Parco Botanico San Grato

Driving to Parco Botanico San Grato is a real adventure in itself. First, we got lost somewhere up in the mountains, then we nearly crashed down from the narrow mountain streets and - last but not least - a man we asked for the right way nicely warned us not to go there at this time of the year because it would not be worth it.

Finally, we reached the 62.000 square metre area located in Carona, 12 kilometres far from Lugano, which hosts the largest collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers of the Insubric Region. Within the park, visitors can chose between a variety of theme walks signed by different signposts and enjoy the diversified flora, the overwhelming panorama, as well as some interesting information about the ornamental and natural vegetation.

Still "suffering" from our adventurous drive we decided to enjoy the calmness of the nature by walking along the "relax path" - with its 1.5 km the shortest and most comfortable walk through the park. On our trip we got to know that the park was passed on to the bank of Switzerland and in 1997 donated to the Lugano Tourist Office.
Despite the winter season, the beauties and the benefits people can get by experiencing the park are manifold. We experienced the loneliness, the silence and a "fairytale" atmosphere which stood in strong contrast to the noisy and polluted city nearby. Even though the blossoms were not present anymore, we enjoyed our stay by walking a bit, watching the artworks, singing, or simply sitting down amidst the autumn colours of the leaves.

For those who are interested in a very deep and different experience:

Opening time: all the year
Ideal time of visit: April/May
Entry: free
Restaurant/Bar: Open in spring and summer
Website: http://www.lugano-tourism.ch/

By Marika Pierguidi, Leonie Peter