TOUR 4
BETWEEN THE MYSTERIOUS AND THE UNUSUAL
DESCRIPTION
The suggested itinerary focuses on exploring places and unusual stories within the city of Lugano and in the surrounding areas. Along the way, you'll encounter several points of interest that reflect the uniqueness of this region and its rich history.
SOURCES AND INSPIRATIONS
An itinerary inspired by Jonas Marti's bestseller "Lugano the Beautiful Unknown." Buy it at fontanaedizioni.ch
TRACKS AND LINES
POINTS OF INTEREST
THE LEGEND OF THE BUST OF SAINT PROVINO (THE CHURCH OF SAINTS JOHN THE BAPTIST AND PROVINO)
Legend has it that the Morcote parish, finding Agno's bust more beautiful than theirs, tried to steal it. However, due to the fright caused by the bells, the bust was thrown into bundles that set it on fire. Although the bust was saved, the face remained forever blackened. Reservations are required.
PARCO MOROSINI (VEZIA)
Parco Morosini is an "English-style" park that was originally part of the adjacent Villa Morosini, one of the most prestigious historic residences in Ticino, built around the mid-eighteenth century in Vezia. As a result of passing hands through inheritance, the villa later became known as Villa Negroni, while the park retained the name of the Morosini family, to which the entire complex owes its historical and cultural importance. Since the mid-twentieth century, it has become the property of the Italian Association of Lugano for the Elderly following a donation. The Park is open to the public every day and features information displays that tell the story of the family and the historical architectural site.
THE CITY OF LUGANO’S FIRST COAT OF ARMS (CATHEDRAL OF SAN LORENZO)
The Cathedral houses the first representation of the city's coat of arms, carved on the ancient baptismal font located in the last bay of the southern nave.
SARCOPHAGI
The two mysterious sarcophagi are among the oldest artifacts in Lugano, but the identity of the people buried in them and the exact era remain shrouded in mystery. The first sarcophagus, discovered in 1886, might date back to the 5th or 6th century AD, during the decline of Rome, suggesting it is about 1500 years old.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
The statue on the pediment of the Palazzo Civico represents Religion. The rays around the crown symbolize divine wisdom, while the globe with the cross in the right hand represents Christ's sovereignty over the world. The left hand, holding up a chalice, symbolizes sacrifice to and worship of God.
ANGELS HOLDING A BEER
An unusual sculpture that dominates the street: two putti holding a mug of foaming beer. This work is part of the former brewery, the beating heart of the brewing tradition in the Lugano area, embellished with Liberty-style decorations.
TREE ON THE ROOF
The tree at Palazzo Ransila, a focal point of the city’s architecture, represents the harmonious fusion between nature and construction, dominating the skyline of Lugano. By making the unusual decision to place a tree on top of the building, the architect Botta intended to symbolise the intrinsic connection between architecture and nature, reflecting on the relationship with the sky.
SALITA DEI FRATI LIBRARY
The Salita dei Frati Library is located in a building designed by the architect Mario Botta, near the Lugano Capuchin Convent. The Library houses numerous volumes in the fields of history, local history, asceticism and preaching, literature, and rhetoric.
THE LARGEST FOUNTAIN IN TICINO (CENTRO STUDI DI TREVANO)
The extravagant fountain was originally part of Trevano Castle, which was demolished in 1961. The fountain is the only element that survived the demolition and is now located at the entrance of the study centre.
THE DEVIL COMING OUT OF THE ROCK (DEVIL'S BRIDGE)
A possessed person was roaming these mountains and woods. When he disappeared, legend had it that the devil had claimed him from a rock near the lake, which seems to bear the outline of his features. The bridge between Cassarate and Castagnola was known as the "devil's bridge" ("ponte del diavolo") because above it you could make out a demonic figure emerging from the rocks, creating a mythical link between the place and the devil.
