Ascona is one of the most charming places of Switzerland,that idyllic Swiss World Class destination situated on a superb lake,that resort very famous all around the globe,situated in the southern side of a wonderful country which despite its small size offers a multitude of beautiful cities and towns is undoubtedly a diamond,which conquered a big number of tourists with an International consolidation as one of the most demanded and also glamorous places to spend unforgettable stays.
Born as a peaceful Swiss village of fishermen,situated in a magnificent bay nestled between the mountains on the shores of that jewel called Lake Maggiore, the typical post-card of Ascona is still showing after centuries that captivating village on that waters basin which never its appeal.Surrounded by the mountains natural beauties of immense charm and with its picturesque coloured houses highlighting its centre,all that have definitely helped that magnificent place to reach its fame and prestige.
Its strategic position on a marvellous shore of that lake shared between Italy and Switzerland,its prestigious name and popularity with a large influx of visitors each year,a Mediterranean climate,excellent Hotels,the kind hospitality of the people of
the Canton of Ticino are all the ingredients which make it a famous and
classy holiday resort and it is not a case that famed and celebrated
artists as Paul Klee,Hermann Hesse and Rainer Maria Rilke considered that town as their second home.
Currently populated by 5,500 inhabitants,situated an altitude of 196,0 metres with a magnificent and unique lakeside waterfront and a more than captivating promenade,that centre immediately attracts the inspiration of everyone,if you add furthermore the presence of the silhouettes of majestic and towering mountains which crown that resort as a queen and the green,splendid local forests the picture of that place,it can deserve an Oscar of beauty.
At the beginning of the 19th century the town had only 150 inhabitants, but with the occupation of Italy by Napoleon Bonaparte,it became part of the Ligurian Republic,incorporated later in the Cisalpine Republic,it is from there when it started to be visited by several people increasing its notoriety.
The results were immediately great,the travellers who reached that fairytale place for many almost unknown as destination,were at first sight inspired and enchanted in front of such magnificent place and from there started a sort of automatic promotion.Ascona is one of those destination which transmits the visitor sensations,vibrations and emotions today as in the past and also for all that it is so special in its kind.
The town has had a development around its historical centre and today it offers a wide variety of exclusive boutiques, museums,art galleries and antique shops.The tourism escalation in modern times in terms of tourism flows had a very particular and peculiar history.
At the beginning of the 19th century the town had only 150 inhabitants, but with the occupation of Italy by Napoleon Bonaparte,it became part of the Ligurian Republic,incorporated later in the Cisalpine Republic,it is from there when it started to be visited by several people increasing its notoriety.
The results were immediately great,the travellers who reached that fairytale place for many almost unknown as destination,were at first sight inspired and enchanted in front of such magnificent place and from there started a sort of automatic promotion.Ascona is one of those destination which transmits the visitor sensations,vibrations and emotions today as in the past and also for all that it is so special in its kind.
The town has had a development around its historical centre and today it offers a wide variety of exclusive boutiques, museums,art galleries and antique shops.The tourism escalation in modern times in terms of tourism flows had a very particular and peculiar history.
It started to be a destination for bohemian thinkers,artists and hippies who in different periods found in that place for its peace and far from the urban rhythms of the big cities an ideal haven for their concepts and philosophies of life.After years it became a a peaceful and beautiful place to spend holidays for pensioners and at last a top class destination with VIPs flocking along the Swiss coast of Lake Maggiore visiting and spending pleasant times in that charming resort.
Thanks to the opening of a tunnel under the hills of Locarno which was a further engine to increase the tourism towards that resort with an easier access,the town had a transformation,a sort of little paradise with a large pedestrian zone,free traffic in its historic centre,a magnificent lakeside promenade with an unforgettable view,its stupendous natural bay ready to conquer the most exigent human eyes.
The origin of the name Ascona,could be Lombard or Celt. According to the historic Gotthard Wielich documentations,it was called Skugina or A skugina under Lombard rule which means stable.The recent history,however,tends to regard to a Celtic name Asc-Ona which means big pasture.
