During my upcoming stay in Chiavenna (about which many, no doubt, are tired of hearing ) the prospects of serious hiking are looking more and more dismal. So, in case a day trip is required to fill the time, which of these two cities do you recommend? Note that I like old churches, gardens, 19th and early 20th century art, street markets, antiques. Or just ignore these criteria and tell me which is your favorite and why...

Guy18, Chiavenna has a 333 elevation. If the weather is on your side, you should be able to do some nice hikes.

However, you never know so it's probably a good thing that you have plan B.

I think Locarno would better suit your needs because of the church Madonna del Sasso and other nice areas in Locarno.

However, I like Lugano's old town and the promenade is very nice. It also has beautiful gardens by the lake. And I love the easy walk (1.5) to Gandria. We then usually take the ferry back.

For one day? Really, it's a toss up. Whatever is easier for you to get to.

And Lugano is MUCH easier to get to from Chiavenna!

By the way, Lugano is all what you are looking for: a nice old town (pedestrian zone) with street markets (and other shopping, of course), the Villa Ciani in the Parco Civico houses the Museo Civico di Belle Arti (works of Pissarro, Cezanne, Rousseau and older). The Villa Malpensata in the south of Lugano is home of a museum for modern art. They have works of Munch, Monet, Rousseau, Pissarro e.g. and temporary exhibits.

The museo Cantonale d'Arte is to find at Piazza Manzoni in three 15th century palazzi. They have paintings of Europeans of the 19th/20th century (Klee, Bill, von Werefkin, Renoir, Degas) and locals.

Museums and galleries closed on Mondays.

Lugano's churches are well worth a visit as well: the cathedral San Lorenzo has a stunning Renaissance facade while the main nave is from the 13/14th century. Don't miss Sta. Maria degli Angioli with a huge famous Renaissance fresco by Bernardino Luini (student of Leonardo da Vinci).

Very nice gardens all over Lugano: along the lake, especially in the north (Villa Favorita, Villa Helenum).

Locarno is another favourite of mine, but it is very complicated to reach from Chiavenna (Lugano is not easy to get to as well).

Ingo

want to do some serious hiking??
you should contact a guide (official, licensed guides only!!) and have them organize it for you! here are some names from the Vallespluga area:

1)Pio Luigi Guanella Campodolcino SO
335-6694432 + 0343-51043
[email protected]

2)Moreno Pedroncelli
Madesimo SO
333-3988552 + 0343-53398

3) Renata Rossi
Villa di Chiavenna SO
335-6872063 + 0343-40358
[email protected]

Thanks, everyone! Lots of good advice as always. I will absolutely look into the possibility of a guide...