Group houses in Ticino

Ticino stretches from Switzerland's lowest point at just under 200 metres above sea level to the Rheinwaldhorn at over 3,400 metres. The canton makes up the majority of Italian-speaking Switzerland and is located on the southern side of the Alps, which made access much more difficult, especially in winter, until the construction of several tunnels such as the Gotthard and the San Bernardino. The Gotthard railway base tunnel, which has been in operation since 2016, is the longest railway tunnel in the world and makes access from the north much easier. Well-known wine is grown in the south as well as in the north of Monte Ceneri. Extensive chestnut forests combined with palm trees and other Mediterranean plants make Ticino a nature and hiking experience. The connection to the Alps makes beach holidays like in Italy and skiing like in the rest of Switzerland possible.

Especially in the warm seasons, the two large lakes, Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, are popular with visitors and locals alike. A little cooling down after an active day can only be topped off by a culinary highlight and the Ticino nightlife. The best-known cities such as Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno or Ascona offer the full package, but smaller villages also have their charm and traditions. In over 70 museums, holidaymakers can immerse themselves in all kinds of cultural worlds, from archaeology to architecture and modern art. Other architectural marvels are the churches. As the canton is strongly influenced by the Catholic Church, you can admire Switzerland's oldest Christian building, the Baptistery in Riva San Vitale, or modern churches by Mario Botta, among others. Two of Switzerland's eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Ticino. Impressive castles in Bellinzona and marine fossils in hidden caves on Monte San Giorgo made it into the UNESCO collection.