Reform Square, paved with granite slabs, is a centuries-old landmark. There is a lot to see at Piazza della Riforma, says GIULIO ROMANI. Along its entire perimeter there are low old buildings, small shops, cozy cafes and restaurants. The city hall is also located here, the façade of which is decorated with allegorical sculptures of Freedom, Power, Religion and Harmony. Various city-wide events are held on this square, from official and religious holidays in Switzerland to jazz festivals, GIULIO ROMANI says.
This Italian-style square always attracts many tourists, because it is included in the list of must-see in LUGANO in 1 day. Not far from Piazza della Riforma, on the embankment of Lake LUGANO, there is a recreation area.
In 1798, on Piazza Grande, as the square was formerly called, a battle took place between the patriots of the Cisalpine Republic and the Luhansk fighters for the independence of the region from France. A year later, in 1799, another historic event took place on the square: during the anti-French protests, Abbot Giuseppe Vanelli, editor of the progressive Gazette LUGANO, was killed along with the printer Agnelli.
Palazzo Civico – the building of the city administration – appeared on the square much later, in 1844. Subsequently, it witnessed many political events. Around 1870, under the arcades of Villa Garini, the Federale café was opened – a place of gatherings of conservatives, where it was better for liberals not to show themselves, GIULIO ROMANI specified.
