Cathedral of Santo Lorenzo, Lugano

Noteworthy building with a distinct Renaissance façade. The interior features numerous frescoes and precious Baroque art. The church dates back to the early Middle Ages. We know of a parish church established in 818 and the consecration of a monastic church in 1078 on this site. Since that year, the church is also the cathedral of the diocese of Lugano. The walls of the current building date back to the Romanesque period. In the 13th and 14th century, the vaulted ceiling was extended. The façade was added between 1500 and 1517 and is attributed to the architects Tommaso Rodari from Maroggia, Giovan Gaspare Pedoni from Lugano, Bernardino Gaggini from Bissone (known as "Furlano") and Agostino Busti from Milan (alias "Bambaia"). The exterior façade is a masterpiece in the distinct Lombard Renaissance style. The frontispiece, the four columns carrying the segmented centre cornice and the gable element form a most harmonious ensemble.

The chapel of Madonna delle Grazie is decorated with numerous columns and a beautiful marble altar. It was consecrated in 1494 and reconstructed in 1774 according to plans of the architect Giambattista Casasopra. The altarpiece depicts Madonna with Saint Lawrence and Saint Rocco in the presence of Mary and is the work of Giovanni Battista Carloni from Rovio.

At the entrance to the choir, we have the imposing main altar made in marble with a baldaquin in the shape of a small temple with putti. It dates from the 17th century and was created after drawings by Andrea Biffi. The two statues to the side of the altar are those of Saint Lawrence and Saint Stephen. They are the works of Francesco Pozzi and date from 1708. The last recess of the south nave houses the octagonal baptismal font carrying the date 1430.

Frescoes: The oldest frescoes are those on the wall opposite the façade above the cross vault. They date from the Gothic period. Although in poor condition, we can see scenes from the Day of Judgement, a meandering river with great perspectives and the face of Saint Peter. Also visible is a small part of the depiction of hell. This fresco is referred to in documents dating from the 13th century. Incorporated into the second column is a memorial table from 1346 with a picture of Bishop Bonifacio da Modena, who was originally from Como and an epigraph in Latin.