History

In the early 1960s, a significant area of Pambio-Noranco, part of Lugano since 2004, was occupied by the construction of the highway, dividing the district into two parts.

There are no historical references or legends that shed light on the origins of Pambio and Noranco. However, they undoubtedly date back to ancient times, as suggested by their names. The two settlements arose in sunny locations, nestled against the Collina d’Oro and sheltered from the northern winds.

Until 1888, Noranco and Pambio were part of a consortium of four municipalities along with Calprino (now Paradiso) and Pazzallo. When the consortium was dissolved, the citizens of Pambio and Noranco felt the need to unite to address common issues. During the Municipal assemblies held on 4 September 1904, the new municipal regulations were approved.

The coat of arms

The Armoriale dei Comuni ticinesi by Gastone Cambin, published in 1953 by the Istituto Araldico e Genealogico di Lugano, describes the coat of arms of Pambio-Noranco as follows: "Divided: green with a silver turnip with golden leaves, and silver with a green frog."

The coat of arms symbolizes the two former municipalities of Pambio and Noranco, which united in 1904. According to tradition, the inhabitants of Pambio were nicknamed Bordon (turnips) for the abundant harvest of edible turnips in the area, and the inhabitants of Noranco were called Ran (frogs) due to the presence of frogs and tree frogs in the reeds near the village.