Locarno, the Lady of the Camellias. Famous for its climate, the mildest in Switzerland, with around 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, and for its International Film Festival, which takes place in August, Locarno is a small town which has spread over the wide delta of the river Maggia. The sunny banks of Lake Maggiore, the Mediterranean flora in its parks, the entirely Italian charm of the centre, and the various opportunities for relaxation, as well as a wide range of hotels are all an invitation to stay. Dominated by the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso and lying at the foot of majestic green valleys which from the lake lead up to the glaciers; Locarno has been an important tourist destination for over a century. Locarno is a starting point for many excursions up the valleys or around the lake, and it is also a beach resort, particularly animated during the summer with music in the squares, cultural events and a lively nightlife. Thanks to the favourable climate, spring comes early. Lovers of nature are drawn by the spectacular shows of camellias, mimosas and magnolias, which often start to flower in February when the mountain tops are still covered in snow. The clear autumn days attract those who are looking for a quet stay with excursions. In Roman times it was already an important strategic and commercial centre. The past is visible today in monuments such as the Visconti Castle with its impressive fortified tower, old churches and elegant houses of the old nobility. Piazza Grande, from which narrow streets lead up to the picturesque Old Town (Città Vecchia), is one of the largest and most famous squares in Switzerland. This is the meeting place and heart of the town, and the main commercial activity takes place here, as well as concerts and events, and on Thursdays there is the popular market, and in August the evening screenings of the world-famous International Film Festival.
© by Datatravel Srl
