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Locarno, Ascona and the Brissago Islands

The marvellous scenery created by the combination of the lake and the slopes of the Alps is a feature of the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, focusing on the town of Locarno.

Established in Roman times, Locarno was subsequently strongly influenced by the architecture and culture of the Lombard Renaissance. Today, the Visconteo Castle testifies to the town’s prosperous history, with its Renaissance courtyard and the Municipal Archaeology Museum it houses.

Locarno is the venue for a number of international cultural events held every year, including the renowned Locarno Film Festival which in August attracts throngs of visitors to its spacious central square. 

The two Brissago Islands lie in the lake not far from Locarno.  The larger island, Isola di San Pancrazio, is the site of a 1927 villa built by the Berlin architect Breslauer.  The smaller island, Sant’Apollinare, contains a splendid botanic garden.

• Borromean Gulf
• The Borromean Islands
• The Sanctuary of Santa Caterina
• The Castles of Cannero
• Verbania and Villa Taranto
• Arona
• Locarno, Ascona and the Brissago Islands