An enchanted garden that transports you from one continent to another, among fountains, mosaics, temples and fairy-tale views. From Morocco to India to Japan, Scherrer Park in Morcote is a botanical oasis nestled in Swiss nature, overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Ceresio. A perfect place for a walk out of time, amid exotic scents and breathtaking views.
Set against a backdrop of extraordinarily diverse subtropical flora, Scherrer Park is home to plants such as palms, azaleas, camellias, eucalyptus, lemons and magnolias. It is part of the “Great Italian Gardens” network and has been recognized as a Follies-style botanical park since 2014. It was Hermann Arthur Scherrer, a lover of art and nature, who turned this place into his personal “garden of wonders.”
Welcoming visitors at the entrance, we find a scenic mix of elements such as a Venetian fountain, a Byzantine lion, and two majestic Baroque lions made of Carrara marble, marking the beginning of the path. A little further on, a large cedar of Lebanon silently watches over the garden. Along the way, one arrives at the panoramic terrace where two sphinxes guard a privileged vantage point: from here the gaze embraces Lake Ceresio, Porto Ceresio and the hills of the Varesotto region. Statues of Roman gods such as Venus, Juno and Jupiter decorate the path among the plants, lending a mythological touch to the experience.
At the heart of the park is a miniature world that faithfully reproduces architectural wonders from around the world. You pass by the Erechtheion of Athens, with its caryatids, and the Temple of the Sun, set in a garden inspired by the Alhambra. The fountains, manicured hedges, and harmonious spaces make this corner a perfect synthesis of art and nature.
Passing through a bamboo forest, one reaches the Egyptian temple dedicated to Nefertiti, with ornate walls and the queen’s famous bust. Not far away, one discovers the Arab house, the last work created by Scherrer, surrounded by lush vegetation. In the nearby Indian mansion, inspired by Mughal models, amid elephants, cobras and sacred cows, there is an oriental fairy tale atmosphere.
Finally, near the exit, is a faithful reconstruction of a Lombard-Ticino house from the 1300s, now a restaurant-grotto . This homage to Ticino, reconstructed with original stones from a demolished house in Lugano, represents Scherrer’s emotional connection to the region.
To visit Scherrer Park is to immerse oneself in a sensory journey between art, botany and architecture, in a place that surprises at every step. Admission is free. From Milan it is easily reached by car in about an hour or by public transport. You can take the train to Lugano and then bus or boat to Morcote. An experience not to be missed for those seeking beauty, quiet and a hint of wonder.