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Lugano town centre The roads around the centre and the lakefront of Lugano are easily accessible by wheelchair. The two suggested itineraries afford opportunities to discover not only what is perhaps the most Mediterranean area of Switzerland (A), but also a chance to admire a few of the major works of art, both ancient and modern, from the artistic and cultural heritage of Lugano (B). Both trips, ideally undertaken with a companion, begin at the Lugano Convention Centre, a centrally located, easily accessed building which can be reached from every direction either by car or on foot, and has a large car park with numerous places designated for the handicapped. The itineraries start out in the historic pedestrianised centre with its countless shops, banks and services which are generally accessible despite difficulties sometimes encountered by the presence of occasional steps (www.ftia.ch) There are, however, relatively few restaurants and bars that have suitable toilets, but often they are accessible with the help of a companion. Near to the town centre and lakeside there are several sport grounds, promenades and cultural sites, all suitable for access of disabled persons. Only few hotels in the town centre offer complete accessibility, mostly in the 3 to 5 stars/luxury category. The lower categories of hotels and pensions have limited accessibility (www.ftia.ch) On the other hand, along the route of the suggested itineraries, and in other zones of the centre, you can find a good number of parking areas for the handicapped. On the way
to Gandria, Itinerary A passes through the bathing/beach area of
the city and the residential quarters of Cassarate and Castagnola,
characterised by their luxuriant gardens bordering the lake and
the beautiful 900’s villas immersed in the sub-tropical vegetation.
From Parco Ciani the lakefront is easily reached, and beyond the
Casino there are two landing-stages offering access to the boats
run by the Lake Lugano Navigation Company (Itinerary 2&3 –
www.lakelugano.ch
). The route along the banks of the Ceresio passes through numerous
public gardens and takes in the incomparable view of the city, Mt.
Brè, San Salvatore (Itinerary 2 – www.montesansalvatore.ch)
and Mt. Generoso (Itinerary 4 – www.montegenersoso.ch).
On the return towards the pedestrian area, cross the historic Piazza
Riforma, Piazza Dante, and the Quartiere Maghetti, the true commercial
and cultural centre of Lugano (60’000 residents but 110’000
including all suburbs –
www.lugano.ch), town which is considered to be the third financial
centre of Switzerland. www,ftia.ch |
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