Carona is a small hamlet of Lugano in a splendid position behind Monte San Salvatore Nestled on a pre-Alpine plateau among forests and gentle slopes .a shining diamond of Switzerland with a notable historical past especially in the medieval era when it belonged to the Diocese of Como before becoming an autonomous parish in 1472 and then under the influence of the Duchy of Milan when it obtained significant tax privileges.
Once reached this splendid village I suggest to start the visit from the Church of San Salvatore which is located on the summit of the mountain of the same name mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 13th century and elevated to parish church from 1427 and in 1680 it became part of the Confraternity of Santa Marta
The church has a late Baroque profile
consisting of a single nave with a choir with a barrel vault. In 1718 it was
rebuilt and in 1820 it had numerous renovations changing its face. Other works were held in 1938 with the
remaking the facade using granite.
Continuation with the splendid Chiesa di Santa Marta situated in fairytale environment surrounded by picturesque forests on the highest point of Carona towards the north.
The church was included in the cultural heritage of the Canton of Ticino and since 1941 in those of the Swiss Confederation.
The construction consists of a single nave, a bell tower and two side chapels. The former oratory on which was elevated the church was developed in the Romanesque period starting from the chapel located to the south - east in the period between the 10th and 12th centuries and was frescoed mainly in the 15th century in the Gothic and Renaissance periods and the current dimensions were reached between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Inside you can appreciate notable frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, various paintings and stuccoes developed in the 18th century and some polychrome wooden crucifixes from the 17th and 18th centuries. A further highlight is an organ built between the 17th and 18th centuries located on the wooden choir loft.
Continuation with the church of Saints Giorgio and Andrea in Romanesque-Renaissance style developed in the 15th century and completed in 1664 on a three-nave plan surmounted by a cross vault with a square choir and a presbytery surmounted by a dome.
Of note is the bell tower built with worked blocks of pink Alpine porphyry, the red-pink stone typical of the Lake Lugano region. The high facade highlighted by a fresco on its front side also highlighted by a large oculus.
In its interior consisting in three nave you can admire great frescoes depicting the Universal Judgement by Domenico Pezzi, an Italian artist from Valsolda who was very active in the Canton of Ticino, the Paradise and the Last Supper.
The external square-section pillars are made of single-block elements of pink porphyry from Ceresio, a natural stone typical of the local area.
You can continue with the Church of Santa Maria d’ Ongero or Madonna d’ Ongero was built starting from 1634 in Baroque style replacing a chapel dating back to 1515 highlighted by very refined architectural lines, a fine portico, an ample attractive facade flanked by an imposing bell tower elevated on two blocks.
The external square-section pillars are made of single-block elements of pink porphyry from Ceresio, a natural stone typical of the local area.
In the interior you will appreciate an image of the Madonna is kept which was considered miraculous and later became a place of pilgrimage, superb works in the vaults consisting in stylish decorations and great elaborated stuccoes.
Do not miss a walk in the botanical garden of San Grato a great destination for plant and flowers lovers boasting a big number of rhododenfrons and azaelas.
Around Carona there are many paths through forests and steep slopes especially around Monte San Salvatore going down towards Paradiso and Lake Como.
The visit to Carona will remain etched in your memories, the charm of this small Swiss diamond is unique and always transmits the desire to return.
Link : https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/destinations/carona/
Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation
Swiss Historic & Garten Hotel Villa Carona
Casa Calina
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Thanks a lot to read and note.