The oldest traces of human settlement of the town were found in the area of San Materno and San Michele, during archaeological explorations and excavations in the 50s, when were discovered about twenty graves and a cemetery of the period between the bronze and iron ages.
The oldest traces of human settlement of the town were found in the area of San Materno and San Michele, during archaeological explorations and excavations in the 50s, when were discovered about twenty graves and a cemetery of the period between the bronze and iron ages.
On the hill of San Michele furthermore were found during other archaeological researches conducted in the late 60s numerous fragments of pottery and other materials dated the Neolithic period. By that time it also assumed the origin of Balladrum,an ancient defencive settlement which served as protection for the population of the local area between the villages of Castelletto and Ronco with Schiona (another village) as centre and that former fort was probably of Celtic origin.
The presence of a Roman settlement located in the cemetery and some vestiges of a fortress are additional details confirming the historic importance of that territory in which were also developed a medieval castle and the Romanesque Church of St. Maternus as well and the further discovery of a Roman inscription in the Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo the parish Church dedicated to the Saints Peter and Paul, attest that the village was also inhabited by a relevant community in the first centuries after Christ.
Many other historical elements increased the value of Ascona and surroundings as a baptismal font preserved in the Church of the Saints Fabian and Sebastian dating back the Lombard and Carolingian periods with the sculptural fragments,the capitals and the tombs found in the same Church.
During the Middle Ages the historical events are closely linked to the community Ascona and Locarno (I also wrote a post about that other enchanting Swiss town).Some members of notable families of that centre, and Castelletto erected their houses in Ascona as the Orelli with Casa Orelli (Orelli House) and the Muralto with Casa Muralto (Muralto House).
In the year 1250 found refuge in the village two illustrious families from Milan,the Carcani and the Griglioni, fled from the Italian city escaping from the battles between the Guelph and Ghibelline and they built their castles on the lakeside of that unique place. Between the 15th and 16th century Ascona was a centre mainly composed by a middle class some emigrants returned from abroad and they became owners of small craft industries and between 1513 and 1798 the town and the Canton of Ticino were territories controlled by the Confederates.The activities in part of that two centuries and more were mainly related in master builders but also a good number of traders,lawyers and also doctors,that last profession started to be relevant in the 16th century and continued for generations.Despite those wealthy social classes,there were however in those centuries also periods of great hardship,characterised by plague and famine.
With the Confederate occupation grows,however,the strength of bourgeois and the local nobility gave that small town an aristocratic aspect,they spoke the landfogti language,something which makes them a reference point and liaison between the Confederate State and the local population.
Between the late 18th and the early 19th century also that peaceful village,as much of the land knew the struggles against the domination of the Swiss which culminate in the year 1803 with the proclamation of the Canton of Ticino.
Between the late 18th and the early 19th century also that peaceful village,as much of the land knew the struggles against the domination of the Swiss which culminate in the year 1803 with the proclamation of the Canton of Ticino.
Among the settlers in the next periods in the course of the local history there were revolutionaries, anarchists, philosophers, writers, poets, dancers and painters of international fame,who sought to achieve a cultural ideal and spiritual dimension.
The local culture reached its climax in the late 19th and early 20th century when a group of idealists,whose desire was to return to a natural way of life, founded a colony on the beautiful hillside,which was then called Monte Verita, the mountain of the Truth.
The local culture reached its climax in the late 19th and early 20th century when a group of idealists,whose desire was to return to a natural way of life, founded a colony on the beautiful hillside,which was then called Monte Verita, the mountain of the Truth.
It was a community of naturist,vegetarian and some with revolutionary ideas who visited the town with some of the most important artists and intellectuals of the 20th century,including Jung,Rilke,Remarque and in particular Hermann Hesse.
In the early 20th century,a Belgian businessman founded a colony called Utopian whose members renamed the Lake Maggiore with the name Balabiott (in Tessin dialect,it means dancing naked) and they used to dance naked in the fields of the pastures on the Monte Verita,which dominates the town.
