We can all recall “that branch of the lake of Como” mentioned by Manzoni so we use take you to the Lake Lugano, the starting point for a unique journey exploring the lake as inspiration for artists. Here, Villa Fogazzaro Roi is the first “literary” building on this itinerary. The lake landscape has inspired melancholy and great novels, and at Montagnola one can immerse oneself in the wisdom-laden pages of Herman Hesse. As a romantic framework to these main visits there is the visit to the church of San Sebastiano in Oria, and to the frescoed parish church of San Martino in the village of Castello.

DETAILS 

Departure is planned at 9:00 from Piazza Castello. 

The bus will take you north towards the Alps, as soon as you leave Milan you will be able to see the mountains that are much closer than you can think. Enjoy the views of the lake Lugano to reach Villa Fogazzaro Roi, a country house where the famous writer loved to rest while writing. 

Here you will discover rooms perfectly preserved, containing the personal objects of the writer Antonio Fogazzaro, that still reflect the 19th century’s atmosphere. From everything emanates peace, because this is a “soul’s place”. Visit the church of San Sebastiano, of Romanesque origins and rebuilt in Baroque style, and the little church of San Martino, where you will admire fine frescoes.

Then lunch in the charming city of Lugano, in Canton Ticino, a region of the Italian Swiss. Enjoy a walk in the city centre to admire historical buildings and beautiful churches, among which Santa Maria degli Angioli, with the astonishing “Passion and Crucifixion” by Bernardino Luini, the most famous Reinassance fresco of Swiss.

The beautiful landscapes were inspiration for Hermann Hesse, recognize them at Montagnola, near Lugano, in the afternoon. Here you will visit the interesting Museum Hermann Hesse, in the historical complex where the writer lived, a place of cultural meetings for visitors of every origin.

The bus will take you back to Milan just in time for dinner.

Dates: Saturday 2nd July or Sunday 10th July from 9:00 to 20:00 

Group: Minimum 6 – Maximum 15 

Deadline: 9th  June 

Price: 180 € per person (Special Price for ICOM) +  lunch (tasting menu) or bag lunch on demand.

Services included: guide tour, transfer, entrance ticket.