Living La Dolce Vita

2,300 hours of sunshine per year and a church established after an appearance of the Virgin Mary – this is Locarno town within Canton Ticino, the warmest region in Switzerland. The urban landscape of cars filling up the streets as peak hour approached, people milling about on the pavements and an orderly chaos in the train station is vastly different from the still and quiet nature we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the past week. Locarno is the prime example of Ticino, with its palm trees lining the roads accompanied by an Alpine hinterland and a plethora of buildings, both ancient and modern.

Madonna del Sasso, the pilgrimage church, is the most noticeable landmark of Locarno, as it seems to float about the town when viewed from a distance. The church was consecrated in 1487 on the spot where the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared to Brother Bartolomeo da Ivrea from the San Francesco monastery. It remains one of the most important religious and historical sites in the canton of Ticino and many locals choose to walk up from the city centre instead of opting for the funicular. Restoration took place in 2012 but statues have been replaced with new ones. From the corridors of the chapel, we have a stunning bird’s eye view of the city, lake and mountain range. I may be back in the city but I feel at peace in the chapel adorned with beautiful frescoes.

Before the 1950s, Cardada and Cimetta were destinations for winter sport enthusiasts, who ascended the mountain on foot while carrying their skis. Then, between 1951 and 1965, ski lifts were built to entice more skiers onto the slopes. Together with the cableway that began in December 1953, tourism began to flourish with the help of restaurant and cabin openings in the vicinity. Since then, the cableway has been renovated extensively to meet the needs of affluent visitors and the latest one is a panoramic teardrop shaped cableway. Nowadays, the mountains remain a simple but popular getaway to nature throughout the whole year.

Cardada is distinguished for its magnificent viewpoints but in summer seasons, it is also great for camping and children activities. Cimetta, on the other hand, showcases Lake Maggiore Basin from the scenic promontory and the geological observatory on a clear day. In winter, the area is a desirable skiing destination for locals due to its close accessibility. It’s also popular with those who trek, bike and even paraglide.

Where to Stay

A short drive away from Locarno is Ascona, the lowest lying town in Switzerland. Its mild climate, old town, lake promenade and Latin-ambient street cafes are just some of the reasons why it is so well received. Hotel Ascovilla is a four-star accommodation that comes complete with five-star hospitality services. The hotel resembles a bungalow and its hospitality makes it seem like you’re staying over at a friend’s place than a cold and rigid hotel. Apart from its homeliness and modern contemporary designs, the hotel includes facilities like a heated outdoor pool and complimentary use of bicycles for easy exploration of Ascona; the lake is just a five-minute bike ride away. Don’t forget to pack bathing suits for the summer!