That peculiar activity was for many as a place of mad people with very strange habits but they also developed cultural meetings where art and philosophy were protagonists,dreams and hopes were projected towards a better world and a better place starting from Ascona.
All that created on that mount was for desire of the members was a sort of challenge in a sort of message also directed to a society of that time which in many cases was linked to the most traditional and conservative schemes and styles rejecting possible future changes and not very related to a development of Bohemian movements,but Ascona also in presence of all that attracted new people who for interest or curiosity wanted to know more and live that reality.
Another important role in the development of the resort has been interpreted by the local Patrician who gave birth in 1928 to the renowned Golf Club Patriziale Ascona, now one of the best ever in Switzerland, and in recent times the Port of Ascona, with 274 berths for boats of various sizes which is another classy highlight.
In the early 20th century,a Belgian businessman founded a colony called Utopian whose members renamed the Lake Maggiore with the name Balabiott (in Tessin dialect,it means dancing naked) and they used to dance naked in the fields of the pastures on the Monte Verita,which dominates the town.
That peculiar activity was for many as a place of mad people with very strange habits but they also developed cultural meetings where art and philosophy were protagonists,dreams and hopes were projected towards a better world and a better place starting from Ascona.
All that created on that mount was for desire of the members was a sort of challenge in a sort of message also directed to a society of that time which in many cases was linked to the most traditional and conservative schemes and styles rejecting possible future changes and not very related to a development of Bohemian movements,but Ascona also in presence of all that attracted new people who for interest or curiosity wanted to know more and live that reality.
Another important role in the development of the resort has been interpreted by the local Patrician who gave birth in 1928 to the renowned Golf Club Patriziale Ascona, now one of the best ever in Switzerland, and in recent times the Port of Ascona, with 274 berths for boats of various sizes which is another classy highlight.
In recent times, thanks to the vision of Stefan Breuer an entrepreneur,Ivo Adam a trendy chef and a Philppe Fruttiger a Hotelier,Ascona started a new contemporary cycle,the profile changed and the town reinvented itself again.
Bars and trendy restaurants on the lake will show you that.The newest restaurants have particular names one is called Seven and could be located in any major world capital for design and cuisine.At the other end of the promenade there is another one called Seven Easy and in the historic centre there is a further called Seven Asia, a theme restaurant serving Oriental and also Seven,a nightclub design.
For some Ascona takes on a new momentum and adapt to new trends towards travellers,for others that group of entrepreneurs is destroying what the town was there are around all that disputes,controversial opinions and comments including to that number "7" used as name for those establishments.
The number seven as you know has many means since ancient time,religious,sacred,distinctive,object of philosophies and historic combinations, relations with the Imperial Rome as the the seven hills and the seven consular roads,also considered a perfect number,including it is a esoteric number,loved by the ancient Greeks and used in Babylon,while for the ancient Egyptian it means life and many other means.
Despite different opinions that number seven is present in Ascona as protagonist of those activities which are considered by many people trendy,in nouvelle and modern cuisine combining eclectic taste and flavours, special design and furniture in the interiors including artistic inspiration pf paintings and architecture and it is linked to something which wants to be perfect with that symbol "seven" indicating that.
Time goes by but Ascona continue to be cradle of new movements and ideas and considered always more than trendy and Avant-garde destination,always ready to the most innovative trends and one thing is certain also in its modern key it keeps its bohemian style and spirit,also for that it continues to be loved.
The centre of Ascona is arranged behind Via Lido which is its classic and idyllic lake promenade and its Golf Club Patriziale Ascona adjacent to the waterfront.Via Serodine and Via Pisoni are two important streets which starts from Via Lido and with the parallel Via Patriziale flanking the Golf Course crosses the core of the resort all reaching Via Muraccio which is one of the main arteries crossing the resort from west to east.Via Buonamano is another important street which directly leads to Locarno.
Bars and trendy restaurants on the lake will show you that.The newest restaurants have particular names one is called Seven and could be located in any major world capital for design and cuisine.At the other end of the promenade there is another one called Seven Easy and in the historic centre there is a further called Seven Asia, a theme restaurant serving Oriental and also Seven,a nightclub design.
