Cancello sul Lago di Lugano (Lake Lugano Iron Gate)

Cancello sul Lago di Lugano is a wrought iron gate standing right at the water's edge in Parco Ciani. This unique landmark with its intricate ironwork isn't actually a gate to anything but the lake. It dates back to the eighteenth century, salvaged from a demolished house in Mendrisio and set up here in the 1960s. A pebble mosaic compass star is laid into the ground in front, with a curved stone bench either side that all work together to create an amazing little photography gem tucked away in the park. There is lots of space to stand back on that mosaic and shoot centre your shot so the star points up into the gate. Through the bars you get rich turquoise water and Monte San Salvatore just off to the right. Adjusting your set up a few steps sideways and the pillars will frame the mountain perfectly. Ideally go at first light to have the gate all to yourself. This is a stop for most tourists to grab some quick phone photos so it's rarely empty the rest of the day. Midday puts the sun over the lake behind the gate, which flattens the ironwork into a silhouette. Parco Ciani is a public park and the gate sits right on the main shoreline path, so it is easy to access at any time of day. (Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland)