Ascona. Even the name conjures up images of exotic far flung places, places where you can sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Places where flowers bloom, where the temperature is mild, and where the people are friendly, and the culture is full and rich. If this is what you think about when you hear about Ascona, you are not far wrong in your guess. Although Ascona is found within the borders of Switzerland, the town is the lowest point above sea level within the entire country. It hugs the shores of Lake Maggiore, the longest of the Italian Lakes.
If you are wondering how Lake Maggiore could be part of the Swiss landscape, trouble yourself no further; this lake extends approximately thirteen kilometers into the borders of Switzerland, around which the town of Ascona lies. This accounts for the almost year round Mediterranean climate of Ascona, which in turn contributes to the beautiful gardens and exotic flora found in the area.
However, it is not only for its Mediterranean climate and scenic beauty that Ascona is famous. In the beginnings of the 20th century, an extraordinary event took place when artists of all types came together to settle on the Monte Verità, just above the village of Asona.
These artists then proceeded to expound the benefits of returning to nature. Naturally this idea took hold in the thoughts and minds of others and the colony above Monte Verità became one that held not only artists, but also philosophers, writers, revolutionaries, anarchists, poets, dancers and most of all, dreamers. Indeed some well recognized persons have stayed there, such as the writer Hermann Hesse, psychoanalyst Karl Jung, Marianne von Werefkin the artist, dancer Mary Wigman and expressionist playwright Ernst Toller to name but a few.
All this fascinating history aside, you will find that there is a positive deluge of things to do while you are in Ascona, starting from the old town center of Borgo. The old town center was built up around the church of San Pietro e Paolo. The high bell tower of this church is the symbol of Ascona, making it well worth a visit here.
There is also a maze of streets and alleyways winding through town, where you will find an absolute shower of interesting stores to browse around in. Even if you do nothing else, just rambling through these alleyways is a pleasure in itself. You will also find as you wander through these, that like the old saying, “All roads lead to Rome”, that all alleyways lead somehow or other to the Piazza by the lakeside promenade. The promenade is in itself one of the best places for you to spend some time, as it gives the best view of the lake.
If you have time, you should also try and make it to the Borromean Islands. Three islands, Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre, the first of which is renowned for its gardens and baroque palace, the second of which is known for its laid back ‘fishing’ lifestyle, and the third which is known for its beautiful gardens.
Head on over to the Brissago Islands and you will be enchanted by a botanical reserve which holds more than 1500 different plant species, not to mention peacocks nestled amongst the flora here.
There is so much to discover in Ascona that it almost becomes difficult to unearth the true beauty of this town, but come to Ascona and discover for yourself the wonders that nature has to offer – you won’t be disappointed.
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