For some Ascona takes on a new momentum and adapt to new trends towards travellers,for others that group of entrepreneurs is destroying what the town was there are around all that disputes,controversial opinions and comments including to that number "7" used as name for those establishments.
The number seven as you know has many means since ancient time,religious,sacred,distinctive,object of philosophies and historic combinations, relations with the Imperial Rome as the the seven hills and the seven consular roads,also considered a perfect number,including it is a esoteric number,loved by the ancient Greeks and used in Babylon,while for the ancient Egyptian it means life and many other means.
Despite different opinions that number seven is present in Ascona as protagonist of those activities which are considered by many people trendy,in nouvelle and modern cuisine combining eclectic taste and flavours, special design and furniture in the interiors including artistic inspiration pf paintings and architecture and it is linked to something which wants to be perfect with that symbol "seven" indicating that.
Time goes by but Ascona continue to be cradle of new movements and ideas and considered always more than trendy and Avant-garde destination,always ready to the most innovative trends and one thing is certain also in its modern key it keeps its bohemian style and spirit,also for that it continues to be loved.
The centre of Ascona is arranged behind Via Lido which is its classic and idyllic lake promenade and its Golf Club Patriziale Ascona adjacent to the waterfront.Via Serodine and Via Pisoni are two important streets which starts from Via Lido and with the parallel Via Patriziale flanking the Golf Course crosses the core of the resort all reaching Via Muraccio which is one of the main arteries crossing the resort from west to east.Via Buonamano is another important street which directly leads to Locarno.
The town has much to offer in terms of tourism.Its artistic and cultural heritage, dating from the Middle Ages and developed furthermore in the Renaissance era gave that centre an important historical patrimony.
The old town converges towards the main square and along the lakeside walkway.On the dock lake,there are some classic patrician houses,with majestic arches and splendid chic cafe terraces.
Via Lido,the waterfront and the lakeside promenade with thee local charming harbour are definitely something unique the views are superb on that magic promontory,the horizon and the panoramic coastline with the image of the opposite shore of that superb lake immediately show the idyllic scenery surrounding Ascona,the Lake Maggiore is a pearl in every corner and it is the image,essence and soul of the town in all its beauty all year.
The old part is called Borgo in which several buildings of the historic Ascona were erected as the Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo the Church dedicated to St.Peter and Paul,a beautiful religious building with a steeple and a 16th century colonnade,it is a great architectonic masterpiece and a true local symbol.
The old town converges towards the main square and along the lakeside walkway.On the dock lake,there are some classic patrician houses,with majestic arches and splendid chic cafe terraces.
Via Lido,the waterfront and the lakeside promenade with thee local charming harbour are definitely something unique the views are superb on that magic promontory,the horizon and the panoramic coastline with the image of the opposite shore of that superb lake immediately show the idyllic scenery surrounding Ascona,the Lake Maggiore is a pearl in every corner and it is the image,essence and soul of the town in all its beauty all year.
The old part is called Borgo in which several buildings of the historic Ascona were erected as the Chiesa di San Pietro e Paolo the Church dedicated to St.Peter and Paul,a beautiful religious building with a steeple and a 16th century colonnade,it is a great architectonic masterpiece and a true local symbol.
The Church is a basilica with a learning tower which has on its south side the stoned Coat of Arms of Ascona. South of the apse of the slender bell tower with an octagonal structure which would serve as a model to the architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni for the tower of the Cathedral of St. Ursus and Victor in Solothurn.The main facade is adorned with statues of Saints and the southern section was rebuilt in the year 1860 in Neo Gothic style designed by the architect Francesco Galli.
The Architect Giovanni Beretta Brissago.in the 16th century enlarged the Church giving more importance to the southern doorway which is dated the year 1525.The building consists in three oriented naves,four pairs of columns and two half columns which separate the eastern and western sides of the aisles from the central square which ends with a polygonal choir.
The nave is covered by a wooden ceiling added in the year 1948 and you can admire several relevant works by distinguished masters such as Serodine and many others mainly of Lombard School.
