Chiasso is a small town in the Sottoceneri, as the southern part of Ticino is also called. It is located directly on the Italian border between Lake Lugano and Lake Como. With seven palaces and several churches, Chiasso's townscape is protected as being of national importance. A theater, eight museums and several art galleries are located in the town, which also regularly hosts various festivals. These include a dance festival, a jazz festival and the Festival of World Music. In the immediate vicinity are the Muggio Valley, the Breggia Gorges and Monte Generoso.
