After Italian unification in 1861, all land west of Lake Lugano and half of the lake were given to Switzerland so that Swiss trade and transport would not have to pass through Italy.
Pärast Itaalia ühinemist aastal 1861 anti kõik Lugano järvest lääne pool asuvad maad ja pool järve Šveitsile, et Šveitsi kaubandus ja transport ei peaks läbima Itaaliat.