The Architect Giovanni Beretta Brissago.in the 16th century enlarged the Church giving more importance to the southern doorway which is dated the year 1525.The building consists in three oriented naves,four pairs of columns and two half columns which separate the eastern and western sides of the aisles from the central square which ends with a polygonal choir.
The nave is covered by a wooden ceiling added in the year 1948 and you can admire several relevant works by distinguished masters such as Serodine and many others mainly of Lombard School.
The Municipio the Town Hall is situated in the square Piazza San Pietro.It is a large palace built in the year 1580 by Bartolomeo Papio, founder of the college,after his return from Rome in 1564 and transferred to that building his Roman inspirations,retaining the original parties in the front porch on the lakeside.
Casa Zenna (Zenna House) situated near the Town Hall is a construction dated the 16th century formed by three bodies arranged around a courtyard and a splendid loggia.Worth also a look Casa Vacchini (Vacchini House),a building dated the 17th century,as the previous with a charming loggia with double arches and floor and windows decorated with graffiti.
Casa Zenna (Zenna House) situated near the Town Hall is a construction dated the 16th century formed by three bodies arranged around a courtyard and a splendid loggia.Worth also a look Casa Vacchini (Vacchini House),a building dated the 17th century,as the previous with a charming loggia with double arches and floor and windows decorated with graffiti.
The famous Collegio Pontificio Papio off the street via Cappelle is definitely one of the great historical attractions of Ascona.Known as well as College of Santa Maria della Misericordia, it is one of the most beautiful and famous local buildings named in Honor of Bartolomeo Papio,that private school owned by the Diocese of Lugano is a Roman Catholic school based in centuries-old origins of Ascona.
Founded in 1584 through a bequest of Papio and designed by architects of the famed Cardinal Charles Borromeo,it was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. The work of the new building, along the south side of the Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia, lasted from 1585 to 1620 approximately.
According to historic documents,the design was a work by the famed architect Pellegrino Tibaldi.That magnificent college has one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards of Switzerland and two-story Italianate loggias,an architectonic example unique in all the country and considered a gem for its very stylish creative shape considering the period of construction.
According to historic documents,the design was a work by the famed architect Pellegrino Tibaldi.That magnificent college has one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards of Switzerland and two-story Italianate loggias,an architectonic example unique in all the country and considered a gem for its very stylish creative shape considering the period of construction.
The Church Chiesa di Santa Maria della Misericordia is a Religious construction very famous, relevant part of the local artistic patrimony.With its Gothic style preserved since the 15th century,it is a large building has a wide nave ending with a square choir, built between the years 1399 and 1442.
.In addition to that beautiful structure,it keeps one of the largest cycles of late Gothic frescoes in Switzerland.Simply magnificent are the images of the 16th century,as the Immaculate Virgin which is one of the most notable masterpieces of the entire Canton.
.In addition to that beautiful structure,it keeps one of the largest cycles of late Gothic frescoes in Switzerland.Simply magnificent are the images of the 16th century,as the Immaculate Virgin which is one of the most notable masterpieces of the entire Canton.
Many artists who lived in Ascona from the 17th century left clear evidence of their talent, the most famous works is the baroque Casa Serodine.Casa Serodine is also known as Casa Borrani situated off Piazza Motta (Motta square).It was erected in the year 1620 and it has one of the most richly embellished facades of any secular structure in the country.Considered a jewel in its kind it is one of the most appreciated artistic works in the entire town with a magnificent facade without equals in that style and one of the most photographed places in the town.
In the upper string section are depicted :Stories of the Original Sin and the Expulsion from Eden,the sin of David and Nathan the prophet denounces.In the frieze below are visible allegorical figures may refer Age man.The pediments of the openings of the floor are crowned with tableaux depicting the Virgin Mary and Child flanked by two angels and by Adam and Eve,David and Bathsheba echoing the figures of Michelangelo's Medici tombs in Florence.
