Ticino: Italian flavor in conservative Switzerland
Ticino - Italian Switzerland. Here the average annual temperature is +12o, sunny days more than in Milan (which is much closer than to Bern and Zurich), and dry wine is preferred to beer. And there are also lakes where you can swim, and palm trees with oranges grow on the streets. Do you understand why we are here? Scientists have long argued that sudden changes in climate and the attacks of the tropical (or even Mediterranean) sun are not very useful for residents of harsh latitudes like ours. And leisure on the seas should be preferred to rest in the middle lane. So, let's listen to the scientists. And Switzerland is not even the middle lane. This is well above average.
There are jokes about the inhabitants of the canton of Ticino (Tessin) in Switzerland. Of which the inhabitants of this area appear to be something in between the Chukchi and people of Caucasian nationality. And the guide at Lugano airport first of all inquires: "Have you already heard what they say about us in Geneva and Zurich? So it's all nonsense. We are really not the same in Ticino as in the rest of Switzerland. But do you know why? Because we are better!"
Canton was the last to join the Swiss Confederation, and this accession remained conditional for a long time. Until the valiant Swiss builders laid the highway through the St. Gotthard Pass (and this happened only in 1895), every winter snow filled up all the roads, and Ticino was cut off from his state for almost half a year. It's in the valleys, by the lakes, oranges and palm trees, and in the mountains as in the mountains. It is not difficult to walk to Italy even in the worst weather. In general, Switzerland treats Ticino condescendingly, and has not been surprised for a long time when a wayward canton in all sorts of referendums (which are held in Switzerland on any convenient occasion) votes in a completely different way than the rest. Italians, what to take from them. And Italy treats Ticino with exactly the same bewildered disdain. They are strangers, strangers.
The most striking example of this came shortly after the Chernobyl disaster. Then the governments of European countries, following the direction of the winds and precipitation charts, strictly banned fishing in rivers that could be exposed to radioactive contamination. So, there is a bridge across the river near Lugano. Which starts in Switzerland and ends in Italy. The bite from the bridge is amazing. And the next day after the ban, the Italian side of the bridge, as usual, was completely lined with fishermen. Exactly to the middle, where the border passes. Farther on, on the Ticinese side, not a single person was standing. Well, what are they after that Italians? Yes Swiss clean water! At the same time, every morning and every evening on the roads connecting Ticino with Italy, hefty traffic jams are formed. Italians go to work and return home. They love to work in Ticino, because they are very close, and they pay much more. Yes, and there are plenty of jobs: the residents of Ticino themselves work just right ... Well, they are not eager to work. According to regular surveys, almost a quarter of the able-bodied population does not work here all the time. They don’t really need it: with the Swiss social security system.
By the way, the abundance of Italians in Ticino leads to things that are unthinkable in other parts of Switzerland. If the staff large hotels or fashionable restaurants still certainly speaks three or four languages, then in many smaller establishments it is quite possible to stumble upon a concierge or a waiter who does not understand you in either English or French. This, however, will make him even more helpful, and he will break himself into a cake to please you. Sometimes this takes on very funny forms: in Locarno, the waitress of the cutest open-air cafe - a sultry beauty Italian - for about ten minutes could not comprehend that I wanted a cup of coffee, a glass of cognac and a strawberry cake. But, having understood, she brought to all of the above also a hefty plate of bacon - as a gift from the institution ...
Among our compatriots, Lugano, Locarno or Ascona are still clearly less popular than Gstaad or St. Moritz. Which is understandable: for a tourist, Switzerland itself is a place of first-class winter holiday. Little is known about her summer charms. And absolutely in vain. If only because summer holidays here are cheaper than winter ones - by 15 percent for sure. At the same time, neither mountains, nor lakes, nor Swiss service, nor the richest museums, as you understand, do not disappear anywhere with the onset of heat.
In addition, Ticino is much more closely connected with Russia than it seems at first glance. For example, the architect Domenico Trezzini, who built in St. Petersburg the Summer Palace of Peter I and the Cathedral Peter and Paul Fortress- no Italian, but a native of Ticino. Yes, and ours also inherited there. It was from here that the legendary passage of Suvorov through the Alps began. In whose honor there is a museum near Lugano that carefully stores weapons, uniforms and a banner personally presented to the city by the field marshal, who soon became generalissimo. True, not the entire army then went to the transition with Alexander Vasilyevich. Many, they say, preferred the heroic death at the Devil's Bridge to marry the surrounding villagers.
Again, there is a very famous restaurant near Lugano called Malakoff. Opened by one of those unheroic but loving officers. The restaurant is very small, with a rustic simple and cozy interior. Nothing here reminds of Suvorov's past; instead of broadswords and cuirasses, the walls are hung with diplomas from numerous world culinary ratings. The cuisine is predominantly Italian and simply amazing.
Of the other sights dear to the Russian heart, one can recall the headquarters of the Mabetex company - already in Lugano itself, very close to the four-star Hotel de la Paix. True, there are no tours there yet, but perhaps it's a matter of time. Moreover, Lugano cannot boast of an abundance of memorable places. Quite modern in terms of building, very cozy and comfortable, this city is more likely to have a lazy rest on the shores of the lake of the same name.
