Ronco s/Ascona extends from Porto Ronco at about 200 metres to the height of 1300 metres in the mountains. The picturesque, quaint-looking centre rests on a prominence in the mountain side at a height of 350 metres. Three main horizontal roads connect the tortuous, vertical paths. Ronco has always been an artists’ village; Antonio Ciseri painted the altar picture in S. Martino church in 1870 where 15th-century frescoes depicting the four seasons can be admired. The German writer Remarque chose the shores of Porto Ronco as his favourite residence. The hill between Ronco and Monte Verità above Ascona, linked by one of the most spectacular footpath, is the site of numerous luxury villas. Here, especially on clear winter and spring days, you can discover all the charm of the South: mimosas and agave grove between the walls and the view over the lake is of a rare beauty. The most delightful time to arrive is in the evening. The road passes by Ascona and winds its way up the incline, going higher and higher
until we can see a broad panorama of Lake Maggiore with thousands of lights from villages and houses. You can readily see that it is a different world up here, whatever the time of day or the season. Ronco was originally an isolated little peasant village up on the mountainside. The peacefulness of this location enthrals everybody from the very first day.
And beneath Ronco is Porto Ronco. Here, the small beach, the picturesque boat harbour and the fish merchant, who has a good reputation among gourmets, are worthy of mention. Altogether, Ronco has a flourishing and authentic restaurant trade. Among the establishments are some excellent “grotti”, the Ticino version of an ancient open-air restaurant under chestnut trees where you have a piece of cheese and a glass of Merlot wine to go with a good book, and delve into a way of life far removed from old and new economies.
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