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Park · Lugano, Ticino
Parco Ciani
Lugano's main park on the lakeshore, with Villa Ciani, palm trees, camellias, azaleas, sculptures and waterside paths.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parco Ciani
Parco Ciani is Lugano's large historic park on the lakeshore, east of the centre. It originated between 1840 and 1843, when brothers Giacomo and Filippo Ciani, from a banking family, purchased land by the lake and built a villa with a garden. The city bought the property in the early 20th century and opened it to the public.
The garden has mild-climate vegetation, which surprises those who associate Switzerland with mountains: palm trees, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, roses and exotic trees, with lawns and paths that follow the shore. In spring the camellias and azaleas bloom. Among the sculptures is Desolazione, by Vincenzo Vela, a sculptor from Ticino.
In the centre of the park stands Villa Ciani, a neoclassical villa used for exhibitions and events. The park also has a children's play area, benches facing the lake and a small pier.
From the waterside paths you can see Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, one on each side of the Gulf of Lugano. The park is the start of the lakeside walk toward Castagnola and the Sentiero dell'Olivo, which leads to Gandria.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In spring, from March to May, when the camellias and azaleas bloom. In summer, the shade of the trees cools the afternoons.
How to get there
It's on the lakeshore, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Riforma, following the lake eastward.
Tip
Continue along the lakeside after the park toward Castagnola and take the Sentiero dell'Olivo: in about an hour on foot you'll reach Gandria.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parco Ciani
What to see in Parco Ciani?
The gardens with palm trees, camellias and azaleas, Villa Ciani, the sculptures and the lakeside paths with views of Monte San Salvatore and Brè.
When do the camellias in Parco Ciani bloom?
In spring, between March and May.
Where is Parco Ciani?
On the lakeshore, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Riforma.