In the upper string section are depicted :Stories of the Original Sin and the Expulsion from Eden,the sin of David and Nathan the prophet denounces.In the frieze below are visible allegorical figures may refer Age man.The pediments of the openings of the floor are crowned with tableaux depicting the Virgin Mary and Child flanked by two angels and by Adam and Eve,David and Bathsheba echoing the figures of Michelangelo's Medici tombs in Florence.
In the Castello Ghiriglioni (Ghiriglioni Castle), built in the 13th century,exacrly in the year 1250 if you love contemporary art you can visit the Museo Comunale d'Arte Moderna,(Museum of Modern Art), which has both changing exhibitions of modern art and a permanent collection,the latter including notable works by some famed masters such as Klee,Utrillo,Jawlensky and Werefkin.
The famous Lido Casino Kursaal,despite its architecture is also a local landmark.It is a rationalist building developed by the architect Otto Zollinger built in the 30s, the pavilion is open on a large rectangular terrace resting on a base which contains the cabins,and it was refitted in 2003 by Charles Button.For many people it is a structure in total contrast with the rest of the town but it is a relevant symbol for the glamorous life present in the resort so accepted as it is.
The Monte Veritá (the Truth Mount) is definitely another highlight.At the beginning of the 20th century was founded there by Ida Hoffmann and Henri Oedenkoven the Sanatorium of Monte Veritá a colony on Monescia hill which consisted of a community marked by a system of alternative life who sought a return to nature and professed a vegetarian diet long exposure to sun,naturism and adherence to the theosophical philosophy,the southern outpost of the movement of Lebens reform.
The property was purchased in 1926 by the Baron Eduard von der Heydt,who left as a donation to the Canton of Ticino owner since 1964.The houses Selma,Aida and Russia are extant examples of so-called light-air huts,very spartan wooden building erected in the years 1901 and 1902.
Casa Anatta was designed by Anatta Oedenkoven and built in 1904,the clear massing of the exterior features a terrace and a flat roof contrasting with the interior marked by curved lines and organic matrix of liberty style.Casa Anselmo is a construction in Art Nouveau enlarged by Livio Vacchini in the year 1971.
The Hotel Monte Verita which is the former seminar centre is also used as a nursing home.It was built in the year 1926 by Emil Fahrenkamp for the Baron Eduard von der Heidt as place of the central House.Considered the greatest example of modern architecture in the Canton of Ticino,the building features essential forms and linear large windows, floors,roofs and the the large terrace which wraps around the floor.
That building was renovated in different occasions,the first was in the year 1970 and also in the years 1990 and 1991 with the addition of the wing with the restaurant and auditorium by Livio Vacchini. It houses a collection of works of art from the 16th to the 20th century property of the Baron von der Heid.
That building was renovated in different occasions,the first was in the year 1970 and also in the years 1990 and 1991 with the addition of the wing with the restaurant and auditorium by Livio Vacchini. It houses a collection of works of art from the 16th to the 20th century property of the Baron von der Heid.
Villa Tula on the path of Roccolo is a single family house built between the years 1960 and 1961 by the Austrian architect Richard Neutra but American by adoption.It is arranged on two levels and it is characterised by the continuity of space and reveals the sensitivity of the designer for the environment setting of the buildings.
The house Schulthess also called Andrea Christopher House was erected in the year 1931 by Carl Maria Weidemeyer Schulthess.It is recognisable for its characteristic outside staircase with two flights,it has undergone heavy transformations with the raising of a plan and the addition of bodies of enlargement.
Ascona offers a multitude of outdoor activities sports lovers can enjoy windsurfing and sailing on the lake, the adventurous can explore many places in the surrounding valley,another brilliant option is to enjoy a big cruise on Lake Maggiore.
The famous Golf Club Patriziale 18 hole golf course,luxury Hotels,the beautiful charming square, the lakefront and the many historical and artistic captivating places are undoubtedly all together a wonderful scenery.
The famous Golf Club Patriziale 18 hole golf course,luxury Hotels,the beautiful charming square, the lakefront and the many historical and artistic captivating places are undoubtedly all together a wonderful scenery.
