Campione d'Italia, Italian enclave in Province of Como, Italy
Description
Campione d'Italia is an Italian commune completely surrounded by Switzerland, located on the eastern shore of Lake Lugano within Ticino territory. The settlement extends from the waterfront up into wooded slopes, with narrow lanes and a harbor where small boats dock.
History
In 777, Lord Toto transferred his lands to the Sant'Ambrogio abbey in Milan, permanently linking the territory to the archbishopric. Over centuries, the commune remained under Italian administration even as the Swiss border grew and solidified around it.
Culture
The post office uses Swiss stamps while street signs remain Italian, explaining the commune's name through its position between two nations. Residents move daily between both states, shopping in Como in the morning and taking coffee in Lugano in the afternoon.
Practical
Travelers should carry valid identification documents because access passes through Swiss territory and controls may occur. Swiss francs are more widely accepted than euros, though some businesses handle both forms of payment.
Did you know?
The casino reopened in 2022 after four years of closure, bringing life back to the lakefront building. Until 2020, the territory lay outside the EU customs zone, which shaped shopping and border crossings differently than today.
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Monte San Salvatore
2 km
Santa Maria dei Ghirli
868 m
Last judgement by Franco e Filippolo de Veris
868 m
San Zenone
112 m
Chiesa-oratorio di San Pietro
251 m
Aussichtsturm Monte San Salvatore
2 km
San Rocco
1.7 km
San Zenone
362 mBrickworks
1.8 km
Town hall of Campione d'Italia
85 mMuseum San Salvatore
2 kmSantuario di S. Maria dei Ghirli
866 mCampanile della Chiesa di S. Zenone
353 mCampanile del Santuario di S. Maria dei Ghirli
856 mLido di Campione
290 mScenic viewpoint
807 mScenic viewpoint
495 mScenic viewpoint
1.4 kmLugano Bay View
1.1 kmScenic viewpoint
1.9 kmPuntobelvedere
2 kmScenic viewpoint
1.9 kmPuntoarancio
1.9 kmScenic viewpoint
1.9 kmScenic viewpoint
2 kmPuntorosso
2 kmPuntogiallo
1.9 kmWaterfall
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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