Another thing is Locarno. He is older, and more aristocratic, and stricter. Yes, and more picturesque in addition. Narrow streets meander between majestic churches, coquettishly revealing at times a view of a typical Italian patio with a palm tree in the middle and a scattering of bicycles under it, leading to quiet squares and running down the hills to Lake Maggiore. So we got to the most burning issue of any summer vacation. Yes, you can swim in the famous Swiss lakes. And even necessary (although most good hotels, of course, has swimming pools). The average summer air temperature in Ticino is +23o, water in Lago Maggiore and Lago Lugano is about +20o. And you can also plow these lakes on water skiing or windsurfing - rental and training at your service. You can climb mountains with a backpack or ride bicycles along narrow paths. Kayaking down rapids streams or just staring at the beauty around.
The castles of the capital of Ticino, the city of Bellinzona, for example, are fabulously beautiful. In the largest of them, Castelgrande, there is a local history museum, according to our concepts. The main trump card is a small auditorium, where a slide show is shown on the topic of the history of this entire area. If we consider that the hall is equipped with outlandish designer chairs (with a rotating roller instead of a back) - for about 1200 dollars apiece - then the show comes out especially impressive.
Ascona is also good, it seems, consisting of absolutely Mediterranean cafes and boutiques. 
Just keep in mind that this is the local Cannes, and the price level in boutiques and cafes is also Cannes. That's just with nightlife it's relatively quiet here. Italian Catholicism, multiplied by Swiss law-abidingness, gave its results. But here there is a way out. In the vicinity of Lugano is the village of Campione, which is an enclave of Italy. That is, around Ticino, and here the lyre is in circulation, and the young men go to serve in the Italian army. The army, however, is of little help: the population of the whole Campione is a few hundred people. But it is here that the largest and most famous casino in the vicinity is located, in which the music does not stop until the morning and the lights do not go out.
In short, here's what I'll tell you. Hermann Hesse and Erich Maria Remarque lived in Ticino for decades. And if they could not express all the charm of these places, then I, with your permission, will certainly not. Better go and see for yourself. One last piece of advice. Drink local wine. There are many vineyards in Ticino, and Ticino wines are not well known on the world market only because of the harsh laws that severely limit the volume of production. But, once you have tasted the Ticinese merlot, you will immediately understand everything. And in the morning I highly recommend caffe corretto. This, of course, is an Italian invention, but in Ticino the drink is distributed almost more widely than in Italy itself. The taste and tonic effect on the body of a cup of the strongest espresso with a few drops of grappa are beyond description. Therefore, I will limit myself to translation: caffe corretto is "correct coffee". You better not say.
Ticino has four main regions: Bellinzona and northern Ticino, Lugano, Lake Maggiore with adjacent valleys and Mendrisiotto.
. You can get acquainted with the culinary art and wines of Ticino both in traditional democratic grottoes and in gourmet restaurants marked with Gault Millau points and Michelin stars.
. Ticino offers endless opportunities for excursions - from glaciers to palm trees, from relaxing lakes to climbing mountain ranges and rock climbing.
. Four panoramic routes pass through Ticino: Palm Express, Bernina Express, Wilhelm Tell Express, Centovalli Express.
. Summer in Switzerland begins in Ticino, when the winter season is still in full swing in many ski resorts. Huge lush parks and fragrant gardens, a camellia festival, flower shows, as well as botanical gardens on the Brissago Islands, where more than 1,700 plants from all over the world are collected, these are genuine oases of tranquility and beauty that always have their connoisseurs.
. lovers active rest and adrenaline Ticino offers many opportunities for sports: hiking trails, water sports sports, rock climbing, bungee jumping, canyoning, golf and even cliff diving. And among lovers of cycling, Ticino is deservedly considered a paradise!
. The long and incredibly eventful Ticino festival season attracts connoisseurs of beauty, trendsetters and hipsters from all over the world. The most famous are the Locarno Film Festival, the music jazz and blues festivals in Ascona and Lugano and Locarno, the classical music in Ascona.
. Accommodation for every taste and budget - from agro-tourism, peasant houses, apartments and youth hostels to luxurious villas and 5 * hotels.
. Cruises on lakes Lugano and Maggiore will be an exquisite addition to the collection of travel experiences in Ticino.
. Connoisseurs of history, culture and art should visit the castles of Belinzona, Monte San Giorgio, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as Cultural Center LAC Lugano, memorial places of Hermann Hesse. The local architecture, art and traditional crafts certainly deserve attention.
Ticino Tourist Office:
[email protected] www.ticino.ch
News of the region
We are very pleased to introduce you to the southernmost corner of Switzerland, the canton of Ticino. Here they sing in Italian, enjoy life, the sun and landscapes. The locals are real gourmets and love of life. Summer feels right at home here. It is like a good friend - early comes and leaves late. The traditions of these places include best qualities, borrowed from both the Italians and the Swiss: hospitality, cordiality and friendliness came here from the south, and reliability, accuracy and order from the north. You can take exciting walks in the mountains, excursions to historical places with a Russian-speaking guide, or just enjoy your vacation.
