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Lake Lugano from Monte Brè
Even on a rainy day, the views over Lake Lugano, in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, are well worth the short ride up the funicular railway to the top of Monte Brè.
“Funiculì, Funiculà!”
I find it impossible not to sing the popular Neapolitan tune – at least in my head – whenever I ride a funicular railway. The song was composed in 1880 to commemorate the then-new funicular track up Mount Vesuvius.
Cable railway systems, designed for steep slopes, have been in use since the 1820s and funicular systems – where two railway cars counterbalance each other – emerged in second half of the 19th century. The one we were riding on this particular day: in Lugano, Switzerland, to the peak of Monte Brè (933 m), had been in use since 1908.
The city of Lugano, the cultural and economic hub of Tessin, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking and southernmost canton, sits on the northern shore of glacial Lake Lugano, and at the feet of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè.
The city, which borders on Italy, is also the Swiss re-entry point for passengers riding the wonderful Bernina Express rail line that culminates in Tirano. My husband and I had enjoyed several days on the Bernina circuit, travelling with Swiss friends (See: Railway Dreaming; Spirals from Poschiavo; Switzerland for Lunch; and The Crossroads of the Passes). We had arrived in Lugano on the red Bernina Express Bus from Tirano the night before, giving us the day to explore .
We could have stayed longer!
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Trenino Turistico
Lugano’s little tourist train gave us a practical way of seeing a bit of Lugano and getting to the bottom of the Monte Brè funicular.
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Houses on the Hill
Ticino is the only canton in Switzerland where Italian is the sole official language.
Monte Brè Funicular
The cars on the funicular up Monte Brè are modern and colourful; …
Going Up!
… the system itself, however, was commissioned in 1905, and opened fully in 1912.
People in the Carriage
The funicular carriages have windows on all sides, allowing passengers plenty of light and a good view out.
Two-Track Funicular System
Funiculars use two counterbalanced track-guided rail cars attached to opposite ends of a cable. In this instance, the cars travel up and down a single track with a passing section …
Oncoming Carriage
… that is just wide enough to let the trains pass safely.
Looking Down
Passengers watch the lake below as it recedes into the distance.
Ristorante Vetta
This old restaurant on Monte Brè affords views …
Overlooking Lugano
… over Monte San Salvatore, the lake, and the city.
Going Down!
After lunch and a walk, we get back on the funicular to ride back down, under roadways, …
Funicular Tunnel
… and through tunnels.
Down, Down, Down!
We watch as the lake and the city get closer …
Train in the Passing Lane
… and as the oncoming carriage rises to meet us.
Almost Abstract: Faces on the Tourist Train
Once back at the bottom of the mountain, we re-board the tourist train and complete the city circuit.
Lake Lugano Foreshore
In the city centre, we walk along the lake …
Lake Lugano
… enjoying gelato, views, …
Carlo Battaglini (1812 – 1888) Mayor of Lugano
… and some of the very modern sculptures in the Parco Civico.
The Belvedere Sculpture Garden
La Catena – The Chain
Swiss painter, sculptor, and graphic designer Piero Travaglini was a proponent of Swiss Pop Art.
Classic Buildings
In other parts of the city, the more classic styles prevail.
Luxury Stores
Not far away, on Via Nassa, international name brands …
Bucherer Swiss Luxury Watches
… vie with Swiss precision, …
Bicycle outside Tabacchi Two Lions
… and healthy bicycles contrast with tobacco products.
Outdoor Fruit Stand
I love the prevalence of colourful, fresh fruit in Europe!
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
One of our last city sights, as we climbed the hill to the railway station, was a glimpse of Lugano’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, rebuilt in the late 15th century. (iPhone5)
All too soon, we had to retrieve our bags and make our way up to the train station, leaving the city behind. We had an afternoon train to catch, and it would take us back to our starting point of Rapperswil-Jona, on Lake Zurich on the other side of the country.
Fortunately, it is a small country, so we were not too late getting home! But it is certainly rich in varied natural, architectural, and cultural sights.
Happy Travels!
Pictures: 08August2014
