There are corners of the world capable of enchanting at first glance. It is the profound sensation we felt upon arriving in Ascona, a refined gem set on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore, in the heart of the Canton of Ticino, in Switzerland. This ancient fishing village, transformed over time into an elegant holiday destination, welcomed us with its unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere.
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From first glance we immediately understood why the town was awarded the prestigious title of Swiss Village of the Year 2025 in the competition promoted by Schweizer Illustrierte and L’illustré. At the entrance to the village stands the majestic silhouette of the Romantik Hotel Castello Seeschloss, a historic and imposing castle-style building with a characteristic crenellated tower.
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The magic of Piazza Motta with its colorful houses
Continuing towards the heart of the town, we found ourselves in the famous Piazza Giuseppe Motta, a pedestrian area on the lakefront full of bars, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The typical houses with facades painted in bright colors – from canary yellow to brick red to blue – are reflected in the water, creating a wonderful contrast with the profile of the mountains.
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Sitting at an outdoor table for an aperitif in the sun, while your gaze sweeps towards the Brissago Islands, gives you an immediate perception of the Ticino dolce vita. The view here is like a postcard: the tall palm trees swaying on the coast, the wooden piers lying on the calm waters of Lake Maggiore, the relaxed profile of the shore which invites you to stop without haste to enjoy the landscape.
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The glimpse of the bell tower and the baroque wonders of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Advancing along the alleys of the historic center you cannot help but notice the glimpse offered by the imposing bell tower of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul which stands out framed among the buildings. The bell tower, divided into 6 floors and renovated in the 18th century, dominates the small square where the 16th century building stands, built on an oratory from the end of the 14th century with extensions designed by Giovanni Beretta in 1534.
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Crossing the threshold, we were fascinated by the solemnity of the interior with 3 naves, with a coffered ceiling and a rich cycle of frescoes in the apse. The real treasure is revealed above the marble altar sculpted in 1786 by Gabriele Longhi: the majestic altarpiece of the Coronation painted in 1630 by Giovanni Serodine, the famous master from Ascona and follower of Caravaggio.
A city alive with sports and events
For lovers of sport and the outdoors, Ascona is perfect: it offers a renowned 18-hole golf course, splendid sailing courses on the lake and the famous cycle path that connects the coast to Locarno and Bellinzona. Without forgetting the wealth of events such as JazzAscona, the historic international festival that transforms the shores of the lake every summer, bringing the energy and energy of New Orleans to Switzerland.
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The magic of the pier: a last walk along the waters of Lake Maggiore
Our visit ends with a final walk along the cliff and the stone piers, from which the view opens up wide over the gulf and the hills dotted with elegant villas. Observing the sailing boats and steamers moored at the pier, with the imposing Alpine peaks as a backdrop to the choppy waters of Lake Maggiore, gives you the true sense of this location.
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Leaving this village means taking home the clear image of a corner of the Canton of Ticino capable of blending the dynamic character of its activities with the majesty of nature and an authentic sense of peace. An authentic experience to be enjoyed at a slow pace, between a coffee in the square and a look towards the horizon.
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