HannahHopsTheGlobe: The Charming Swiss Village Gandria (With Photographs!)

in travel •  7 years ago  (edited)

Hi Steemit friends! Welcome to my HannahHopsTheGlobe post. Topic of the day: the charming swiss village Gandria


During a visit to Switzerland, I had the great fortune of visiting Gandria. This hidden treasure, located on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, is an adorable village that cascades up the side of a mountain.

View of Gandria from the Lake
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To give a little background, Gandria sits at the base of Mt. Brè, which means “mountain” in Celtic. The earliest human traces in the area around Gandria come from the iron-age people of the Celts (as of 800 B.C.). Archives from the bishop of Como make first mention of “Gandrio” in 1237, however the present day site along the lake appears to have been established in the 14th century, while the original site further up the mountain was abandoned. Gandria was historically only accessible by boat and steep trails, so locals lived by gardening, raising livestock and eating fish from the lake until 1935 when tunnels and a new road above the lake shore connected the village to Lugano and Italy.

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Gandria was an independent municipality until 2004, when it joined with Lugano. The center of the village of Gandria is historically protected, and is not accessible by car. Most people who visit Gandria arrive using boat services on the lake. You can also walk from Lugano to Gandria on a footpath, which is now branded the Olive Path due to the route passing by plantations of olive trees (along with beautiful views of Lake Lugano). I opted for the boat route myself!

Part of the Village Center in Gandria
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Part of the Village Center in Gandria
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Today, Gandria is inhabited by approximately 200 people who live there year-round, many of whom are from families that have been there for many generations. A large portion of those who live there work in the nearby financial center of Lugano, however Gandria is also known to have a large population of artists of various trades. I absolutely loved visiting Gandria, and wandering the narrow footpaths and winding stairs. The history of the site contrasted by a touch of modernity made this destination feel extra special.

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Gandria is mostly residential, so I recommend planning to visit for an afternoon so you can wander around and then enjoy a lovely lunch at one of the few restaurants in the village. When I was there, I was fortunate enough to happen upon Locanda Gandriese, an adorable little restaurant with a balcony where you can sit and eat delicious pasta while taking in the lovely views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. It was such a special experience!

Partial View From The Table at Locanda Gandriese
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Three Birds Perched Next To Me at Locanda Gandriese, So Quaint!
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If you haven't heard of Gandria before, I hope this inspires you to add it to your travel list. It is 100% worth it!

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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed. Until next time....

Previous HannahHopsTheGlobe Posts


HannahHopsTheGlobe: Visiting Zurich, Switzerland (With Photographs)
HannahHopsTheGlobe: Travel Photography - A Snapshot of Israel
HannahHopsTheGlobe: Fantastic Finds - Restaurants in Miami That Are Not To Be Missed!
HannahHopsTheGlobe: Tasting Wine in Mendoza, Argentina (Part One)
HannahHopsTheGlobe: Tasting Wine in Mendoza, Argentina (Part Two)
HannahHopsTheGlobe: Dining in Brussels, Belgium

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Breathtaking pictures! The Alps are amazing.

I wouldn't want to go to Switzerland if I have to compete with birds for a table at a restaurant. They most likely would get first dibs because they're local.

They're willing to share the table, they are very hospitable.

Hahahah!!!

Beautiful place - I love that no cars are allowed in the city center! Beautiful view from the restaurant. It seemed pretty quiet when you were there - what time of the year and was it during a weekday? Lake Lugano - seems like another option to Lake Como! I just followed you - I also write about travel. Cheers!

Thanks! It was during the summer. I think it is always pretty quiet there (in a lovely way).

I really enjoyed reading it. I hope I can visit Gandria sometime :)

Thanks! I hope you make it there

Grandia seems to be a nice place to be, by ur beautiful illustrution i'll visit soon and i hope you will play a host....cool city

Much appreciated!

This looks like an absolutely amazing place to visit! It looks so darn charming and peaceful. And then it has such nice scenery too boot!

Precisely!

wow amazing place, followed you :)

Thank you :)

Nice photography .a beautiful place

I appreciate it!

Beautiful pictures, I grew up on Lake Lugano! It's beautiful in the summertime, and the food is divine!

Agreed! What an amazing place to grow up.

Lake Lugano is great place. Nice shots! You should see also Luzern.

Thanks for the rec

wow............ beautiful pictures ..i want to go there ...
folllow me back

Gorgeous scenery. The colors are so vibrant. Must be wonderful to soak it all in in person.

It is! So amazing in person