The picturesque village of Gandria sits at an elevation of 295 meters, on the north side of Lake Lugano nestled on the incline of Monte Brè, a 5 kilometers east of the Lugano train station. Once inhabited by fishermen and border patrol officers the village has retained its charm for than a century radiating a sense of nostalgia.
Gandria
On the side of Gandria you’ll find the villages storage building, known as the Cantine and the former barracks of the border guards. Since 1949 these barracks have been home, to the Swiss Customs Museum, which is also referred to as the Smugglers Museum.
This museum offers a glimpse into the duties of border guards both in the past and present showcasing stories of smuggling activities in this area. It presents a narrative of customs inspections, technological advancements and the challenges encountered by border patrols.
Visitors can explore a collection of artifacts engaging displays and educational presentations that shed light on the adventurous lives of border guards and delve into the history of smuggling.
Gandrias charm lies in its preserved fishing village center situated by Lake Ceresio. The reflections of house facades shimmer on the crystal waters below. The clustered buildings are accessible via stairways and narrow alleys.
Many dwellings within Gandria date back, to the 17th centuries adorned with frescoes and stucco decorations.
Fishing village of GandriaSome of the dwellings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and are decorated with frescoes and stucco work.
The village can be reached conveniently by boat, from Lugano. Is linked by two walking trails; the Gandria route and the path, on the other shore, which becomes quite popular during the summer months because of its delightful grottos.
Home of artists and architects
In Gandria, like lakeside villages along Lake Ceresio, artists and architects thrived and gained recognition internationally.
For instance the Torricelli brothers, Giovanni and Giuseppe were figures who worked on projects such as the Trento Cathedral in the century and adorned the ceilings of Vigilio and Pietro Rabaglios exquisite residence. They also left their mark on the design of the Royal Palace of the Bourbons in Segovia, Spain.
Exploring Gandria offers opportunities to enjoy two walks; the Gandria Trail and the scenic lakeside path, on San Roccos side of the lake that leads to Grotti di Gandria.
Video Gandria, Switzerland 4K – The Perfect Swiss Tourist Destination for a Relaxing Vacation
Welcome to Gandria, a picturesque village located on the shores of Lake Lugano in Switzerland…
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