Ticino a unique Swiss canton located in the south of the Alps and having the only official language Italian. It is a 100 km long land of amazing natural contrasts that separates Saint Gotthard from the Mendrisio area. Here you can observe the full range of European landscapes: admire shining glaciers, uninhabited alpine valleys, green hills covered with olive trees and vineyards, rich subtropical vegetation, botanical gardens.
In the north, Ticino borders on the mighty mountain ranges, and in the south it reaches the golden cornfields of the Lombard plain. Mountain valleys and gorges, gradually opening up, turn into smooth blue lakes Maggiore and Ceresio (Lugansk Lake). The Ticino valleys are bordered by mountains, at the foot of which are dense chestnut forests, to the south more and more turning into lush subtropical vegetation with palm trees, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and an abundance of magnificent flowers.
The climate in Ticino is exceptionally mild, in the region of the lakes the average annual temperature is 12°C, the thermometer practically does not fall below zero and does not rise above 30°C. Ticino a special sunny region. In Locarno, on average, there are 2 "286 hours of sunshine per year, which is 58% of the possible sunny weather. For comparison: in Zurich there are 1" 693 hours of sunshine.
Population of the canton 306.850 people (4.2% of the population of Switzerland)
Area 2.800 sq. km
Capital Bellinzona
Religion Catholicism
How to get there?
Ticino is located on the main transit road and rail line Saint-Gotthard, connecting the north and south of Europe, and thanks to constant and fast transport links easily reached from any European city by train, car or plane.
Lugano airport Agno is located just 6 km from the city center. Numerous daily flights are made from here with convenient connections to Zurich, Geneva and other European cities. Many hotels in the city offer guests a free service express bus(Shuttle Bus Airport), plying between the hotel and the airport.
Holders of a Schengen visa can enter Ticino by flying to Milan. From Milan's Malpensa International Airport to Lugano, it's only 1 hour by the comfortable Malpensa Shuttle.
www.airportbus.ch
If you decide to come to Lugano from Zurich by train, believe me, this trip will become one of the most memorable. Picturesque valleys, waterfalls, snowy peaks and ancient settlements will open to your eyes from the train window.
There is another way to get to Ticino to take one of the most exciting panoramic train journeys.
Palm Express
St. Moritz Lugano or vice versa.
Journey from glaciers to palm trees! The route runs from the world's most famous Swiss mountain resort St. Moritz along the lakes of the Upper Engadine through the Maloja Pass to the picturesque Bergell Valley. Then the journey continues through the territory of Italy past the lakes of Como and Ceresio to the sunny canton of Ticino.
Reservations are required. Requires a visa to Italy and a multiple-entry visa to Switzerland for re-entry into the country.
Information and booking:
www.postbus.ch/route-express-lines
Bernina Express
Chur-(Davos)-Pontresina-Bernina-Tirano Pass or vice versa.
The ride on the Bernina Express is changing one by one magnificent scenery. The route runs from eternal ice mountains of Bernina to the vineyards of the southern Valtellina valley. You will drive the highest Alpine slopes with a 70% incline and one of the steepest routes in the Alps without using a cogwheel.
Advance seat reservation required.
Information and seat reservations:
www.rhb.ch
Express William Tell
Lucerne (steamboat) Fluelen (train) Lugano or Locarno.
This route will take you from Central Switzerland in the canton of Ticino. The journey begins on an old nostalgic paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne. In Fluelen you change to a panoramic train that will take you to Lugano or Locarno. The train passes through the St. Gotthard mountain range, where you will go through imposing tunnels and climb high into the mountains.
Mandatory booking. www.lakelucerne.ch
Centovallina Express
Bern-Brig-Locarno or vice versa.
The shortest road from the capital of Bern to Ticino through the Letcheberg and Simplon Alps. The one and a half hour journey from Locarno to Domodossola (Italy) passes through breathtaking gorges with sparkling waterfalls, over beautiful bridges, past colorful fields, vineyards and chestnut forests.
Requires a visa to Italy and a multiple-entry visa to Switzerland for re-entry.
Reservations are required for groups only.
Information and booking: www.centovalli.ch
Culture, art and history
The history, culture, language and dialects of Ticino are closely intertwined with neighboring Italian regions.
The main settlement of the region occurred during the Roman Empire. The Romans built many roads, fortifications and bridges.
The early Middle Ages in Ticino were marked by battles between the Germanic warriors, the Franks and the Lombards. Then these lands become a battlefield between the Bishop of the city of Como and the Duke of Milan. After the final victory, the Dukes of Milan, Visconti and Sforza, erected famous castles in Bellinzona for defensive purposes.
In 1512, Ticino was captured by the troops of the Confederation, the so-called Helvetic Militia, and annexed to 12 Swiss cantons.
In 1803, the canton of Ticino gained independence.
Since the middle of the 19th century, there has been an economic rise in the region and Ticino has become one of the most fashionable European resorts.
In September 1799, the history of Ticino is closely intertwined with Russian military history. swiss hike A.V. Suvorov, which was a true crown of the art of diving, passed from Lake Lugansk through the canton of Ticino to Saint-Gottard. Suvorov went from the rear to the French army and to connect the allied armies in the Zurich region chose the shortest, but most difficult route through St. Gotthard.
