The Swiss resort town of Ascona is located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino and is known for its beautiful cityscape and unique location. Ascona gained worldwide fame thanks to the Monte Verità artists' colony, which was home to numerous significant personalities at the beginning of the 20th century.
Table of contents
Ascona is located on the shore of Lake Maggiore and is considered one of the most beautiful municipalities in Switzerland. Especially in the summer months, it attracts visitors from all over the world when the jazz festival is in full swing. The lakeside promenade is regarded as the most beautiful strolling area on Lake Maggiore and impresses with its vibrant activity. A trip to Monte Verità above Ascona is worthwhile, where Europe's bohemians gathered over a century ago.
The construction of the church began in the year 1399 and lasted until the year 1442. Almost half a century later, the tall tower was erected, which remains in its original condition to this day. Several restorations have only slightly altered the structure. Inside, the altar and the frescoes on the ceiling are considered the greatest highlights. Be sure to look at the fresco of the Madonna of the Protective Mantle above the entrance, which was created by a student of da Vinci.
Monte Verità developed into a meeting place for dropouts, artists, and writers. Among the visitors to the artist colony were Hermann Hesse and Erich Maria Remarque. The core of the spiritual place was the Casa Anatta. Today, the rustic wooden house serves as the center of the museum complex on Monte Verità . On the famous hill is Europe's only tea plantation. Since 2005, green tea has been picked here, which can be enjoyed in the tea house Casa del Tè Loreley.
The Casa Serodine is named after the stucco artist and painter Giovanni Battista Serodine, who designed the facade together with his brother. In the center is a Madonna with child, with Adam and Eve visible on the right and left. The Casa Serodine has a close history with Monte Verità and the literary scene of Ticino. Today, the house is part of the Museum of Modern Art. Since 1946, there has been an antiquarian bookshop in the house.
The Collegio Papio is open not only to students but also to visitors. Various language courses are offered here, where you can learn Italian and even stay on campus. They are mainly intended for young people. The building itself impresses with its Renaissance architecture. Particularly worth seeing is the courtyard with its Mediterranean plant life and the imposing archways. Within a few minutes on foot, you can reach the picturesque shore of Lake Maggiore.
The evergreen vegetation makes the Isole di Brissago a popular excursion destination all year round. You can best reach the picturesque island by boat from Ascona, and thanks to the short distance, you can even go by canoe or kayak. The numerous honey palms, which thrive excellently in the Mediterranean climate, are famous in the Botanical Garden. Also, take a look at the many subtropical plant species in the garden, with plants from all continents being at home here.
The Museo Epper in Ascona was founded in 1980. It is dedicated to the work of the artist Ignaz Epper, one of the most important representatives of Swiss Impressionism. Ignaz Epper lived in the villa on Via Albarelle with his wife Mischa, who was also an artist.
The Church of San Michele rises on a hill above Ascona in the canton of Ticino. It was built in the mid-17th century on the foundations of the old Castello San Michele. From here, visitors are offered a magnificent view over the lakeside promenade of Lake Maggiore.
The Casa Serodine Museum in Ascona is housed in a 16th-century palazzo. As part of the Museo Comunale d'Arte Moderna di Ascona, it showcases contemporary art. The Casa Serodine is closely linked to the literary history of Ticino. Since 1946, it has also been home to the antiquarian bookshop Libreria della Rondine.
An inspiring outdoor art trail winds through Ascona, on the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore in the Swiss canton of Ticino, showcasing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary sculptures by various artists. These artistic works are harmoniously placed in Ascona's charming natural and urban landscape, offering walkers a unique opportunity to discover the city from an artistic perspective while combining the pleasure of a leisurely stroll with the fascination for creative artistic expressions.
Ascona on the northern shore of the famous Lake Maggiore in the sun-drenched Swiss canton of Ticino offers all the facets of an eventful city trip. Naturally, on the first day, you take a sightseeing tour in the car-free historic town center with its charming alleys and courtyards. Rest on the Piazza Giuseppe Motta with a cappuccino and watch the colorful hustle and bustle on the square. Your gaze drifts to the tall campanile of the Church of Pietro e Paolo, the landmark of Ascona. The altarpiece of the Coronation of the Virgin in the basilica will delight lovers of sacred art. The late Gothic fresco cycle of the nearby Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia is also part of it. Artistic stucco facades adorn the three-story Casa Serodine from 1620. Regular temporary exhibitions are held on the upper floor of the house. In the evening, a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade with its brightly painted houses is recommended. This is considered the most beautiful on Lake Maggiore. Try a delicious fish dish in one of the restaurants here.
Start your second day in Ascona by visiting the Materno Castle on Via Losone. Here, the canons of Milan once spent their summer retreats. The lovingly restored castle's impressive highlights include the Romanesque chapel in the courtyard with a 12th-century fresco and the figure of Christ with a halo. The castle houses a modern exhibition of renowned works from the German-speaking region. The charming surrounding botanical park with its roses, magnolias, citrus trees, and palms invites you for a stroll. A trip to the local mountain Monte Verità on the eastern outskirts of the city is especially worthwhile for the breathtaking view over the lake. Here, personalities from politics and culture once gathered. The current museum complex and conference center host popular events on art, literature, and music annually. Guided hikes from Monte Verità to the summit of Balladrum and to the Madonna della Fontana spring are a great experience.
Not only impressive culture and Mediterranean nature await you in Ascona. Families also enjoy well-maintained bathing spots like the popular beach right next to the expansive golf course. By the third day at the latest, extensive swimming and relaxing are on the agenda. In the lake, a three-meter tower and an almost 100-meter-long slide entice visitors. Those who wish can zoom across the lake on a banana boat. A boat trip to the nearby Brissago Islands with their subtropical climate is also a special experience. Discover the village of the same name, which winds up steep mountain slopes and is an oasis of tranquility among lemons and oranges. Or explore the Brissago Botanical Garden. With its approximately 2,000 plant species from various continents, it is considered the most beautiful garden in Switzerland. If you are in Ascona at the end of June and a jazz fan, the ten-day JazzAscona jazz festival offers a true treat. International top performers of the genre give impressive samples of their skills.