Ticino is republic and canton at the same time and the only one, which is Italian-speaking. 

It is located in the South of the Alps and was witness of the first victories of Hannibal against the Romans. 

The canton was the last conquered by the Swiss Confederation in the 16th century and was established, as we know it today, through uniting the former cantons Lugano and Bellinzona. 

Ticino is located near Milano and is the place of the third-impotant finance center, beside of Zurich and Geneva, of Switzerland is therefore an important hub for the fashion industry. Additionally, the biggest gold refinery is located in this canton, as well as the Castel San Pietro refinery, one of the market leaders in making bars of gold. 

The annual festival of International Films is taking place in Lugano since 1946, it is the eldest festivals in the world and the most important festival of Switzerland.