Thanks to its geographical configuration Lugano is often called the „little Rio de Janeiro“ of the Old Continent. Its subtropical vegetation and pleasant climate all year round make Lugano one of the most popular Swiss holiday resorts. Lugano offers all the amenities of a cosmopolitan city in a charming and relaxing atmosphere. A stroll through the characteristic traffic-free Old town with its many arcades and cobble-stoned streets, (the Via Nassa, shopping mall of Lugano) the many piazze will drive you even further into this romantic-latin world. Discover some of the not-so-easy-to-get-to places in the surrounding area, as well as the center of the town including the Monument of Independence, the Park, the Piazza Riforma, the Santa Maria degli Angioli, the church of pure Franciscan character with its imposing frescoes.