The “Sistine Chapel of Switzerland” and its hidden passage to modern Lugano 🇨🇭

I wanted to share a hidden gem for anyone visiting or living in Lugano. Most people know the LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) for its modern architecture, but right next to it stands the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, home to the most important Renaissance fresco in Switzerland.

The masterpiece is the Crucifixion by Bernardino Luini (1529). Luini was a student of Leonardo da Vinci, and you can see that "nuanced" magic in every detail of this massive wall.

But here is the "insider" tip: instead of walking straight to the museum from the street, try the pilgrim’s route. Exit the church and step into the former Franciscan convent located right behind it.

This ancient cloister acts as a silent, historical bridge that connects the 16th-century church directly to the MASI Museum and the LAC. It’s a unique architectural transition where the Renaissance literally walks you into the future.

I’ve put together a post (in Italian but it’s easy to translate ) about the history of this site (and the "Lombard Renaissance" atmosphere that makes this corner of Ticino so special:

https://open.substack.com/pub/viandantecurioso/p/bernardino-luini-a-lugano-guida-alla?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6nbnko