Campione d'Italia: A Slice of Italy Wrapped in Swiss Territory

Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Lugano lies a peculiar piece of Italy completely surrounded by Swiss territory. Welcome to Campione d'Italia, a tiny Italian exclave with a rich history and a host of fascinating oddities that make it a truly unique destination.

A Journey Through Time: Campione's Ancient Roots

Campione's story begins in the Roman era, when it was established as a garrison town called Campilonum in the 1st century BC. However, its unusual status as an Italian enclave in Switzerland dates back to the Middle Ages:

 

1. In 777 AD, a local Lombard lord left his inheritance to the Archbishopric of Milan.
2. In 1512, Pope Julius II transferred the surrounding Ticino region to Switzerland, but Campione remained under the control of the Archbishop of Milan.
3. When Ticino joined the Swiss Confederation in 1798, Campione's residents chose to remain part of Lombardy.

Practical Oddities: Life in a Geographical Anomaly

Living in Campione d'Italia comes with a unique set of circumstances that blend Italian and Swiss elements:

 

1. Currency Conundrum: While officially part of Italy, Campione uses Swiss Francs for everyday transactions.
2. Postal Peculiarities: The town has both Italian and Swiss postal codes. Mail can be sent using either system.
3. Telephone Tangle: Campione uses the Swiss telephone system, complete with Swiss area codes.
4. Driving Dilemma: Cars in Campione have special license plates and can be driven in both Italy and Switzerland.
5. Tax Haven History: Until recently, Campione enjoyed a special tax status, making it a mini tax haven within Italy.

The Casino: Campione's Claim to Fame

At the heart of Campione's economy and identity lies the Casino di Campione:

 

• Established in 1917, it's one of Europe's largest casinos.
• The casino was the town's largest employer until its closure in 2018 due to bankruptcy.
• It reopened in 2022, breathing new life into the local economy.

Recent Challenges and Changes

Campione has faced significant challenges in recent years:

 

1. The casino's closure in 2018 led to economic hardship for many residents.
2. In 2020, Campione was formally brought into the EU customs territory, ending its special status.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic created unique difficulties due to Campione's geographical isolation from the rest of Italy.

Visiting Campione d'Italia

For those intrigued by this geographical oddity, Campione offers:

 

• Stunning views of Lake Lugano
• The impressive Casino di Campione
• Charming Italian architecture with a Swiss twist
• A unique blend of Italian and Swiss cultures

 

Getting there: Campione is easily accessible by car or bus from Lugano, Switzerland, or by boat across Lake Lugano.

 

Campione d'Italia stands as a testament to the complex history of European borders and the enduring nature of cultural identity. This tiny Italian exclave, wrapped in Swiss territory, offers visitors a chance to experience a truly unique corner of Europe where two cultures meet in fascinating and often surprising ways.

Campione d'Italia
An Italian enclave in Switzerland

 

Geographic Character
An enclave surrounded by the Swiss canton of Ticino and only accessible from Italy via a 14 km road through Swiss territory.

 

Historical Foundation
Founded as a Roman garrison, Campilonum, in the 1st century BC.

 

Population
1,748 residents with a density of 650/km².