Miscellaneous News from Ticino - Camping Tamaro

“Our biggest asset
is our landscape”
Mario Botta, where can you get the best view of Ticino?
From above, from the mountains. But you shouldn’t just
consider Ticino as the sum of its parts, but rather as something that
changes.
What do you think about?
About the landscape, which is always full of surprises. It
puts the achievements of men into perspective, because it’s striking
and powerful, and despite that,
it’s in perpetual transformation,
through light, wind and the changing
seasons. It is the best thing
about the canton of Ticino.
THE CONTRASTS BETWEEN NATURE AND BUILDINGS
DEFINE THE QUALITY OF TICINO,
SAYS TOP ARCHITECT MARIO BOTTA.
9
What would you recommend to tourists with an interest in architecture?
The unique quality of Ticino lies in the relationship between
the buildings, such as churches, villages, bridges, and the landscape.
The intensity of this relationship defines the area we live in. Of
course, there are also a few individual, worthwhile buildings, like
the Romanic churches of Negrentino and Giornico.
Botta’s church at Mogno:
a tribute to the Romanic period.
As a contemporary architect,
you feel a strong connection
with the Romanic period, why is
that?
With their unspoilt lines, in
contrast with their surroundings,
these churches still have a very
modern style.
TICINO

“You need to take your time
to enjoy your food!”
ADA ZEEB FROM GIUBIASCO HAS BEEN COOKING
FOR HER GUESTS FOR OVER 50 YEARS. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE’S
TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO TICINESE CUISINE.
Her risotto is legendary. “I find cream always improves
it”, recommends the 90-year old, born and bred in Ticino. “It’s also
good with gorgonzola. But best of all with fresh mushrooms and
onions”.
Ada Zeeb has been in front of the stove for over 50 years, in
gourment restaurants and simple osterie. Her genuine home-made
She recommends the grotto
as “a piece of the real Ticino”: Ada Zeeb.
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specialities have always been in demand. Potatoes with luganighe
(sausages) or polenta with brasato (braised meat). Costine (spare
ribs) with cazzöla (a stew made of potatoes and cabbage), a tasty
minestrone (vegetable soup) or pesce in carpione, fish marinated in
vinegar for several days. “The most important thing, though”, says
Ada Zeeb “is that you take your time to enjoy your food”.
A PASSION FOR THE GROTTOS
Ticino offers everything to tempt your palate: the tantalising
choice ranges from restaurants recommended by the Gault-Millau
restaurant guide to the locally-revered “grotto”. “At the stone tables
under the ancient trees, there is a truly relaxed atmosphere,
where everyone talks to everyone else”, says Ada Zeeb.
The food is simple, too: apart from hot minestrone, there are
often only cold dishes with sliced local meats and small round
cheeses (formaggini). Everything is home-made. It is accompanied
by the house wine, usually Merlot, from the small, earthenware
pitcher known as the boccalino or tazzino. Ada Zeeb beams proudly:
“The grotto is the best place to experience a piece of the real Ticino.”
TICINO

REGIONE LAGO
DI LUGANO
The chestnut trail
Arosio is the highest village in Malcantone and the starting
point for a special type of excursion: the Chestnut Trail. The five
hour round trip leads to the heart of the colourful world of chestnut
trees, to the church of San Michele, with its doors and windows
made from chestnut wood, and over to the small stone houses
AFTER THE CHESTNUT TRAIL THERE
IS ONLY ONE THING LEFT TO DISCOVER:
A CHESTNUT ICECREAM.
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where chestnuts are dried. And if anyone should feel like chestnut
icecream, chestnut beer or chestnut flour after the excursion, they
should ask the tourist office for the guide with the right addresses.
Chestnuts: the fruit that Ticinese
specialities are made from.

