Story: Theatrical walks
A free walk through Lugano leads you through alleys, historic buildings and surprising views, with actors guiding a lively journey between past and present.
Discovering downtown Lugano on a theatrical walk – Unexpected Classic Tour. An original guided tour in the company of actors and actresses, who re-enact the past and present history of the most important urban centre in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Davide Gagliardi, Creator of the Unexpected Classic Tour
These tours are special because the actors, stories and characters dialogue with the setting, making the scene come alive.
Every Monday from late April to mid-October, weather permitting, the regular meeting time is at 10 a.m. outside the Lugano Region offices. This marks the start of the free city tour: the Unexpected Classic Tour. This stroll through the central streets is enlivened by surprising and entertaining theatrical interludes just when you least expect them. The walk, suitable for all, lasts around two hours and features a number of stops.
We spoke with Davide Gagliardi, actor and creator of this format, which has taken his performances beyond the theatre walls and into the very heart of the city. A word of advice: be sure to reserve your place, as these theatrical walks are in demand.
Bringing open-air theatre to life: that’s the aim of the Unexpected Classic Tour in Lugano, an experience that blends storytelling, history and surprising locations. Inspired by similar projects seen in Solothurn and Basel, the tour was born from a desire to take theatre beyond the traditional stage and turn a guided visit into a travelling performance. Developed with the valuable contribution of the GuideSI association, the project was further supported by Lugano Region. The tour officially premiered in May 2012.
These tours create a wow effect: it's that memory people take home with them.
The route was shaped by carefully selecting some of the most iconic places in Lugano – sites rich in curious anecdotes and ties to local characters. With the help of a director, these stories were transformed into theatrical scenes, giving life to three distinct moments that unfold throughout the tour.
Over time, the tour has evolved to offer new inspiration for the actors themselves. One scene, originally staged in Via Nassa, was replaced with a stop at Palazzo Riva - a location usually closed to the public, which immediately captivated everyone and became part of the tour.
Palazzo Riva is a hidden gem and it opens its doors only for this experience, offering participants a rare and unforgettable treat.
The Unexpected Classic Tour is a unique combination of historical insights, theatrical storytelling, cultural discovery and moments of pure surprise.
Visitors often remember the city better thanks to the unexpected scenes.
"The actors appear when you least expect it during the tour, hence the name Unexpected Tour."
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The tour blends Italian and German with ease, occasionally adding English or French depending on the audience. Scenes alternate languages naturally, keeping the rhythm engaging. Interaction and improvisation are part of the show: unexpected moments often turn into spontaneous theatre, making each performance unique and memorable.
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