Ascona
Ascona is located in the south-east of Switzerland, in the Isole district of Locarno, in the canton of Ticino. Ascona lies on the north-western shore of Lago Maggiore, close to the Italian border and is the most expensive and prestigious resort in the canton. The locals call Ascona the true “pearl of Lake Maggiore”.
In the 1980s, a car tunnel was built under the hill Monte Verita to keep the ancient centre of Ascona away from the numerous transit and tourist vehicles.
The mild climate, sunny skies, fabulous landscapes and Lake Maggiore attract many tourists here at almost any time of the year. Ascona becomes most visited from spring to late autumn. The area where Ascona is located is one of the sunniest in Switzerland. There are 2300 hours of sunshine a year.
Ascona has everything you need for a good holiday: the best hotels in Switzerland, one of the oldest golf clubs in the country, elegant boutiques, a pedestrian promenade with cafés and cosy restaurants, museums and, of course, the Lido beach, one of the largest in the country.
DESCRIPTIONS
Cathedral of San Pietro e Paolo (Italian San Pietro e Paolo), early 17th century. The church is famous for its magnificent paintings by Giovanni Serodino, a native of Ascona. The 17th century artist was a pupil of Caravaggio himself.
The Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia (Italian: Santa Maria della Misericordia), early 16th century, is the church of St Mary. The church was built in 1399 and reconstructed in the XV century. Late Gothic frescoes on biblical subjects and a beautiful altar of the XVI century. Entrance is free.
Palazzo Casa Serodine (Italian: Casa Serodine) is a beautiful 17th century building. The façade is decorated with a rich sculptural decoration.
Papal College (Italian Collegio Papio), 1602.
The ruins of the Castle of San Materno (Italian San Materno). San Materno)
MUSEUMS
Museum of Monte Verita (Italian Monte Verita) comprises three museums with historical and local history exhibitions. The museums are open to the public from July to August every day except Monday from 14.30 to 18.00. The rest of the year from 15.00 to 19.00.
While in Ascona, be sure to visit the island of Brissago (Isole di Brissago, 20 km south of Ascona), which can be reached by boat from the Ascona seafront (journey time 15 minutes). The island has been open to visitors since 1950. The island fascinates with its amazing botanical garden. Thanks to its unusual climate, plants that are more typical of the subtropics grow here all year round: palms and camellias are mixed with spruces, pine trees and chestnuts. This distinguishes it from all other botanical gardens in Switzerland. The island is open to the public from April to October
Ascona hosts the famous “New Orleans” Jazz Festival
August, late to early September. For 3 weeks, Ascona hosts the “Settimane Musicali” music weeks. Orchestras perform at various venues, with a repertoire of mostly classical works.
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