Culture and traditions carry the richest heritage of previous generations. Tichintsy treat ancient monuments with care. Many cathedrals, churches with ancient frescoes and sculptures, medieval castles, 260 museums all this is evidence of this.
Architecture
From time immemorial, Ticino has been the birthplace of many famous artists and architects who created monuments for all ages in different parts of the world.
Francesco Borromini, Domenico Fontana, Maderno, who built baroque churches and fountains in Rome. Domenico Trezzini, a native of the village of Astana near Lugano, supervised the construction of the cathedral in the Peter and Paul Fortress, the building of the Twelve Collegia, the Summer Palace of Peter I in St. Petersburg, the Western Gate and the bell tower in the Moscow Donskoy Monastery.
In Ticino today they live and work famous architects: Mario Botta, Aurelio Galfetti, Luigi Znozzi and others. Modern Ticinese architecture never ceases to amaze and delight with freshness and originality of ideas.
Museum of Modern Art in Lugano
Prestigious exhibitions in recent years have introduced museum visitors to the work of Botero, Chagall, Modigliani, Munch, Schiele and many other masters.
shopping
Elegant streets with expensive boutiques, jewelry and watch stores, souvenir shops will satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers.
Due to the proximity of Milan and the influence of Italian fashion in Ticino, you can buy fashionable clothes at quite reasonable prices. For example, in the Fox Town shopping center in Mendrisio, which has about 130 stores, goods are sold at a discount of 30% to 70%.
Night life:
For those who love risk and excitement, Ticino offers to visit three casinos.
Casinos in Lugano: 350 slot machines, 26 game tables, restaurant and bars.
www.casinolugano.ch
Casino in Mendrisio: 150 slot machines, 29 gaming tables, bars.
www.casinomendrisio.ch
Gastronomy
Culinary art of Ticino managed to borrow a lot from the cuisine of the nearby Italian regions Lombardy and Piedmont, while maintaining its 
individuality. Authentic local cuisine can be tasted in the so-called grottos small restaurants, taverns, as well as in typical folk meeting places, originating from cellars in which wine and sausages were stored in winter.
Grotto is a typical Ticino restaurant. Homemade delicacies are served here: sausages, polenta (mamalyga), mushrooms, rabbit meat and "cazzola" (cabbage and pork dish). In addition to the above, here you can taste various cheeses, bread cake and peaches in wine. Cheese, especially the local formagini, is the gastronomic gem of this canton.
The queen of the vine in Ticino is undoubtedly the Merlot vine, brought from the French region of Bordeaux in the early 19th century. The Merlot vine has managed to take root and adapt to the climatic conditions of the region. At the moment, the area occupied by Merlot vineyards is 85% of all vineyards. Two other alcoholic beverages that are very common in Ticino are also highly valued: grappa (grape vodka) and nocino (nut tincture).
Grappa is a distilled product of an American grape, famous for its characteristic aroma.
Nocino tincture, also called ratafia is green cups of walnut infused with grappa. Over time, this tincture gained fame due to its mysterious recipe, which, according to tradition, only the monks possessed.
Events
In the summer, Ticino hosts many Open Air events, that is, in the open air. Concerts, cinema, opera within the walls medieval castles and much more.
Especially famous are the summer jazz and blues festivals in Lugano and Ascona, which take place annually in June and July.
The Ascona Classical Music Festival has been held for almost 60 years.
And in August in Locarno, in the heart of the old city, on the cobbled Piazza Grande is hosting the International Film Festival. The city comes to life, in the eyes it ripples with yellow spots, because everywhere the symbol of the festival is the leopard. You will see spotted coloration on cars, buses, bicycles, souvenirs. Don't forget to buy something to remember!
The local February Carnival, the so-called Rabadan, is spectacular and unforgettable. Almost all local residents take part in the holiday corteges. And the children walk the streets in costumes of Zorro, princesses and elves for a whole week.
Picturesque and interesting Easter processions in historical center town of Mendrisio.
More detailed information about the events taking place in Ticino, you can look at the website: www.ticino.ch
Bellinzona (Bellinzona)
Capital Ticino, city of three castles. Population 18 "000 people. The city was built on the most important strategic site. For centuries, Bellinzona has passed many events, wars through its lands, trade routes also pass through it everything that moves south, passing through the passes of Saint Gotthard, Lukomanio and Saint Bernardino.
Once upon a time, the tribes of the Celts lived here, who noticed strategic importance valleys and created the first fortifications here to control the territory. For the first time the name of the city of Bellinzona is mentioned in the documents of 590 AD. as "Castrum Belithionis". These documents described the battle between the Lombards and the Franks.
A few centuries later, fearing enemy troops, the Duke of Milan decided to close off the mouth of the valley and erected three powerful castles fortresses in Bellinzona, which to this day give the city a somewhat stern look. The construction of castles was started by the Visconti and finished by the Sforza.
In 1512, all the lands of modern Ticino are captured by the Helvetic militia, i.e. troops of the confederation, and become part of the Swiss cantons. The castles house the government of the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. And since 1803, Ticino has become a full-fledged Swiss canton.
