- Lugano, Switzerland, has integrated Polygon into its MyLugano crypto payment app, enhancing its cryptocurrency capabilities.
- The city is launching an NFT collection based on local art, including a Yuri Catania mural demonstrating its commitment to blockchain technology.
The Swiss city of Lugano has significantly enhanced its cryptocurrency payment capabilities by integrating Polygon into its municipal crypto payment application, MyLugano. This strategic integration, announced on November 22nd by Polygon Labs, marks a pivotal step in Lugano’s journey to become a global blockchain hub. The upgraded MyLugano app now boasts multichain digital wallets, supporting an array of cryptocurrencies with plans for continuous expansion.
Lugano’s relationship with Polygon is not new. Since at least 2022, Lugano has been utilizing Polygon’s infrastructure for its LVGA stablecoin, previously relying on Ethereum’s scaling platform. This transition to a broader integration signifies Lugano’s unwavering commitment to fostering a cutting-edge blockchain environment.
This ambition is further illustrated by the city’s launch of a unique non-fungible token (NFT) collection featuring prominent local artwork. They include a massive 40-meter mural by artist Yuri Catania, to be minted on the Polygon network.
Since its 2021 inception in collaboration with Tether’s stablecoin, MyLugano has witnessed remarkable adoption, boasting approximately 30,000 regular users. Nearly half of the city’s residents leverage the app for crypto transactions, signifying a substantial shift towards decentralized technology in everyday life. The app allows users to conduct various transactions, including payments to local businesses, thereby positioning Lugano as a real-world testing ground for decentralized tech integration.
Expanding the Crypto Ecosystem
Lugano isn’t just stopping to enhance payment platforms; the city is ambitiously venturing into the NFT domain. Partnering with Lugano Living Lab, the city is preparing to unveil its first NFT collection featuring LVGA/XY Flowers, a digital artwork by Yuri Catania. This artwork, created using the paste-up technique, is set to gradually fade away, representing the transient nature of art and technology. Spanning 40 meters and located on the Palazzo dei Congressi, the artwork’s creation involved hundreds of participants, symbolizing community collaboration in the digital age.
Lugano’s efforts extend beyond mere technological advancement; they reflect a desire to redefine the city as Europe’s blockchain capital. Plans are underway to enable Bitcoin, USDT, and the city’s LVGA stablecoin payments for taxes, parking tickets, public services, and tuition fees. This forward-thinking approach is about adopting new technologies and paving the way for cryptocurrencies to gain legal tender status in Lugano.
Contextualizing Lugano’s Crypto Journey
Lugano’s cryptocurrency usage and blockchain technology advancements are noteworthy within the broader Swiss context. While Lugano forges ahead with its plans, other Swiss cities like Zug and Zermatt are already allowing residents to pay taxes using selected cryptocurrencies. This trend underscores Switzerland’s emerging role as a leader in embracing and regulating digital assets, with Lugano at the forefront of this transformative wave.
Lugano’s integration of Polygon into its municipal payment app and its venture into NFTs underscores its commitment to leading blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation. With a growing user base and diverse applications, Lugano stands as a model for other cities exploring the integration of digital currencies into everyday life. This progressive stance solidifies Lugano’s position as a potential blockchain hub in Europe.
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