LUGANO - SWITZERLAND

Lugano, known from time immemorial as the "Queen of the Lake", nestles along the shores of Lake Lugano and is dominated to the East and West by the peaks of the Bre' and San Salvatore mountains. It is town with a friendly and inviting charm and the surrounding mountain range provides a harmonious crown. From its numerous lofty vantage points it offers breathtaking views, at times limited, but yet open to the East and South because of the creation of the immense post-glacial era plains and most famously the plain of Lombardy where the waters of the rivers Po and the Adda peacefully abate following their tortuous journey from the Alps.

It is geographically located in the middle of Europe and was almost unnaturally annexed to the Swiss Confederation by Napoleon to open it up to the markets from the south of Europe. From a delightful lakeside village, Lugano has established itself over the course of the last century as the third financial hub of the Swiss Confederation as well as expanding into all spheres of activity.

Branches of internationally renowned banks; many cultural activities including two famous musical concerts of world-wide repute; an important 'Estival' Jazz Festival; various art exhibitions of famous painters both past and present; prestigious shows for both residents and tourists; congressional meetings of all types; hospitals and private clinics; shopping for all tastes including famous designer names; an international Casino as well as a vast choice of sport and other activities to match the world's best.

Lugano, apart from its natural beautiful setting created by its magnificent lake and the numerous attractive valleys, can offer mountaineering (two hours by car from St. Moritz and the Engadine) or the attraction of the sea (two hours by car from the Mediterranean and 3 hours from the Cote d'Azur). If you consider that the large metropolis of Milan is only an hour's drive away, it can be said that Lugano offers to approximately 10 million residents of the city and hinterland of Milan, apartments and villas of the highest quality but with easy access to Malpensa Airport and the North-South motorway as well as the security and tranquillity which is a universal trademark of Switzerland.