Summit meetings of the giants
“Again!” cheers the ten year old boy, though his father is
against the idea. He thinks the adventure park on Monte Tamaro is
fantastic, but unlike his son, he’s had enough. For two and a half
hours they have both swung from platform to platform in the centuries-old
beech wood, climbed up ladders and gone abseiling. That
will have to do.
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
AND FAST-PACED DESCENTS
The modern adventure park at the middle station of the
Tamaro skyway is not just for families. Apart from the children’s
course, there are another four difficulty levels to choose from, with
a total of 45 platforms high up in the treetops. Yet the park is no
longer the only reason why Tamaro fulfils the desire for adventure
of amateur sports lovers’. Mountain bikers love the twisting
descent to Arosio, along with the new cross country cycling
track. Walkers love the challenging, four and a half hour crossing
from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema, where you can take pleasure
in the breath-taking views. And there is wide scope here for
birdwatchers or paragliders to indulge their passions too.
ON THE MIGHTY MOUNTAINS AROUND LUGANO,
THE VIEW IS NOT THE ONLY THING
THAT TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY.
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At the Adventure Park at Monte Tamaro,
not only children reach the top.
REGIONE LAGO
DI LUGANO

Miscellaneous news from Ticino
TREKKING
Discover the little known valleys of Ticino
on foot: the brochure “Lugano Trekking”
describes a three day expedition, a 44 kilometre
route leading from Monte Brè to
Tesserete (Capriasca) in 21 hours. The
variation through Val Colla is particularly
special.
SHOPPING
Foxtown Factory-Stores in Mendrisio is a
bargain-hunter’s paradise. From Anna Sui
to Gucci and Trussardi, 130 outlets offer
more than 200 designer names, with
discounts of up to 70 per cent off the usual
retail price.
DISCOVERY
You can take a stroll from the Lake of
Constance to Geneva, without breaking into
a sweat, at the “Swissminiatur”, the fun
park in Melide. It features an open-air
display of the most beautiful locations,
monuments and modes of transport
in Switzerland – on a scale of 1:25.
RELAXATION
The Acquapark California in Balerna-
Chiasso has much to offer: a fitness centre
with aerobics courses, indoor swimming
pool with hydromassage tubs, children’s
amusement park with playground slides
and a health spa with saunas, scented baths
and Kneipp therapy.
WILDLIFE
An unexpected perspective which will certainly
make you smile: grazing on the slopes
of Monte Lema you can actually see a
herd of Highland cattle. The animals seem
to be as happy as if they were in their native
homeland, the Scottish highlands. Their
milk and meat certainly taste superb.
WONDERFUL
Wonders are still to be found, at least in
Malcantone. The “Wonder Trail” begins in
Novaggio, where it ends after seven kilometres
and 13 information boards on “wonderful”
topics. The high point is the last remaining
blacksmith’s forge in Switzerland.
FURTHER
INFORMATION:
Lugano Turismo, Lugano
Tel. +41 91 913 32 32
www.lugano-tourism.ch
Lake Lugano Navigation Company,
Lugano
Tel. +41 91 971 52 23
www.lakelugano.ch
Malcantone Turismo, Caslano
Tel. +41 91 606 29 86
www.malcantone.ch
Mendrisio Turismo, Mendrisio
Tel. +41 91 646 57 61
www.mendrisiotourism.ch
REGIONE LAGO
DI LUGANO

AKE MAGGIORE
LAKE MAGGIORE
AND VALLEYS
AND VALLEYS
The world is left behind:
at the “floating gardens” of Brissago.