The castles of Bellinzona were one of the most powerful fortifications in Switzerland and since 2000 they have been taken under the protection of UNESCO as monuments that are a prime example medieval military architecture.
When walking around Bellinzona, be sure to stop by the inner courtyard of the city hall with the Florentine Renaissance bell tower, which is clearly visible from the main square in front of the cathedral. The municipality was rebuilt in 1924, using ancient columns and other details of the 15th century building.
On Saturdays, the streets and squares of the old town host a market incredibly bright, with a variety of local artisans, cheeses, homemade sausages, the freshest vegetables and fruits ripened under the Ticino sun and, of course, flowers.
Lugano
Lugano is located on the shores of Lake Ceresio, also known as Lake Lugano, at the foot of two mountains San Salvatore and Bre. Climbing the serpentine to the top of Mount Brae, the resemblance to the Brazilian Rio is striking. Lake glacial origin, its area is 48.9 sq. km, maximum depth 288 m, two thirds of its area are in Switzerland, one third in Italy.
Lugano the country's third economic center after Zurich and Geneva. The population of the city is 30.000 people. Tourism is the main source for the local economy. There are more than 120 hotels in Lugano, and you can also rent holiday apartments here.
If you arrived in Lugano by train and want to get to the center right away, then you just need to ride the funicular: two minutes and you are there!
Ascona
It is located on Lake Maggiore in the sunniest bay of Ticino and is the most expensive and prestigious resort in the canton. Here you will find everything you need to have a good holiday: best hotels Switzerland, one of the oldest golf clubs in the country, elegant boutiques, pedestrian promenade with a lot of cafes and cozy restaurants, art galleries and museums, quiet walks and, of course, the Lido beach, one of the largest in the country. 
Once Ascona was a simple fishing village, but by the will of fate and not without the participation of our compatriots, it turned into an elegant and bohemian resort. It all started with the arrival in these places in 1869 of the famous Russian anarchist Mikhail Bakunin, who settled in the Villa Baronata in Locarno and found his earthly paradise in Switzerland. Following Bakunin, his adherents began to come here in search of truth and the meaning of life. Perhaps the reason that these extraordinary characters gathered in Ascona was Monte Verita (Mountain of Truth). The peculiarity of this mountain is that it is located in the zone of a certain geomagnetic anomaly, a zone of energy phenomena. When you add human magnetism to them, you get something special. Monte Verita acts like a magnet on sensitive people.
In 1891, the Fraternitas theosophical monastery was located on Monte Verita, where they were engaged in the improvement of the personality and the reformation of the soul. In 1900, Henry Oidenkoven and Ida Hofmann opened a vegetarian colony in this place. The locals called the inhabitants of the colony "balla byot", which in dialect means "dancing naked", because. the latter loved to sunbathe and perform ritual dances naked in the bosom of nature. In 1909, with the arrival of Countess von Revenlow in Ascona, European bohemia appeared here. Regular guests Monte Verita are the Zurich Dadaists Hugo Ball, Emmy Gennings, Hans Richter, the artist Paul Klee, Alexei Yavlinsky, Marianne Verevkin, the poets James Jones and Rilke, Hermann Hesse, the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung and many others. And with the help of Rudolf von Laban and the students of his school, the "art of living" Monte Verita turned into a "fortress" of the reform of the human body, expressive dance, became a meeting place for East and West, intuition and science. Now there is a large congress center on Monte Verita, and the old houses of the first inhabitants of the colony are scattered throughout the territory, and the “Russian house” has also remained. Today, guests of Ticino can get acquainted with the history of this unique place by visiting the Casa Anata museum on Monte Verita.
Walking along the narrow streets of Ascona, be sure to stop by the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 16th century on the site of an old church of the 13th century, and pay attention to the works of a native of Ascona, a famous artist, a follower of the great Caravaggio Giovanni Serodine. The works of many contemporary artists, as well as those who visited Ascona in the first half of the 19th century, are in the Communal Museum of Modern Art of Ascona.
Ticino is an Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, which is famous for its warm, almost Mediterranean climate, unique nature for Switzerland and prestigious schools; the Swiss version of Italy's Dolce vita offers a variety of interesting housing options, both urban and idyllic countryside.
Geography and more
Ticino, this colorful sunny region with emerald-colored rivers and crystal clear lakes, palm trees and flowering orange trees is the least associated with conservative Switzerland - a country of mountain peaks, eternally covered with rich alpine vegetation and sparkling snow caps.
Administratively, the canton of Ticino includes eight districts: Lugano, Locarno, Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Riviera, Leventina, Vallemaggia and Blenio. Bellinzona is considered the administrative center of the canton, although in the 19th century the status of the capital of Bellinzona was periodically ceded to the cities of Lugano and Locarno.
In the north, Ticino borders on the canton of Uri, in the west on the Valais, in the northeast it encircles the Graubünden, and in the south Ticino borders on Italian regions Piedmont and Lombardy.
Ticino - not only the only fully Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, he also placed on his territory and completely surrounded the small Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia on all sides.
