Thursday 7 December 2006

Parco Civico Lugano

The only thing we knew about Parco Civico, or „Parco Ciani“- as it is called by the inhabitants - was that it is supposed to be one of the most beautiful parks in Switzerland.
Being curious, we entered the 63.000 square metre area, located on the lakeside only two minutes from Central Lugano.
The name of the park goes back to the aristocratic Ciani brothers from Lugano, who bought the estate in 1845 and restored it by planting new, rare plants and trees and who also placed some sculptures of popular artists like Vincenzo Vela.

Despite the typical December weather the red and yellow colours of the leaves and plants stood in a sharp contrast to the sky and the misty lakeside and created a fascinating atmosphere.
As described in the brochure, it took us an hour to stroll along the ways, passing by azaleas, olive trees, cork trees , willows hanging their branches into the lake, winter flowers and gaggling seabirds.

Finally we reached the cubic building of "Villa Ciani" that also hosts the art-museum of Lugano, and its garden, embellished by an ornament of white flowers. From there one has a nice view on the monumental Monte San Salvatore and the coastline of the city of Lugano.
For all those who like Mediterranean flora and want to take romantic pictures in a quiet environment, we strongly recommend a visit also in autumn and winter!

Opening hours : Summer 6 - 23 h / Winter 6 - 21 h
Best time to visit : all year
Art-Museum : closed on Monday
Website: http://www.lugano-tourism.ch/
By Marika Pierguidi, Leonie Peter

4 comments:

anna said...

Thanks for a very nice description of the park and nature in general.
Beautiful photos.

Filova Daniela said...

Beautiful photos!!!!!
Leonni,you just capture the perfect picture that nature and autumn left in Praco Ciani.

annalisa said...

I think that the best season to visit parco Ciani is spring. In may many plants are full of colorful flowers, their scent is marvellous.
I remember that many years ago there was also an enclosure with beautiful deers. Am I right? If yes, where are the deers now?

Leonie said...

Yes, Annalisa, in May the azaleas blossom, but also in autum there is a quite romatic atmosphere for the ones who like it lonely-bring your guitar and take a look on the misty lakeside...
Unfortunately, I did not see any deer, but I got informed that "Tassino Park" (near the rail station in Lugano) is the only park in Lugano hosting a small herd of deer and Mufflon sheep.