Where water works wonders
A deep blast of the horn: The boat sets sail from the Brissago
Islands as the sun is reflected on the waters of Lake Maggiore.
From the stern you can see Italy disappearing beneath a light blue
sky. On the shore, colourful villages, and a little slower, the mighty
mountains, attract the attention. The warmth and gentle vibration
of the engines lull you, images of the day pass through your
mind, and you ask yourself: can this be real?
A MAGICAL RIVER WORLD
The light green of the river Verzasca! Like liquid jade, the
water seeks its way through the eroded rocky landscape. In
Lavertezzo it ripples under the double-arched bridge “Ponte dei
Salti”: if you walk against the direction of the river, you will find
comfortable stone “beds” and natural whirlpools. You can enjoy
the beauty of this valley and its legendary river all day lying on
your beach towel (but be aware of currents).
Yet there are simply too many attractions in this region.
One valley further on, you can find the famous white marble of
Peccia. And sculptors who know how to handle it. The result: in a
small village deep in the Maggia Valley the visitor can observe
THE GREEN WATERS OF THE RIVER VERZASCA,
THE MARBLE SCULPTURES IN THE MAGGIA VALLEY,
THE FLOATING GARDENS OF BRISSAGO:
WAS THAT JUST A DREAM?
25
Once a fishing village, nowadays a resort with
the largest concentration of luxury hotels in Switzerland: Ascona.
many a sculpture. And a little further, in the secluded “hundred
valleys” of the Centovalli region and in Onsernone Valley, you can
find deserted, historic hiking trails.
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI
THE PLEASURE GARDENS
The high points, however, are the Brissago Islands, the “floating
gardens”. Anyone stepping down from a boat here dives into a
magical world of exotic buds and strangely shaped leaves, bewitching
scents and sweet fruits. The Russian Baroness Antoinette de
Saint Léger transformed the islands into an exotic garden, and entertained
writers here, before a German businessman was allowed to
build the pleasure gardens and Romanic baths for his dancers.
Even today, this place can still transport you immediately
away from the real world, so that the deep sound of the ship's
horn as it comes into shore will startle you. It takes the daydreamers
back to Ascona, the “Jewel on Lake Maggiore”, as this
little town is called. It used to be a fishing village, but nowadays
it hosts the best luxury hotels in Switzerland. Ascona is music to
the ears of pleasure-seekers - and not only during the ten-day
long jazz festival.
26
Picturesque: the River Verzasca in Lavertezzo.

Bright lights in Piazza Grande
It is one of the most important film festivals in the world, and
perhaps the most beautiful, but certainly the most charming: the
International Film Festival in Locarno draws 200’000 spectators
each year under its spell and lasts for eleven days and nights, with
hundreds of film showings, discussions, receptions and parties
until the early hours of the morning in the welcoming little town
for this one-off event.
THE LARGEST CINEMA IN THE
WORLD WITH A STARRY SKY
No Hollywood blockbusters are shown, but films with a
political and social content. The festival aims to show new films
from around the world. The most important are shown in Piazza
Grande, the heart of the festival. As soon as darkness falls, an
unforgettable atmosphere takes over: the houses of the old town
with their Lombardy-style architecture provide a picturesque
backdrop, the starry sky gives a special kind of magic and 7’000
chairs in front of a huge screen make for the largest cinema in the
world.
IN EARLY AUGUST EACH YEAR,
THE LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL IS HELD,
FOR MAGICAL NIGHTS UNDER THE STARRY SKY.
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The Piazza Grande during the Locarno Film Festival.
Even if you cannot get hold of a ticket for the Piazza, you
won’t leave empty-handed: the small streets of Locarno are also
full of a crackling atmosphere at this time, full of sociable people
with the same objective: to enjoy the films.
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI
Nostalgia on the railways
There should be a hundred valleys here, at least if you translate
“Centovalli” word for word, although someone has exaggerated
a little. However, the promise of the “Centovalli Railway” has
not been overstated. It leads through a romantic, adventurous
stretch, through ravines and over viaducts, to Domodossola in Italy,
and is certainly the most comfortable way to discover the spec-
IN CENTOVALLI, THE RAILWAY WHICH TRAVELS
PAST THE HIGHEST CHURCH TOWER IN TICINO
LEADS BACK TO ANOTHER TIME.
All aboard for a comfortable discovery
of the wilds of the Centovalli region.
28
tacular Centovalli region, which looks the same as it has since the
dawn of time.
FUNICULAR OVER
THE WATERFALL
Most passengers only notice that small funiculars lead up to
high, isolated mountain pastures and hamlets in the steep, densely
wooded valley from the corner of their eye. However, for those
who make the journey into picturesque Verdasio, climb into the little
funicular to Rasa and let themselves be carried over the dizzying
heights of the deep gorge of Melezza, over the waterfall, can experience
the full power of the Centovalli region.
Of course, here there are innumerable possibilities for
hiking. In particular, the area around Intragna with the highest
church tower in Ticino (65 metres) is a walker’s paradise. However,
the best route leads along the Northern side of the valley from
Intragna through Costa and Monti di Comino to Verdasio.

