Lugano

Resort town on Lake Lugano in the southern canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 20 km/12 mi south of Bellinzona; population (2000) 48,500. It is situated on the main St Gotthard railway line. Industries include engineering, clothing, and chocolate.

The main church, San Lorenzo, in part dates back to the 13th century. The town is surrounded by mountains; to the south lies Monte Salvatore (915 m/3,000 ft), to the southeast (across the lake) Monte Generoso (1,704 m/5,590 ft), and to the east Monte Bré (933 m/3,060 ft), all three being accessible by cog railways. A famous cattle fair, held in October, dates from 1513.