San Grato

San Grato is a botanical park in Carona, a village on the southern slopes of Monte San Salvatore, about ten kilometres from Lugano, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. It lies at about 690 metres above sea level, on a terrace between wooded slopes, and from its paths you look out over the lakes and hills of the region. The park was set up in the 1950s by a local industrialist, Luigi Giussani, who wanted to create a garden on the hillside, and it has grown into a large collection of plants covering around six hectares. It is now run as a public park, with an entrance that is free of charge, and it is one of the favourite family outings from Lugano.

The special feature of the park is its collection of acid-loving plants. Azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias thrive in the mild climate of southern Ticino, which is warm and wet, with acidic soils, and the park has hundreds of varieties, from the familiar to the rare. The best time to visit is in spring, when the flowers burst out in a riot of pink, red, white, orange and yellow, usually from April into early June, with the peak depending on weather and altitude. At that time the paths are lined with banks of blossoms and the air is fragrant, and the park is a favourite for photographers. Beyond the flowers, the park holds a notable collection of conifers, including rare species from around the world, which give structure and a deep green background throughout the year.

Several trails of different themes cross the grounds. A botanical path introduces the main groups of plants, with labels and information boards. A scenic path leads to viewpoints. A trail for children includes sculptures and storytelling elements on a fairy-tale theme, and a sensory path invites visitors to touch and smell plants and to walk barefoot on different surfaces. The trails are gentle and well kept, and most are suitable for strollers and for people of all ages. A playground in the centre, surrounded by conifers, and picnic areas with barbecue sites make the park a good place to spend a day with children. Rules prohibit portable grills and open fires outside designated areas, because of the risk of forest fires, so follow the instructions on site.

Carona itself is worth a stroll. It is a village with old stone houses, arcades and small squares, long known as a home of artists and craftsmen who worked on palaces and churches across Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A local sanctuary, the Madonna d'Ongero, stands on a nearby hillside and can be reached by a short walk, and mountain bike trails and walking routes lead through the surrounding woods. The village is reached by road and by bus from Lugano.

The park is open all year, and its appearance changes with the seasons, from flowers in spring to cool shade in summer and autumn colours later in the year. It suits families, plant lovers and walkers. Allow one to two hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and note that the road to Carona can be busy in spring.