A Love Letter to Lugano
I’ve spent the last three months living in Lugano, Switzerland in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. On Lake Lugano and surrounded by mountains, it has the charm of Northern Italy and the Swiss punctuality and love of nature. I’ve spent these past months hiking, exploring, eating amazing food, traveling, studying, photographing every moment, and soaking in this beautiful and special place. I put this photo journal together to immortalize and celebrate my time living in Lugano. I will always appreciate and cherish this chapter of my life, thank you to Lugano, my very first city. I hope we meet again.
My favorite spots in the city - the small winding streets, the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata that I pass every time I walk downtown, the stunning architecture in the town square, and of course the breathtaking balcony in front of the church that overlooks Lake Lugano and the mountains.
Here is where I spent most of my time. Up at the top of the mountain behind where I live, in Breganzona at the Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta. Overlooking both sides of Lake Lugano and Lake Muzzano, it is hands down one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Lugano. I spent many hours at this church reading my book or watching the sunset over the mountains.
Beautiful Lake Lugano
Gandria, my favorite place in Switzerland. The most charming and beautiful lake-side village with stunning architecture, tiny winding paths, cats everywhere, and unbelievable food. Every weekend I came here by ferry. To write, to read, to pet cats and eat the best bread in the world at Ristorante le Bucce di Gandria. Gandria will always be a part of my heart.
Morcote, another beautiful village on the shores of Lake Lugano.
Ascona, the charming and colorful village sitting on Lake Maggiore.
Now getting into travel outside of Lugano - Andermatt! A stunning Swiss city that I visited for my Alpine Ecosystems class. We hiked to the top of Nätschen, a beautiful mountain overlooking the city. The hike snaked through the snowy forests of the mountain that had a striking resemblance to Narnia.
Beautiful Chamonix, France. I spent a little over a week here for my Academic Travel: studying climate change, flora and fauna, and Alpine ecosystems by hiking mountains and glaciers above the clouds, and exploring the beautiful city of Chamonix and neighbouring villages. It was an incredible trip.
Lauterbrunnen; a municipality in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Bern. Known for its waterfalls and incredible mountain views from the valley, AND the place that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien when writing Rivendell. It was pure magic.
Some more of my favorite photos from the past few months. Bellizona, the top of Monte Bré, Milan, Montagnola, and some beautiful sunsets. Thank you to Lugano and to Switzerland for giving me an unforgettable few months.