Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Lugano

4 more images

The cathedral in Lugano is standing above the city centre and from there you have a great view. There has been a church on the same site at least since 818, but it was not until 1888 that the church became a cathedral. San Lorenzo has got a tall bell tower and a renaissance façade from 1517. On the façade you can see a rose window with an image of the Madonna and child. Inside you will see a mix of medieval, baroque and rococo styles and great artwork.

4 more images

San Lorenzo is the most prominent church in Lugano, it is located high on a hill and can be seen from many locations in town. When you arrive by train and cross the street to have a view of the lake, you also see its pretty white belfry against the backdrop of the blue lake (see picture 3 on main page). It is absolutely pretty!

San Lorenzo was founded in the Early Middle Ages and became the Parish Church of Lugano in 818. It still has its Romanesque foundations, but substantial changes were done in the 13th and 14th centuries, and a Renaissance façade was created in the early 1500s.

The interior is baroque and very splendid, but we were only able to visit one of the smaller chapels as the church was currently under renovation and most parts were not accessible. It was still worth it, though - the chapel was an absolute baroque overkill, and the view from where the church is located was wonderful!

3 more images

The cathedrale of San Lorenzo has a lombardic renaissance facade. It was built from 1500 till 1517. The rest of the construction is from 13th - 16th century.

4 more images

From 13th century there are only a few frescos left. In 18th century the church got its baroque interior. The marmor high altar is from A. Biffi.