Carona | Shining Diamond Of Swizterland

Carona is a small hamlet of Lugano in a splendid position behind the Monte San Salvatore ?nestled on a pre-Alpine high plateau among forests on gentle slopes, a shining diamond of Switzerland.

This site boasts a notable historical past especially in the medieval era when it belonged to the Diocese of Como before becoming an autonomous parish in 1472 and then under the influence of the Duchy of Milan period in which it obtained significant tax privileges.

Once reached this splendid village I suggest to start the visit from the Church of San Salvatore which is located on the summit of the mountain of the same name mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 13th century and elevated to parish church in 1427 becoming part of the Confraternity of Santa Marta in 1680.

The church has a late Baroque profile consisting of a single nave with a choir with a barrel vault. In 1718 it was rebuilt and in 1820 it had numerous renovations changing its appearance. Other works were held in 1938 with the remaking of the facade using granite.

Continuation with the splendid Chiesa di Santa Marta situated in fairy - tale environment surrounded by picturesque forests on the highest point of Carona towards the north.

The church was included in the cultural heritage of the Canton of Ticino and since 1941 in those of the Swiss Confederation.

Developed in the 15th century in a late Gothic style this religious building is owned by the Arciconfraternita del Gonfalone Maggiore di Santa Marta and was completed in the 16th century.

The building consists of a single nave, a bell tower and two side chapels. The former oratory on which was elevated the church was developed in the Romanesque period starting from the chapel located to the south - east in the period between the 10th and 12th centuries and was frescoed mainly in the 15th century in the Gothic and Renaissance periods and the current dimensions were reached between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Inside you can appreciate notable frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, various paintings and stuccoes developed in the 18th century and some polychrome wooden crucifixes from the 17th and 18th centuries. A further highlight is an organ built between the 17th and 18th centuries located on the wooden choir loft.

Continuation with the church of Saints Giorgio and Andrea developed in Romanesque-Renaissance style in the 15th century and completed in 1664 on a three-nave plan surmounted by a cross vault with a square choir and a presbytery surmounted by a dome.

Of note is the bell tower built with worked blocks of pink Alpine porphyry, the red-pink stone typical of the Lake Lugano region. The high facade is highlighted by a fresco on its front side you will notice the presence of a large oculus,

In its interior consisting in three nave you can admire great frescoes depicting the Universal Judgement ?by Domenico Pezzi, an Italian artist from Valsolda who was very active in the Canton of Ticino, the Paradise and the Last Suppper.

You can continue with the Church of Santa Maria d’ Ongero or Madonna d’ Ongero starting its construction from 1634 in baroque style replacing a chapel dating back to 1515 highlighted by very refined architectural lines, a fine portico, an ample attractive facade flanked? by an imposing bell tower elevated on two blocks.

The external square-section pillars are made of single-block elements of pink porphyry from Ceresio, a natural stone typical of the local area..

In the interior you will appreciate an image of the Madonna is kept which was considered miraculous and later became a place of pilgrimage, superb works in the vaults consisting in stylish decorations and great elaborated stuccoes.

Do not miss a walk in the botanical garden of San Grato a great destination for plant and flowers lovers boasting a big number of rhododendrons and azaelas.

Around Carona there are many paths through forests and steep slopes especially around Monte San Salvatore going down towards Paradiso and Lake Lugano.

The visit to Carona will remain etched in your memories, the charm of this small Swiss diamond is unique and always transmits the desire to return.

Link : https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/destinations/carona/

Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation

Swiss Historic ?& Garten Hotel Villa Carona

Casa Calina