In the region of Lake Maggiore, southwest of Ronco and Ascona and crossing over the Italian border lies a charming town known as Brissago. This picturesque place boasts the elevation, in Switzerland standing at 197 meters above sea level; it stretches from steep mountainsides down to the tranquil lake. The quaint township, home to around two thousand residents is crisscrossed by streets that wind their way, towards estates adorned with vibrant lemon trees and fragrant orange groves.
Brissago on Lago Maggiore
Explore the idyllic Old Town of Brissago
The original section of the village lies in the region. Encircles the stunning Renaissance church of San Pietro e Paolo, nestled within grand age old cypress trees.
A notable highlight of Brissago is its Brissago Islands, which boast a botanical garden. With its temperate climate 1500 diverse plant species flourish here including palm trees, bamboo and eucalypts. The botanical garden, on the islands serves as a haven, for plant enthusiasts. Showcases an array of exotic flora.
Sights of Brissago
The Madonna del Ponte, a Renaissance church, in Brissago stands outside the town center and holds great art historical value. It is considered an example of Lombard architecture in Switzerland. Designed by architect Giovanni Beretta, the striking building boasts a dome supported by a gallery of columns giving it a look inspired by the renowned architect Bramante, a key figure in High Renaissance classical architecture.
In Brissagos city center Casa Branca catches the eye with its baroque design dating back to the 17th century. The adorned façade now houses Museo Ruggero Leoncavallo, dedicated to the composer who resided in Brissago at the turn of the 20th century. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into Leoncavallos life and artistic contributions.
Located in the part of town is Centro Dannemann, a cigar factory established in 1847 that produced cigars, like the globally recognized Virginia cigar “Brissago.” Today this former tobacco factory has been transformed into a hub hosting events and activities.
Video Brissago, Switzerland 4K – A Wonder Swiss Town – Discovering The Most Beautiful European Towns
Brissago is a municipality in the district of Locarno in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. A wonder swiss town, lying at the lowest point in Switzerland, just 197 metres above sea level, and perched between the shores of Lake Maggiore and the steep mountains behind, Brissago is a small town on the Italian frontier. The lowest and oldest part of the village is clustered around the beautiful Renaissance church of St. Peter and Paul, surrounded by centuries-old cypresses.
In the narrow lanes leading down to the lake you will find some picturesque spots to admire: gardens where lemons, oranges and cedars grow in the open air, as well as beautiful mansions.
Brissago is famous not only for its tobacco and cigar factory, but also for its islands, which seen from above look like bright green spots in the blue of the lake. Between 1885 and 1928 Baroness Antonietta Saint-Léger, a Russian of German origin, planted a botanical garden designed as an earthly paradise, and her successor, the department store king Max Emden, continued her work. Today the neo-classical villa contains a restaurant and the administration offices of the Botanical Park of Canton Ticino. Their plants are still there, together with the Himalayan cinnamon with its scent of camphor, the Madagascar gladiolus, the bald cypress from the swamps of North America with its trunk under water, and numerous other exotic species.
Video Brissago, Switzerland 4K – A Wonder Swiss Town – Discovering The Most Beautiful European Towns
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