In the early 19th century, the contemporary Franco-Danish scholar Conrad Malte-Brun stated that: “The canton of Tesino [Ticino] is the poorest, and the people the most ignorant of any in Switzerland. The finest silk in the district is obtained at Lugano, a small town situated on the banks of a lake.” Until 1878 the three largest cities, Bellinzona, Lugano and Locarno, alternated as capital of the canton. In 1878, however, Bellinzona became the only and permanent capital. The 1870–1891 period saw a surge of political turbulence in Ticino, and the authorities needed the assistance of the federal government to restore order in several instances, in 1870, 1876, 1889 and 1890–1891.
Gandria, general view, Tessin, Switzerland
Locarno, general view, Tessin, Switzerland
Locarno, Madonna del Sasso, Loggia, Tessin, Switzerland
Lake of Lugano, Morcote, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, from Massagno, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, and Monte Brè, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Monte Generoso Hotel, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, the quay, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, the quay, and San Salvatore, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, on the quay, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Bellinzona, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Bellinzona, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Cassarate and Monte Brè, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Gandria, Tessin, Switzerland
Lugano, Ponte Tresa, Tessin, Switzerland
The Orrido at Osteno, Tessin, Switzerland
