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Square · Lugano, Ticino
Piazza della Riforma
The main square of Lugano, with the neoclassical town hall and cafés with outdoor tables, the starting point for the arcaded streets of the center, such as Via Nassa.
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 Piazza della Riforma
Piazza della Riforma is Lugano's living room: a wide square, a few steps from the lake, surrounded by light‑colored façades and cafés with outdoor tables. The name recalls the reform of the Ticino Constitution in the 19th century. On one side stands the Palazzo Civico, the town hall, a neoclassical building with an inner courtyard.
From the square lead the streets of the old center. The best known is Via Nassa, a narrow arcaded street that runs parallel to the lake, with luxury shops, jewelers and watchmakers, up to the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli. On the other side, streets and stairways climb toward the cathedral and the station, such as Via Pessina, known for food trade, with cheeses, cured meats and pasta.
The square hosts concerts, festivals and markets throughout the year. In summer, the open‑air music festival uses the square as a stage. At night, the cafés fill up, and the lakefront is a minute away.
It is the best starting point for a walking tour of Lugano's center, which can be done in a few hours.
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
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, including Via Nassa.
Best time
In the late afternoon and evening, when the cafés fill up. On festival days, the square becomes a stage.
How to get there
It's in the center, about a 10-minute walk from the station, descending via the staircase or the funicular that links the station to the center.
Tip
Descend from the station on the small funicular that arrives in the center and walk along Via Nassa to Santa Maria degli Angioli: it's the most pleasant route through the center.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piazza della Riforma
What is Lugano’s main square?
The Piazza della Riforma, with the neoclassical town hall and cafés with outdoor tables, just a few steps from the lake.
What is the Via Nassa?
It is the arcaded street in Lugano’s center, parallel to the lake, lined with designer shops, jewelers and watchmakers, running from Piazza della Riforma to Santa Maria degli Angioli.
How to get from the station to Lugano center?
On foot in about 10 minutes via the stairway, or by the small funicular that links the station with the center.