“On summer evenings we can
hear singing from afar”
FOR VISITORS TO THE MONASTERY
MADONNA DEL SASSO, BROTHER AGOSTINO RECOMMENDS
THE PROFOUND ATMOSPHERE OF THE CHURCH.
Brother Agostino, what is your favourite time of day in Madonna del Sasso?
In the morning, when it’s still quiet and the rising sun shines
through the glass windows of the choir in the church.
Do you sometimes think: Oh, isn’t it beautiful to live here?
That happens at night, when everything is still up here. Or
on a summer evening, when we can hear the singing of the
Carmelite nuns from afar.
How do the monks relate to the hustle and bustle of tourism?
We only come across visitors who come to see the view or the
monastery by chance. If they show respect, they are very welcome.
Should the monastery still be open for tourists?
Tourists are also people, first and foremost. And we are here
for people who need us. However, too much disturbance during the
services is not wholesome.
What should a visitor to Madonna del Sasso not miss out on?
The atmosphere of the church. He should breathe in this
profound atmosphere while seated, or kneeling, because in the
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church there is a half-light, almost like in a basilica from the
Orient. The Pietà (religious statue) in the courtyard, the statue of
the Virgin Mary at the main altar and the many religious scenes
painted on the walls are also very interesting.
He loves the early hours of the morning: Brother
Agostino from the monastery Madonna del Sasso.
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI
In a different world
TIME AND AGAIN, WRITERS HAVE SOUGHT
THE SOLITUDE OF THE ONSERNONE VALLEY,
WHICH THEY CAN STILL FIND TODAY.
A historic landscape in green:
Onsernone valley.
30
It is as unworldly as it is veiled in mystery, this valley with
its rocky gorges, woody slopes and the little roads winding high up
into the terraces, where they branch into stone-built villages. The
actual distance to Locarno is not great, although it feels immense.
There is a reason why writers have repeatedly chosen to settle here:
to feel the primordial power. It drew Alfred Andersch to Berzona,
as well as Max Frisch, who paid tribute to the Onsernone Valley in
his work “Man in the Holocene”.
However, the best known, and also the most controversial
writer of the valley was Aline Valangin (Dorf an der Grenze - Village
on the Border). Together with the lawyer Wladimir Rosenbaum she
created an island of freedom and contentment in Comologno during
the 1930s. James Joyce also stopped here, as did C.G. Jung and
Kurt Tucholsky. Here they founded a refuge for the politically
oppressed, and often the guests of the attractive Aline Valangin
were also her lovers. It is little wonder, then, that her permissive
lifestyle caused a commotion in the village and even throughout the
valley. Today, things are quieter in Comologno. Yet the beauty of
the valley and its wild landscape have remained. There are countless
historic walks just waiting to be discovered.

“Ticino makes you happy”
Why did you bring your theatre to settle in Verscio?
Ticino is something special, not only because it looks pretty
and has a mild climate. It has a charisma which makes you feel
happy and inspires you to work.
How would you describe a typical inhabitant of Ticino?
Very humorous, a typical Latin-type. Really the people from
the valleys are tolerant and hospitable, with an incredible enthusiasm
for telling stories.
What are the typical qualities of a native of Ticino?
The old locals of the valleys are simple, but intelligent, open
and unprejudiced people. The cultured city dwellers are rather
reserved. They don’t speak in dialect any longer. And then there are
the adventurers...
If a tourist asks you for advice, what do you recommend?
I love the remote valleys, where you can go walking during
even the hottest summers and cool yourself off in an ice-cold
mountain stream. You can only find these types of walks in Ticino
– and you can do most of them quite easily with the whole family.
THE WORLD FAMOUS CLOWN DIMITRI
TELLS OF THE ORIGINAL FEATURES OF TICINO
AND TOURISTIC HIGHLIGHTS.
31
The clown Dimitri runs a theatre and a theatre
school in Verscio.
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI
Change is the only constant
At the school of sculpture in Peccia,
stone becomes art.
IN THE MAGGIA VALLEY, ROCK FACES ARE MADE INTO
WORKS OF ART: A VALLEY SYMBOLISED BY STONE.
32
Without a doubt, the inhabitants of the valley love their
wild, romantic Maggia with the great range of options for swimming
and picnicking. But they truly adore the stone. Granite from
Vallemaggia is everywhere, especially in the shape of works of art.
In Foroglio, the foundations for unique fountains also emerge from
the rock. Today, Peccia in the upper Maggia Valley is truly the most
famous sculptors’ village in Switzerland.
Thanks to its white marble, it can count on a valuable natural
resource which is nurtured by the quarry, the marble works and
the famous school of sculpture. The sculpture trail in Peccia is a
new cultural milestone in the Maggia Valley, made up of thirty
works which are rearranged each year. This brings it full circle: the
artists not only breathe new life into the stone, but it is also the
stone in form of sculptures that breathes new life into the whole
Maggia Valley.
It is no wonder that the region’s marketing is also based on
stone (“Vallemaggia Pietraviva”). Exhibitions on the theme, hiking
trails, study programmes, visits to the quarry and overnight stays
in stone houses are some of the offers already in place, with others
to be completed by 2006.