The land now occupied by the canton of Ticino was annexed from Italy in the 15th century as part of the Transalpine campaign of the Old Swiss Confederation. Exactly geographical position, and the canton is almost completely surrounded by Italy (in the west, south and most of the east), determined such a strong difference between Ticino and the rest of Switzerland: there is a different climate, language, gastronomy, culture and way of life.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Russia to the canton of Ticino. However, you can get by plane from Moscow to Lugano by making one transfer at Zurich Airport. In particular, Swiss and Austrian airlines fly to Lugano Airport, and the cost of round-trip tickets starts from 16,000 rubles. On the way, taking into account the transfer, you will have to spend more than five hours.
Moving from Lugano to almost anywhere in the canton of Ticino is not difficult, since the national rail operator SBB has a very developed network of routes. So, for example, the train from Lugano to Bellinzona takes about 20 minutes, and about half an hour - from Bellinzona to Locarno.
There is also no direct rail connection between Russia and Switzerland, so in this case you will also have to travel with transfers in Germany or Italy.
Why namely Ticino
Ticino - the sunniest canton Switzerland, there is an almost Mediterranean climate, which allows the generous nature to stay in a blooming state even in the cold months. In addition, the unique geography of the southernmost canton of Switzerland has made it the most picturesque: hills, mountains and hills, teeming with lush vegetation (and greenery occupies a third of the canton's territory), are reflected in the endless waters of rivers and lakes.
While remaining alpine, the climate Ticino is noticeably milder than the rest of Switzerland - not only is there more sundial, but also a generally higher mean annual temperature. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Ticino is informally known as the Sonnenstube, loosely translated as "the sunniest room in a cozy Swiss apartment", as the canton receives 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. For comparison, in Zurich the sun shines for about 1700 hours a year. In addition, there are often storms and lightning - it is believed that Ticino has the largest number of lightning strikes in Europe.
In the canton of Ticino, there is many international schools and universities educational institutions- Parents who come here do not have to worry about the quality of their children's education.
Talking about the advantages of the region, one cannot fail to mention the excellent cuisine of Ticino, or Cucina Ticinese, thoroughly saturated with Italian traditions (because Lombardy is within easy reach). The most traditional local dishes are a thick vegetable minestrone soup, as well as risotto and polenta corn porridge, served with rabbit or beef. As you might guess, the peculiarity of the local cuisine is exclusively fresh ingredients - which they like to serve here with maximum preservation of natural taste qualities. Of course, in addition to Italian cuisine, cheeses and wines are presented here in all their variety. About 100 years ago, a vine from Merlot was brought here, which in its homeland, in Bordeaux, was destroyed by the aphid phylloxera. Here the vine has taken root perfectly - and today about 80% of all vineyards are represented by this variety - and the wines made from it win and outperform some original Merlot in quality. It is worth remembering that the Swiss export only 1% of the total volume of wine produced - it is so good that they prefer to get rid of the crop themselves.
The situation in the real estate market
The main flow of wealthy Europeans is directed to the picturesque Swiss part of Lake Maggiore ( ital. lago Maggiore, or Lago Maggiore,- approx. ed.). The largest and most popular resort towns here are Locarno and Ascona. Stunning landscapes and a mild climate make these cities attractive for living and spending holidays. According to the international real estate company Engel & Völkers, properties on the shores of lakes Maggiore and Lugano are in great demand, especially houses with a view of the water surface. Prices for premium mansions in Ascona can reach CHF 22 million (about €20.1 million). The best freehold apartments sell for CHF 15,000-25,000 (about €13,700-22,800) per square metre. The lower bar is not much, but differs from the average prices in the country, where the cost of a "square" is fixed at around €10,000.
A number of residential projects are currently under construction in Ascona to meet both national and international demand. In general, the district of Locarno is an ideal option for liquid investments, since, according to experts, local real estate will always be in demand, and prices will only grow.
In turn, wealthy Russians prefer the district and the city of Lugano. The real estate market in the Lake Lugano area is also on the rise, with low interest rates triggering a surge in construction activity. For potential buyers, this opens up a range of opportunities to buy a second home in one of the region's most beautiful areas. City apartments overlooking the lake are considered the best investment.
According to experts from Engel & Völkers, properties in the high-quality and premium segments of Lugano tend to become cheaper, while similar properties in Ascona, on the contrary, will only become more expensive in the coming years.
It is also worth noting that, unlike the rest of the (German and French-speaking) parts of Switzerland, residential real estate market specialists in Ticino set their own prices for the service. Thus, local realtors charge 5-6% of the cost of housing as a fee (the average commission for the country is about 3%), and developers rarely name the full and final price of housing in a new building.
It is important to keep in mind that the process of buying property in Switzerland - and in particular in the canton of Ticino - is complicated by obtaining quotas for housing that foreigners can purchase in a particular region of the country. So, Russians who do not have a second citizenship of the EU countries can only buy resort housing in Switzerland for personal use and only if there are quotas for its purchase. About 195 quotas are allocated annually to the Canton of Ticino, and if they are not enough, then the potential buyer waits for the next annual allocation. An application for a purchase permit is submitted by a notary on behalf of a foreign buyer after selecting a property and making a deposit.
Tax and related costs when buying property in Ticino will be 4-4.5% of the cost, and the annual maintenance, including taxes, is about 1-1.5% per year.
