Offbeat Alert: A Guide To The Canton Of Ticino In Switzerland, Where Italian Is The Official Language

Named after the Ticino River, the canton of Ticino in Switzerland has sun, snow and palm trees. It is the only canton in the country where Italian is the sole official language and is a popular tourist destination for Europeans looking to bask in its warm climate, Mediterranean culture and gastronomy. The region is particularly known for its rich architectural heritage, which ranges from the anonymous rock architecture of grottos and splüi to Romanesque, Baroque and more contemporary styles. In fact, as early as the 18^th century, aristocrats from and Italy employed numerous architects from to work on their palaces and mansions. The region is also home to🉐 two spectacular UNESCO World Heri🐻tage Sites: the three castles of Bellinzona and the Monte San Giorgi near Lake Lugano.