Fun in the wet
LAKE MAGGIORE OFFERS WATER LOVERS EVERYTHING
THEY NEED FOR HAPPY SWIMMING.
They met each other at a barbecue. They discovered that
they only lived a couple of tents away from each other. They became
friends, and today they have hired the banana boat, hopping
over the waves and shrieking with delight if the boat turns over and
they all end up in the water.
GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS
Anyone spending their holidays in Tenero, at the largest
campsite in Ticino gets more than the opportunity to meet a whole
group of people. They have a whole lake besides. And what a lake!
On Lake Maggiore it seems that you can do anything to turn your
summer into a dream: swimming, fishing, rowing, sailing, windsurfing,
wakeboarding, and even diving, thanks to the excellent quality
of the water. The shore is pleasantly shady, and the boats go to all
the important excursion points, like the Brissago Islands for example,
or, on the Italian side, the Borromaic Islands. From June to
September, a free boat link connects Tenero with Locarno. On Lake
Maggiore, you want for nothing – except more holidays!
33
Action from Tenero:
Lake Maggiore is certainly a lot of fun.
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI
Where nature reigns supreme
THE RIVER DELTA AND THE BOTANICAL GARDEN:
IN GAMBAROGNO THERE ARE TWO MARVELLOUS OASES.
Reed beds, oxbow lakes, tarns and lowland forests: the
“Bolle di Magadino” nature reserve is one of the last natural river
deltas in Switzerland, with European importance. Where the
Verzasca and the Ticino flow into Lake Maggiore the micro-climate
has created a habitat for more than 240 types of migratory birds,
marshland birds and herons.
MAGNOLIAS AND CAMELIAS
GALORE
Gambarogno is rich in nature. It stretches along the northeastern
shore of Lake Maggiore: a mountainous region, less beautiful
and luxuriant than the opposite shore, yet it has wild hiking
trails and the warm yellow of the setting sun. There is also the
second oasis in the area: the 17’000 square metres of the botanical
garden of Gambarogno which belongs to the nursery gardener Otto
Eisenhut. 950 different types of camelias and 350 varieties of magnolia
bloom amid countless other plants, making it an unrivalled
natural paradise.
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Habitat of 240 species of birds: Bolle di Magadino.