There are many beautiful excursions to enjoy in proximity of Ascona.You can discover the beautiful natural landscapes of the Vallemaggia,a valley with paths leading to many picturesque different mountains and small lakes embraced by a rich flora and forests.
Another brilliant one is the Cento Valli (the Hundred Valleys), located between Locarno and the Italian city of Domodossola,characterised by deep gorges and rugged mountains,waterfalls,chestnut forests and traditional villages of farmers,all the surroundings are simply idyllic.
Another brilliant one is the Cento Valli (the Hundred Valleys), located between Locarno and the Italian city of Domodossola,characterised by deep gorges and rugged mountains,waterfalls,chestnut forests and traditional villages of farmers,all the surroundings are simply idyllic.
A further very suggested visit is sailing on the lake and enjoying a stop on the island of Brissago,where the mild climate makes it possible to prosper over 1500 species of plants, a botanical garden containing Mediterranean and subtropical flora.The gardens can be reached by boat from the harbour of Ascona as well as from other lake resorts.
Ronco sopra Ascona is another great place,easily accessible,well known as the balcony of Lake Maggiore enjoying an unrivalled view of the lake and marvellous mountains.You can also visit the little village of Ronco along the road on the west,a very Mediterranean-type village located on a slope in one of the most charming settings in all of the Canton. Erich Maria Remarque, the German author of All Quiet on the Western Front, lived there and he is buried in the cemetery next to the local small Church.
Chosen by thousands of artists in the world for a weekend residence or a vacation to escape from the routine,Ascona is a peaceful destination,ideal also for family living in contact with the Swiss culture,fishing and the quiet life or to enjoy many events and festivals too.
That charming hosts many important cultural events, including Ascona Jazz which is one of the most famous jazz festivals known worldwide.From late June to early July that event is dedicated to the world of Jazz and the city of New Orleans,a major event which attracts the attention of the country and thousands of fans.
That charming hosts many important cultural events, including Ascona Jazz which is one of the most famous jazz festivals known worldwide.From late June to early July that event is dedicated to the world of Jazz and the city of New Orleans,a major event which attracts the attention of the country and thousands of fans.
In the same month is also celebrated in Ascona the International Festival of Street Artists and at the end of August,a new musical event, the Music Weeks of Ascona which last usually until October,that one is the largest classical music festival in Switzerland celebrated each year.That famed Swiss resort also invites lovers of horse racing at the International Equestrian Competition CSI Ascona an event with participants from all around the world.
Another great appointment is the Carnival of Ascona in February,a fantastic,lively and vibrant event,masks and a tasting of risotto and luganighe (local sausages typical of the Canton of Ticino,Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino) and fine wine.In October the Chestnut Festival offers the best of autumn season,an event accompanied by folk music from Canton Ticino.
Another great appointment is the Carnival of Ascona in February,a fantastic,lively and vibrant event,masks and a tasting of risotto and luganighe (local sausages typical of the Canton of Ticino,Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino) and fine wine.In October the Chestnut Festival offers the best of autumn season,an event accompanied by folk music from Canton Ticino.
Ascona increasing its prestige also in other areas,including the famous World of Football,because it is the place where was concentrated the German football team during the last Euro 2008 chosen by the German Football Federation for its relaxing atmosphere,very comfortable structures and facilities.
All that apart the historic past and beloved place of Klee and other famous German artists has drawn the attention of several young German tourists who have inserted the name of Ascona in many of their itineraries across Europe.
All that apart the historic past and beloved place of Klee and other famous German artists has drawn the attention of several young German tourists who have inserted the name of Ascona in many of their itineraries across Europe.
To enjoy the best dishes of Ascona you can visit the Seven Easy lovely traditional inn for outdoor eating all kinds of local plates such as grilled meats,artisan cheeses and enjoying a wide selection of fine wines.Also excellent is the restaurant Locanda De´ Ghiriglioni with Mediterranean specialities and beautiful view overlooking the lake.
The local cuisine offers some traditional plates of the lake as Pesce Persico and Alborelle fish,cooked in different ways and also the Pesce in Carpione,a recipe of old tradition where the fish is marinated,fried and flavoured with parsley,herbs and lemon.
