Between Two Lands, Crossing the Lugano Lake

Bissone is one of the seven communes that form the so-called Ceresio circle. The city center is part of the protected sites of Switzerland, in the square surrounded by ancient palaces with arcades and passages.
Among the main monuments are the church of San Carpoforo and also the church of San Rocco.

At the southern exit of the city we find the church of San Carpoforo. Next to this church, in medieval times there was a castle that was destroyed. In its place, today you can see the current Casa Tencalla.
The church was surrounded by fortified walls where the entrance gates to the town were. Its interior is decorated with frescoes by Carpoforo Tencalla and Giovan Francesco Gaggini.

Villa Panza is an 18th century building, located on the top of the Biumo hill, with a magnificent Italian garden that houses a permanent collection of contemporary American art, one of the best known in the world, with about 150 works of art, as well as international exhibitions.
There is a wonderful gallery formed by the rooms, former stables and sheds, which will not leave you indifferent.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Closed on Mondays.

Among the city's public buildings is the Palazzo Estensi, now the Town Hall, which cannot be visited.
What we can visit, behind the Palace, are the Estensi Gardens, one of the most emblematic Italian-style public parks in the city, built in imitation of the gardens of Schönbrunn (Vienna).
Opening hours of the gardens, every day: Summer: 08:00 - 20:00 Winter: 08:00 - 18:00

A good place to eat at ease is the RoadHouse Restaurant. Here you will find burgers, salads, tartar and a world of different menus -including their famous barbecued meat- that will fill your stomach at a good price.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 15:00, 18:30 - 22:30.

After lunch it is best to relax at the Porticciolo di Azzate, a small bucolic pier on Lake Varese.
The surrounding greenery looks like something out of a painting or a romantic poem. Be sure to stroll around this picturesque pier where fishermen leave their boats.

This medieval castle, designed for defense, is part of an ancient barrier of fortifications and watchtowers.
For some years now, Baradello has housed a chronological museum where, through archaeological excavations carried out in the area, the history of the city of Como is reconstructed, from Roman times to its revival.
Opening hours: Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

The Cathedral of Saint Marie Assunta is one of the highlights of the city of Como. Located in Piazza del Duomo, it is a must-see. Inside is an important representation of St. Joseph painted by the artist Giambattista Pittoni.
You can stop for a coffee contemplating it from the square, surround it to admire its beauty from the back and, of course, visit the interior, as it is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 07:30 - 19:30

The Porta Torre marks one of the historical accesses that allowed to cross the walls and enter the city.
Around 1200 the Romans built this 40-meter high fortress to defend the main entrance to the city. This tower is one of the most representative examples of Romanesque military architecture in Italy. A short distance from the tower are the surviving remains of the ruins of the Roman walls, and an imperial gate.

It's about time for a good pizza, don't you think? A good place to dine is ristorante Pizzeria Cardamomo with tasty pizzas made with organic flour and quality ingredients.
It is only open for dinner.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 18:30 - 23:00 Monday: closed

You may already be a little tired... here's the solution: rest in this modern hotel complex Le Stanze del Lago, where you can choose between apartment-hotels and suites.
Some of the rooms have a direct view of the lake, offering a unique experience to enjoy in peace and quiet and get ready for another intense day in northern Italy.