Lugano is an Italian-speaking city in southern Switzerland, in the Ticino region. Its mix of Swiss and Mediterranean culture is very close to that of the Lombardy region in northern Italy. This mixture is reflected in both the architecture and the cuisine. The city is located on the north shore of Lake Lugano, of glacial origin and surrounded by mountains. The main square, Piazza della Riforma, is surrounded by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings.