Nestling between steep alpine slopes, this sheltered, glacial lake is one of Ticino’s most beautiful natural features. Although most of it lies in Swiss territory, the southwestern shore, northeastern branch and a small central enclave belong to Italy.
Experience Central Switzerland and Ticino
t Swissminiatur, the main attraction of Melide, displays 1:25 scale models of the country’s landmarks.
A gateway to the Alps, Lake Lugano (Lago di Ceresio in Italian) endured a medieval tug-of-war between different Italian, and later, Swiss factions. It was only in 1752, when the Italian-Swiss border was fixed, that control of the lake was settled, and it remains largely unchanged to this day.
A road bridge crosses the lake at Melide, leading up to the St Gotthard Tunnel, but the best way of exploring it is by boat, from the town of Lugano or several other points along the lakeshore. The lake’s shape is unusual, twisting into branches dotted with villages and semitropical parks which cling to its rugged shoreline, and is best understood from above. Fortunately, a funicular from Lugano up Monte Brè and a cogwheel railway from Capolago up Monte Generoso allow just that, carrying passengers into the mountains that flank the lake.
Experience Central Switzerland and Ticino
t The small church of Santa Maria del Sasso overlooking the lakeside hamlet of Morcote
Picture Perfect
Set sail towards pretty Morcote, dubbed the Pearl of Ceresio. The postcard-ready terraced vineyards, with the domed Captain’s Tower clinging to the slopes, are best viewed from the water.
Fossils dating from the mid-Triassic (around 220 million years ago) have been found around the lake.
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