Parco Del Tassino

Parco del Tassino is a public park on a hillside in the upper part of Lugano, a short walk from the railway station. The city is built on the shore of the lake and climbs steeply up the surrounding slopes, so many of its parks have a view, and Tassino is one of those that gives a wide look over the roofs toward the water and the mountains. It is a quieter, more local park than the lakeside gardens, and visitors who stay near the station often use it as a place to rest between trains or to walk before breakfast.

The park's most distinctive feature is the Enderlin tower, a small, tall building named after the family that once owned the property. Towers and belvederes of this kind were common features of villa estates in Ticino in the nineteenth century, when wealthy families built country houses on the hills with gardens and viewpoints. Beside the tower is a shaded square under old trees, furnished with stone tables and benches, where people sit in summer to eat, read or play board games. The old trees give the park a sense of age that contrasts with the modern streets around it.

Facilities are aimed at neighbourhood use. There is a playground for children, wide lawns for games and picnics, and a fenced area for dogs, which is an unusual and valued feature in a city centre. The paths are gently sloped and are suitable for strollers, though some parts involve steps because of the terrain. The park's tranquil character makes it popular with people who live and work nearby, and it is rarely crowded even in high season.

Its position makes it a natural stop on a walk through the upper part of Lugano. From the railway station, a funicular leads down to the old town at Piazza Cioccaro, and a path through the park offers an alternative route on foot, with views along the way. Walking down from the park toward the old town takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the route, passing residential streets and small gardens. From the old town you can continue to the lake, the cathedral and the shopping streets.

The park is free and open for most of the day and evening, though opening times can vary by season, so it is worth checking the city website. It suits families with small children, dog owners, walkers and photographers who want a view of the city, and anyone who prefers calm green spaces to busy squares. A visit of about half an hour is enough to see the tower and walk around, and longer if you want to sit with a picnic. The best views come on clear days, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the lake is visible beyond the rooftops.