Miscellaneous news from Ticino
CELESTIAL
A futuristic skyway, a bridge that seems to
lead from the mountain directly up to the
sky, and a “musical wood” where you can
learn to see sounds: Mount Cardada features
excursions that are as tactile as they
are astounding.
VISIONARY
In the early twentieth century, Monte
Verità over Ascona was a meeting place for
philosophers, who had recently founded
naturalism and vegetarianism. Even today,
the recently designed museum exudes the
spirit of these visionary people.
UNIQUE
Bosco Gurin lies at 1507 metres, making it
the highest parish in Ticino, but it is better
known as an important location for winter
sports (with half pipe and illuminated
slopes). The Walser dynasty established the
village as long ago as 1253. Since it is predominantly
their descendants who live
here, in the village you can hear a German
dialect alongside Italian.
TERRIFIC
There is no higher bungee jump: 220 metres
down from the Verzasca Dam into oblivion,
at a speed of 100 km/h. Pure adrenalin,
so you feel like James Bond, who also
jumped from here during the introduction
to the film “GoldenEye”.
AUTHENTIC
Bread, cheese and organically grown vegetables,
but also genuine holiday accomodations
in farms can be found on the website
www.agriturismo.ch.
FURTHER
INFORMATION:
Ente Turistico Lago Maggiore, Locarno
Tel. +41 91 791 00 91
www.maggiore.ch
Gambarogno Turismo, Vira
Tel. +41 91 795 12 14
www.gambarognoturismo.ch
Ente Turistico di Tenero e Valle Verzasca,
Tenero
Tel. +41 91 745 16 61
www.tenero-tourism.ch
Vallemaggia Turismo, Maggia
Tel. +41 91 753 18 85
www.vallemaggia.ch
LAGO
MAGGIORE
E VALLI

BELLINZONA ELLINZONA AND AND
NORTHERN NORTHERN TICINO TICINO
The market has its own rhythm,
they say: “towards closing time
the young people also arrive”.

The finest type of pleasure
“The market has its own rhythm”, says the lady stallholder,
putting tomatoes on the scales. “Just after seven, the old people
arrive. They inspect the vegetables carefully and buy for the whole
week. Then at ten, the streets are chock-a-block with all kinds of
people, especially families, but also chefs, looking for a high quality
oil or special type of honey for their restaurants. Towards the
end, at eleven, the young ones are also awake. They don’t buy
much, but they enjoy the market atmosphere”.
THE SIGN OF GOOD TASTE
At least in good weather. When the sun shines, the Saturday
market in Bellinzona takes on a film-like atmosphere: loud and
colourful, the stalls extend through several streets and into squares,
often interrupted by street cafes. You can smell the sun-ripened
fruits from the Magadino plain, try cheese specialities from the
Muggio Valley, pick up sausages made according to old recipes and
crisp Ticinese bread, buy freshly cut flowers and enjoy the tastefully
renovated facades of the buildings in the old town.
TICINO’S MAIN TOWN, BELLINZONA,
IS IN A STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT POSITION,
ESPECIALLY SO FOR CULTURAL INTERESTS
AND PLEASURE-SEEKERS.
37
At the foot of Castelgrande,
the summer nights are celebrated.
BELLINZONA E
ALTO TICINO

BELLINZONA E
ALTO TICINO
CULTURAL HERITAGE
WITH A BROAD VISION
If you look a little higher up, you will see the Castelgrande
dating from the 13th century, the oldest of the three castles of
Bellinzona. Today, it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
With its stern architecture, it appears decidedly modern. Good
news for any lazy-bones: there is a lift from the old town right into
the courtyard of the castle, so get moving!
Up here, you can hardly hear the voices from below. You are
at one with the sky, and with the splendid history of Bellinzona.
The view of both the other castles (Sasso Corbaro and Montebello),
the dramatic walls which you can walk around, the old gardens
over the castle rocks, really give you a flavour of the place: the
foray into the Middle Ages can begin!
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The old walls are waiting to be discovered.

Winter in ticino
This only happens in Ticino: while over Airolo and Carì
snowboards almost touch the sky, an hour’s drive further south,
golfers hit their balls on the green courses of Losone. And you can
even wear a light sweater while shopping in Lugano’s old town
during the morning, which will last you until you glide on crosscountry
skis across the sugary white of the Leventina during the
afternoon.
PURE NATURE, GUARANTEED
You can also stay in the Blenio Valley and experience winter
the traditional southern way: under radiant sunlight in a small,
white-covered paradise, as a guest of the cheerful inhabitants of
Ticino, who will warm up your heart even in bad weather. Or have
fun on the snow, on the idyllic Campra, on cross-country or touring
skis, freestyle boards, snow shoes, or carving skis. Or visit one
of the famous Romanesque churches. Or perhps take a trip to Nara
with its many attractions including a “Snow Park” and a sledge run,
or Airolo, the ideal departure point for skiing, or the friendly villages
of Campo Blenio and Ghirone, offering ski facilities especially
suitable for beginners.
Wherever people fly down the ski-slopes, in Ticino, you’re
only a stone’s throw from the street cafés under the palm trees, and
from a breath of spring air.
YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT FROM THE PISTE
TO THE STREET CAFÉ UNDER THE PALM TREES.
39
While in Airolo, skis almost touch the sky,
the golf balls are flying in Losone.
BELLINZONA E
ALTO TICINO