Risotto is another speciality prepared in different styles,with sausages,mushrooms,cheeses,herbs,the Polenta is also present in the local gastronomy accompanying the traditional sausages Luganeghe,the Brasato and Spezzatini( beef stews) including with funghi trifolati mushorooms in sauce,tomatoes,garlic and onion and naturally also cooked with with the excellent Swiss cheese.
The Zuppa di Zucca is an energetic pumpkin soup very traditional in the Canton which also produce excellent Salami homemade and a local tastefully Mortadella which is present in starters but also combined with risotto.Among the most relevant cheeses worth a mention some local Caprino (goat cheese),Stella Alpina,Grottino,Pressato and the famed and esquisite Formaggelle next to the more than popular Zincarlin.
The local cuisine offers some traditional plates of the lake as Pesce Persico and Alborelle fish,cooked in different ways and also the Pesce in Carpione,a recipe of old tradition where the fish is marinated,fried and flavoured with parsley,herbs and lemon.
Risotto is another speciality prepared in different styles,with sausages,mushrooms,cheeses,herbs,the Polenta is also present in the local gastronomy accompanying the traditional sausages Luganeghe,the Brasato and Spezzatini( beef stews) including with funghi trifolati mushorooms in sauce,tomatoes,garlic and onion and naturally also cooked with with the excellent Swiss cheese.
The Zuppa di Zucca is an energetic pumpkin soup very traditional in the Canton which also produce excellent Salami homemade and a local tastefully Mortadella which is present in starters but also combined with risotto.Among the most relevant cheeses worth a mention some local Caprino (goat cheese),Stella Alpina,Grottino,Pressato and the famed and esquisite Formaggelle next to the more than popular Zincarlin.
About nighlife the resort offers some likable places to enjoy such as the The Piper a famous venue with live music,but also Disco Bar Mad Wallstreet,Monroe Disco and Happyville are other places to live vibrant nights.
It is not difficult to reach Ascona.The nearest airport is Lugano-Agno,well served by many European cities and beyond, from which you can take public transports.By train you can reach Bellinzona and Locarno, or by bus you can go directly from those cities Ascona while the International Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy is only 1 hour away so it can be another very valid option.
Ascona is one of the most loved and most exclusive tourist destinations in Switzerland,a place where there is practically possible everything about tourism,leisure and outdoor activities in addition the chance to enjoy a vast cultural calendar which makes that resort a World Class Destination.
Away from noise and stress that resort is a place with excellent accommodations,elegant boutiques for shopping, a large welcoming Lido, beautiful walks in parks,a picturesque,romantic old centre,the view of the magnificent and superb Lake Maggiore,Ascona is a very idyllic place,so captivating and tempting at first sight.
There is a million of reasons to visit that enchanting resort which will leave you,many stupendous images in your best memories.
Away from noise and stress that resort is a place with excellent accommodations,elegant boutiques for shopping, a large welcoming Lido, beautiful walks in parks,a picturesque,romantic old centre,the view of the magnificent and superb Lake Maggiore,Ascona is a very idyllic place,so captivating and tempting at first sight.
There is a million of reasons to visit that enchanting resort which will leave you,many stupendous images in your best memories.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Ascona
Romantik Hotel Castello Seeschloss
Parkhotel Delta
Hotel Eden Roc
Hotel Michelangelo
I suggest Ascona for all people wants to enjoy one of the best and charming small Swiss towns,
ReplyDeleteit is a class destination with glamour and charm on the shores of the beautiful Lake Maggiore,
simply walking in its street en every season is magic,further more in a fly & drive with arrival to Milan or Lugano you have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic tour of the Lake visiting both coasts,the Swiss and Lombard coasts and the Pidmont coasts until Stresa and Baveno,enjoying the cruise of the Borromeo Islands and excellent excursions to the Mottatone mountain a balcony in front of the Alps and much much more.Do not hesitate to contact me about everything you need.
Kind regards
Francesco