funicular rises to Monte San Salvatore. Don't miss the views from the church
roof. In addition to the fine views, the walk down to Paradiso or Melide is an hour well
spent. The funicular operates mid-March through to October.
MARIO BOTTA IN THE PINK
Lugano's star architect, Mario Botta (born 1943 in nearby Mendrisio) may be best known for his work abroad
(such as San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art, the Kyobo Tower in Seoul and restoration of the La Scala opera
theatre in Milan), but he has left an indelible mark on and around Lugano. The 12-storey
casino
across the water
in Campione d'Italia is one example. Another is the Museo dei Fossili (
Click here
) in Meride. Botta seems to
have a thing about right angles and the colour pink. Located in the centre of Lugano, his landmarks include the
BSí
(Via San Franscini), a series of interconnected monoliths formerly known as the Banca del Gottardo; the pink
brick office block at
Via Pretorio 9
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Via Pretorio 9), known to locals as the Cherry Build-
ing because of the cherry tree planted on the roof; and the roof of the
TPL local bus terminus
. At night the bus
terminus is illuminated… in light pink.
Further afield, he designed the Cardada (
Click here
) cable car and lookout above Locarno.
Festivals & Events
Lugano Festival
(
www.luganofestival.ch
)
Lugano takes in some classical tunes during this festival from March to
early July in the Palazzo dei Congressi.
MUSIC
Estival Jazz
(
www.estivaljazz.ch
)
Free open-air concert that occurs in early July, plus two days in Mendrisio
at the end of June.
MUSIC
National Day
The lake explodes in a display of pyrotechnical wizardry around midnight on 1 August, to
celebrate Switzerland's national day.
LIGHT SHOW
MUSIC
Blues to Bop Festival
(
www.bluestobop.ch
)
Free open-air music festivals including this one run for three days over
the last three days of August.
Eating
