Parco Ciani, fondly referred to as the city's "green lung" or "green pearl," is a picturesque park situated in Lugano, Switzerland. The park, which spans across 63,000 square meters, is located on the shores of Lake Lugano, also known as Lake Ceresio, and is in proximity to the city center. The park's location provides breathtaking views of the lake, San Salvatore Mountain, and the cityscape, making it a favored spot for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
The park is characterized by its diverse and lush vegetation, beautifully maintained pathways, and various amenities. It is divided into two distinct areas. The first area, adjacent to Villa Ciani, showcases elements of both Italian and English gardens, with blooming flower beds, green lawns, and trees and shrubs from around the world. This section of the park can be accessed through the main entrance at the end of the lakeside promenade. The second area, extending from the jetty or boathouse to the Cassarate River, has a more natural and wild character, featuring native trees such as oak, lime, plane, and maple, typical of the Ticino forests.
Parco Ciani also boasts a beach area with varying depths, providing a serene setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It includes a children's playground with various games suitable for all ages and vast grassy expanses ideal for recreational activities. Small squares and charming benches scattered throughout the park offer resting spots for visitors, while sculptures and fountains add to the park's aesthetics.
The park is home to several notable buildings, including Villa Ciani, the Convention Centre or Palazzo dei Congressi, the Natural History Museum or Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale, and the Cantonal Library or Biblioteca Cantonale. The park's history dates back to around 1845 when it was purchased by the Ciani brothers, aristocratic businessmen from Milan. In 1912, the villa and the park were purchased by the city of Lugano.
Parco Ciani's temperate climate is ideal for the growth of subtropical vegetation, and the park is known for its seasonal flowering vegetation, which blends harmoniously with the lake and surrounding panorama. The lawns in the park are redesigned every year, adding to the park's charm and appeal. The redevelopment of the river Cassarate's mouth has also enhanced the park's value, offering visitors a new green space and relaxation area with a stunning view of the city. Despite periodic flooding caused by the overflow of the Cassarate river and the lake, the park remains a beacon of natural beauty and tranquility, thanks to the containment wall built to address this issue.