Areas attractive for investment
In the district of Locarno, which occupies the central and southwestern part Canton of Ticino, the largest consumer demand falls on the cities of Locarno and Ascona.
Locarno- the third largest city in the canton of Ticino - located on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. This is a garden city, where camellias, magnolias and hydrangeas bloom at the very beginning of the calendar spring. This sunny city is home to nine national heritage sites, three of which are churches.
If the cultural component of Locarno is formed by the International Film Festival, then located nearby Ascon glorified the jazz festival. This is the sunniest city in the southernmost canton of Switzerland - 2300 hours a year the sun shines here. In Ascona, there are even more national heritage sites - as many as 11, and also three of them are of a religious nature. Today, a third of the inhabitants of Ascona are foreigners.
According to statistics, the largest share residential facilities Locarno and Ascona make up a three-room apartment.
Standard villas in Ascona cost CHF 1-2 million, high quality villas range from CHF 4-8 million, and premium private villas cost CHF 7-22 million. Typical apartments here sell for CHF 5000-7000/sq. m. Quality apartments in good areas cost CHF 7000-10,000 and premium apartments cost CHF 15,000-25,000 per "square". Prices for land plots start from CHF 1000 per 1 sq. m and finish CHF 3500 / 1 sq. m in premium areas.
The cost of apartments in the secondary market of Ascona starts from CHF 550,000.
The largest demand in the largest district of the canton of Lugano falls on the homonymous administrative center. With its bay and mountain tidbit of Monte San Salvatore, some would argue that picturesque Swiss Lugano is reminiscent of tropical Brazilian Rio de Janeiro. The Mediterranean climate reigns here almost all year round, and analogues local flora- palm trees and other exotic plants - can only be found in southern Europe. The azure blue of the lake and traditional Italian charm, combined with the security and stability of Switzerland, make Lugano and the entire region unique place for life and recreation. The most popular destinations in the area can be considered the city itself. Lugano- at the expense developed infrastructure, southern flair, lake views and unique living conditions; as well as the city Morcote with beautiful seating areas and unrivaled lake views.
Also prestigious place in Lugano is considered a compact village Montagnola in the municipality of Collina di Oro. Here Herman Hesse lived half his life, George Harrison improved his health, and wealthy Russians value this place for the proximity of the prestigious American TASIS school. For sale here are mainly prestigious and expensive luxury real estate, the value of which reaches CHF 15 million. For this amount, you can buy a spacious house, from the windows and from the green lawn of which there is a panoramic view of the lake. Average prices per sq. m here start from CHF 14,000 - and reach CHF 22,000.
A prestigious and popular area is also considered castagnola - small town on the northern shore of Lake Lugano at the foot of Monte Bre. Officially castagnola-Cassarate is considered a quarter of Lugano, but until 1972 this place was an independent municipality. Real estate here costs from CHF 10,500 per "square".
The cost of housing in Lugano is approximately comparable to the prices of the Locarno district, although villas in Lugano are slightly cheaper than in Ascona, and apartments, on the contrary, are slightly more expensive. So, for example, a standard villa in Lugano costs from CHF 1 million to 4 million, mid-range villas - CHF 3-10 million, and exclusive houses will cost new owners from CHF 4 to 15 million. apartments starts from CHF 6,000, and the upper bar for premium apartments is CHF 20,000/1 sq. m. The cost of a "square" in the center of Lugano, on the first line of the lake can reach up to CHF 30,000. Land in Lugano is slightly cheaper than in Ascona - from CHF 800 per square meter.
A studio in the secondary market of Lugano costs about CHF 600,000, and the cost of an apartment of 90-120 sq. m varies around CHF 1 million. New buildings in Lugano, which are built mainly in the mountains, will cost buyers CHF 1.5-2 million.
Rental prices in these areas are quite high. So, an apartment with an area of about 200 square meters. m with four bedrooms near the TASIS school can be rented for CHF 4800 per month. Rent a villa of about 300 sq. m in the area starts from CHF 7000 per month.
Accommodation in Ascona will be preferred by those who have business ties with European partners and plan to meet with them in an informal setting, for example, at the many golf courses, tennis courts and fine restaurants of Ascona.
For those who want to enjoy a warm climate and at the same time live in the so-called "boutique of Europe", we can recommend buying a property in Locarno.
Since the cost of Swiss housing is often overstated, experts recommend an independent assessment of secondary properties. For a small fee, the appraiser will not only point out the problem areas of the property, but also calculate the cost of correcting deficiencies, which can lead to a price reduction.
Portal website thanks Irina Chernova-Burger (), as well as Oleg and Yulia Sharonovs () for their help in preparing the article.
photocredits: switzerland tourism / swiss-image.ch ivo scholz / edmondo viselli / nico schaerer / jan geerk / markus buehler-rasom / dmitry kruglov flickr / sharonoff
Ticino is the country's southernmost canton, people come here from other parts of the country for the sunny weather and lush vegetation. I can’t even believe that this is a point on the map of Switzerland, palm trees, magnolias and rhododendrons grow around. The climate is very mild, with about 2300 hours of sunshine a year. Houses and villas are reminiscent of buildings on lakes Garda and Como.
