Ticino is the only Swiss region entirely located south of the Alps that has Italian as its official lan-guage. With its many contrasts – from traditional granite houses in the mountain valleys to nu-merous Baroque residences in picturesque villages around the lakes – exploring Ticino is a great opportunity to experience the dolce vita. One can also admire the entire variety of European landscapes, enraptured by gleaming glaciers, untamed Alpine valleys, green hills with rich sub-tropical vegetation and enchanting botanical parks.

History, culture, fine cuisine and language, blend with those of the nearby Italian border regions, offering both Mediterranean charm and lifestyle, with its gastronomy, architecture and, on the other side, Swiss quality, cleanness and precision. The climate is surprisingly mild and the land-scape is characterized by a wide variety of colors and vegetation.

Ticino is well connected by all means of transport. A dense network of bus and train routes takes visitors to the most remote corners of Ticino. These routes are included in the Swiss Pass. Three legendary scenic routes, the Bernina Express, Wilhelm Tell Express, and Palm Express, provide the opportunity to discover Ticino in a pleasant and relaxing way.

Ticino classics:

Film Festival Locarno.
Locarno | 07. – 17.08.2013
In early August, Piazza Grande in Locarno turns into the largest open-air cinema in the world. Throughout the film festival, the gentle, timeless air of Hollywood blows through the city on the northernmost shore of Lake Maggiore. It is the biggest cultural event in Switzerland. Hundreds of films will be screened this year, at the 66th festival. The best film in the competition will get the coveted golden Leopard

Christmas Markets in the piazzas.
Lugano | 01.12.2012 – 06.01.2013
Let there be light! The lights on the big Christmas tree in Piazza Riforma in Lugano are switched on at 5:30 p.m. on 1 December. This also marks the opening of the ice rink and the Christmas market, bringing life and color to the town. Until 8:00 p.m. every evening, over 150 stalls offer a wide range of culinary delights, as well as art, crafts and antiques. The picture is completed by a series of jazz concerts entitled “Christmas in Jazz”. Ticino Turismo Via Lugano 12 | Casella postale 1441 | CH – 6501 Bellinzona | Tel. +41 (0)91 825 70 56 | Fax +41 (0)91 825 36 14 | info@ticino.ch | www.ticino.ch

On the tracks of Leonardo da Vinci.
Region Lugano
What may very well be the best copy of the world-famous “Last Supper” painted by Leonardo da Vinci is in the parish church S. Ambrogio in Ponte Capriasca. The tracks of the great master further lead to the church S. Maria degli Angioli in Lugano where Bernardo Luini, one of his pupils, painted the Passion of Christ. This fresco of the crucifixion, painted in 1529, is considered Switzerland’s most beautiful Renaissance mural.

The best Merlot wine of Switzerland.
Lugano
Lugano has one thing in common with Bordeaux: You can find vineyards in the centre of the city. The architect, Mario Botta, has restyled the old vinification plant “Moncuchetto”. The quality of the wines which are produced here is high. Therefore, they won the gold medal in the category of Merlot Wine producers in Switzerland. Apart from the excellent wines, one can enjoy also excellent food at the “Moncuchetto factory”. José De la Iglesia is the chef in the kitchen. He was the former chef at the ristorante Motto del Gallo who together with Piero Tenca won the Michelin star for the res-taurant.

Gorging in the grottoes!
Ticino
To the delight of all gourmets, summer is the time to visit the “grottoes” of Ticino. These extremely popular rustic eating Inns serve simple, tasty food based on local culinary traditions. The grottoes get their name from the fact that many of them are carved out of natural caves. They were originally used as cellars for storing food items such as cured and cooked meat and cheese. Now they are the ideal place to enjoy a wholesome meal in natural surroundings that offer respite from the hot summer sun.

The gateway to Italy.
Bellinzona
The three mediaeval castles with UNESCO World Heritage status are an indication of the strategic importance of Bel-linzona. The chief town of Ticino, it has been known as the “Gateway to Italy” for over 500 years. Traces of the town’s colourful history can still be seen today in the castles, and in the old part of Bellinzona. Just a few kilometres further south, stands another fortification: the Fortini or “Forts of Famine” of Camorino were built in the 19th century during times of great poverty. The forts have now been restored, and a discovery trail has also been built: the perfect place for a walk in the mild winter sunshine.

Ticino News:

Splash & Spa Tamaro.
Rivera
The new Waterpark opens in Spring 2013.
It is the first Waterpark covering more than 10,000m2 (107642.62648 square feet) dedicated to leisure and well-being, offering aquatic activities together with Spa and Wellness treatments – all inside a single complex. Families, adults and children can access a huge range of attractions satisfying their every desire in the 3 thematic pavilions.

Well aging at Resort Collina D’Oro.
Agra, Region Lugano
The complex was created from a sympathetic restoration of the “Deutsches Haus” retaining all the splendor of the past, re-interpreted to match modern standards. The result is a dream happily combining luxury and well-being. 43 apartments with hotel services, providing every comfort in total privacy. A residence with a Well-Aging SPA with indoor pool, treatment rooms, fitness centre and a restaurant where diners can enjoy refined yet healthy Mediterranean cuisine.

Veronica Lafranchi
Country Manager Overseas, Ticino Turismo
veronica.lafranchi@ticino.ch
Via Lugano 12 | Casella postale 1441 | CH – 6501 Bellinzona | Tel. +41 (0)91 825 70 56 | Fax +41 (0)91 825 36 14 | info@ticino.ch | www.ticino.ch