Story
San Grato Park nestles between San Salvatore and Mount Arbòstora, about ten kilometres from Lugano at an altitude of 690 metres above sea level with an exceptional view over its immediate surroundings and the peaks of the Alpine chain. Its extension of 62.000 square metres contains the largest and most complete collections of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers of the entire Regio Insubrica.
The massed expanses of azaleas and rhododendrons are intersected by six paths leading to the most evocative corners of the park. Each path has its own theme: botanic, restful, panoramic, artistic, sensorial and one dedicated to fables, each with explanatory panels, designed as part of the improvement and maintenance project developed by the landscape architects Giorgio Benicchio and Andrea Branca for the park. A recreation area offers entertainment for children and adults alike amongst rare and imposing conifers.
The Restaurant San Grato with its panoramic terrace, is designed to satisfy all the requirements. The first owner of the Park was the jurist Martin Winterhalter, whereas the true founder of the San Grato botanical park was the industrialist Luigi Giussani who reduced the woodland and organised the planting of the first azaleas and rhododendrons.
Giussani promoted other ambitious projects, including the building of the large pool, which now belongs to the Municipality of Carona. To make sure that your visit will not be dispersive (over 5.5 km of trails), we suggest 6 thematic paths which allow you to discover the most beautiful sights. Each trail offers a variety of themes, which change seasonally and let visitors to discover the Park. It's up to you choose the most suitable path, following the corresponding colored symbol.