The canton has historically been influenced by the neighboring Italian Lombardy, it is located exactly across the mountain from Lake Lugano, and nearby are Lake Maggiore and Piedmont.
The official language is Italian, and the cuisine and architecture comes from Northern Italy. Breakfast pastries are bought in the pasticheria, and the farmers make quite convincing prosciutto and pancetta. Although the residents feel like they are Swiss, the mentality is not Italian.
This time we managed to visit the central part of Ticino - Lugano. The warm season in the canton lasts longer than in the rest of Switzerland, our tips for what to do in fine weather.
CLIMB SAN SALVATORE MOUNTAIN
The main point of attraction in Ticino is Lake Lugano, best view it opens from a height. A popular route for travelers is climbing Mount San Salvatore. An old funicular (124 years old) leads to a peak with a height of 912 meters.
So observation deck offer panoramic views of the surrounding lake mountain ranges. On the funicular, you can go back down, but if you have the strength, go along the hiking trails to explore the peninsula.
The road ahead is long and difficult, about 3.5 hours through the fragments of stones, stable shoes are required.
Horse in Carona, a village on Mount Salvatore
Chestnut trees are waiting for you on the way, picturesque villages Chiona and Karona and green meadows with well-fed horses.
Dine in a Grotto
Grotto is a type of traditional Ticinese village restaurant, similar to the Italian osteria. As a rule, grottos are located in historical buildings in the mountains, and tables are set on the terrace under the trees.
Grotto - typical restaurants in Ticino / photo courtesy of luganoturismo.ch
There, on a clear day, visitors can have a glass of merlot with goat cheese. The establishments will most likely have a wine cellar with local varieties, serve farm cheeses and sausages, as well as typical northern Italian dishes - risotto, polenta, rabbit, wild mushrooms, bread cake.
Cheeses, ham and sausages in the grotto / photo luganoturismo.ch
We will talk a little about Ticinese cuisine later, but keep the grotto in mind while walking in the mountains.
GET DOWN TO MORKOTA
The top prize for the hardy after hiking San Salvatore is the tiny lakeside town of Morcote. You can also get there by boat from Lugano.
Morcote is called the “Pearl of Ceresio” (the Italian name for Lake Lugano) for its lush Mediterranean gardens, Renaissance villas and Baroque santa church Maria del Sasso on the mountain, to get to it, you need to climb 404 steps.
After the walk, we recommend to sit in one of the old cafes on the lake, look at the painted ceilings and drink lemonade from Lugano Gazosa, the most delicious - tangerine. By the way, an unusual specialty is prepared in Morcote - hot risotto is placed in a whole head of parmesan and scooped out, raking in some cheese.
In the photo: risotto in the head of parmesan
BOAT ON THE LAKE TO LUGANO
You can admire the lake and the hills during a boat trip from Morcote to the capital of the region. And upon arrival in Lugano, set off to explore the city. On the waterfront, look for the Belvedere Garden, where magnolias and camellias bloom alongside subtropical trees.
On the central square, you should see the mansions in the architectural style of Lombardy, and in the Vanini confectionery, you can appreciate how much Ticinese ice cream differs from Italian gelato.
On Via Pessina, there is an important Gabbani gastronomic shop (more precisely, two of them are nearby, one with meat delicacies, the second with cheeses and bread, open since 1937), where they do not know the end of those who suffer from tasting local panini with mortadella and prosciutto. lovers expensive shops you have to go to Via Nassa.
GASTRONOMY AND WINE TICINO
Canton Ticino absorbed the tastes of neighboring Lombardy and partly Piedmont. Here they prepare saffron risotto, maize, polenta with mushrooms and minestrone. Ticin mothers promise the children who are going to visit that they will cook a big meat lasagna.
Especially local - lake trout, char and perch. Chestnut groves are located in the vicinity of Lugano, so nuts are used in confectionery with might and main: in the pasticheria you can buy sweet chestnut puree called “worm”. Also try the torta di pane (“bread cake”) made with pine nuts, stale bread and chocolate.
Chestnut dessert "worm"
Ticino has special cheeses that are not found in other cantons of Switzerland. They do not knock off the rich “alpine” aroma characteristic of Gruyère and Etive, but they do not look like Italian cheeses.
Look in stores for Formaggi di Caseificio, Formaggella del Nonno, Capra Ticino, Vecchio Ticino, Zincarlin Valle di Muggio.
As in other cantons, winemaking flourishes in Ticino. Since 1907, the Merlot variety has been imported from Bordeaux (it is cultivated in 85% of vineyards), and both red and white wine are made from it. Two famous wine terroirs are Sopraceneri and Sottoceneri. Tichinskoe red wine, aged in oak barrels, tastes quite rich and slightly tart.
If you're thinking of buying local delicacies to take home - wines, cheeses, prosciutto and liqueur-soaked black pepper - head to Manor's deli, which works with farmers but keeps prices moderate.
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Lyudmila Egorshina- Lyudmila Egorshina - former columnist for Afisha magazine and columnist for travel, culture and fashion on elle.ru. She has traveled half the world, but she has a special inclination towards Asian culture and Italian cuisine.
