Le Tour du Monde; Lugano, la ville des fresques Journal des voyages et des voyageurs; 2e Sem. 1905

The passage comes from a 1905 travel journal that recorded the impressions of keen observers wandering Europe’s lesser‑known corners. Here the writer turns to Lugano, a modest lakeside town that nestles between the Alpine peaks and the gentle slopes of the Apennines. He describes crystal‑clear water tinged green by surrounding forests, sun‑warmed stone ports and narrow streets shaded by chestnut trees. The narrative pauses to admire the frescoes that dress its churches, noting the delicate work of masters such as Luini and the ongoing efforts to preserve them.

Beyond the waterfront, the author points out easy excursions to nearby villages such as Gandria and Morcote, and the convenient rail and boat links that reach Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in a short ride. He also highlights a well‑stocked public library overseen by a scholarly canon, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s history and art. Together these observations paint a picture of a town that feels both Italian in spirit and Swiss in serenity, inviting travelers to linger at its quiet promenades.