Lugano - what not to miss by Mark Sukhija

1. Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli (Piazza Luini, Salita degli Angioli, 6900 Lugano) - One of the most impressive churches in Switzerland the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli boasts an original 1529 fresco by Luini Bernardino depicting The Passion of Christ. Architecturally in the Romanesque style, the Renaissance fresco (by a single artist) is nothing if not substantial and substantially impressive. Accurately recounting the biblical story leading to the crucifixion of Christ - the fresco is, nonetheless, full of symbolism during the crucifixion itself. Whatever your religous beliefs, it's an impressive piece of work and tells the story of The Passion well.

2. 

   Basilica San Lorenzo (Via Borghetto 2, 6900 Lugano) - Founded in the middle ages, a church is known to have existed on the current site from 818 and was promoited to a collegial church in 1078 and promoted to a cathedral in 1888. The original church was orientated in the opposite direction to the current church - which was demonstrated by ruins located under the current parvis. The church was expanded during the the 15th century. Some Baroque chapels were demolished during renovations between 1905 and 1910 and frescoes by Ernest Rusca were added. The current façade is one of the most impressive in Switzerland - inspired by Giovanni Antionios Amadeos Certosa di Pavia - and includes a large rose window, decorated with cherubims, and also depicts the four evangalists and the Virign and Child as well as Kings Solomon and David. The lower part of the bell tower dates from Romanesque Church. Two upper storeys are in the Baroque style with an octagonal lantern covered by a cupled by Costante Tencalla. The bell tower dates, in its lower part, to the Romanesque church.

3. Monte Bré - Monte Bré affords excellent views across the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland - including the Monte Rose, Bernese and Valais alps. At 933 meters above sea level, an assortment of restaurants panoramic terraces await you at the top of the pristine, vibrant red furnicular. Nearby, an old Ticinese village has been village has been preserved and includes frescoes of Bir� and Luigi Taddei, the Pasquale Gilardi sculptures and the Wilhelm Schmid Museum.

4. Potter around the Old Town - The old town of Lugano is a great place to spend some time pottering around. Steep streets up the hill on one side give way to flatter piazza and meandering alleys before spilling out onto the spacious lake front promenade. Pull up a pew at one of the piazza coffee-shops and watch the world go by.

5. Lakeside promenade - As with all Swiss cities on lakes, there's a pleasant lakeside promenade for one to stroll upon. Get a cool, clear, sun-shiney day in the winter, snow capped mountains are a stunning backdrop to the pastel colours which adorn the waterfront buildings. During the colder winter months, the "fur quotient" sky rocks along the lake front.

Further reading