BELLINZONA E
ALTO TICINO
Cows and cheese
WHAT DO COWS AND MOUNTAIN BIKERS HAVE IN COMMON?
THEY RUN AROUND THE PIORA VALLEY IN GREAT SHAPE!
In Piora valley you will find tasty cheese
and splendid mountain bike trails.
40
In wide, secluded pastures, the cows graze, just where they
please, giving thanks for their five star accommodation with the
milk that has made the tasty Piora cheese legendary.
INCLUDED:
ONE OF THE STEEPEST
FUNICULARS IN EUROPE
And what about the mountain bikers? They cycle through
the steep, challenging Alpine area, past large and small lakes, and
through wonderfully scented mountain woods. Many like to turn
back halfway, that doesn’t matter: you don’t have to make it over
the pass into the Blenio valley, to take pictures of impressive mountain
scenery home with you.
Up here, the hiker’s heart also beats faster. Along with
numerous short excursions along the Ritom lake and over its mighty
retaining walls, passes and high mountain trails offer a hiker’s
paradise on earth. Another thing: one of the steepest funiculars in
Europe leads from Piotta to the Ritom lake, – a special experience.

New experiences on old roads
SOME JOURNEYS ARE AN END IN THEMSELVES.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE “TREMOLA”
WITH ITS COBBLED TWISTS AND TURNS.
“The Gotthard is the pass to beat all passes”,
says Harley rider Alois Mailinger..
There are two reasons why the old Gotthard Pass on the
Ticino side is called the "Tremola": from above, the longest construction
in Switzerland, with its walled curves looking like a temperature
graph “trembling” (from the Italian tremare = to tremble)
through the mountain. The other reason lies with the bumpy cob-
41
blestones, which are extremely demanding, especially when travelling
by bike over the pass (2108 metres) and you want to force your
way up its 12 % gradient.
A MYSTICAL MOUNTAIN
All this “trembling” can hardly be surpassed in terms of
enjoyment, if you travel through the ancient rocky landscape by
car. Or on a Harley Davidson, like Alois Maillinger from Germany.
“The Gotthard is the pass to beat all passes” he says. “It isn’t the
highest pass, and doesn’t have the most bends, but there is
something mystical about this mountain”. This is already the third
time that Alois has crossed the Tremola, and the third time that he
is so overwhelmed, that he stops to take a couple of photos. “And
that won’t be the last time”, he laughs, rattling off on his Harley.
Meanwhile you can hear the nostalgic stage-coach in the
distance, a stage-coach with five horses, taking tourists from Airolo
to Andermatt, through the heart of this landscape, where no less
than four of the most important rivers in Europe have their source.
Gurgling, swooshing and chirping are all around, the rocks surge
up into the sky and the grinding of the coach wheels recalls times
gone by, as if this form of transport was still fashionable, even
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though in those days the rough carriage could hardly have been as
comfortable as its modern successors. You lean back, sniff the fragrant
air and enjoy.
ROADS WITH TALES TO TELL
In Ticino, these new experiences on old roads are not only
to be found on the Tremola. The “Via delle Genti” - “People’s
Road” is worthwhile, along with a visit to “La Claustra”, an architectural
gem, where deep in the body of the Gotthard mountain,
rocks, water, light and fire create a spectacle for the senses. Even
the Leventina has a whole host of surprises up its sleeve for its visitors.
The roads in the Piottino gorge have been restored and at the
exit is the “Dazio Grande”, an old customs house, converted into a
cultural centre with an exhibition area in its cellar, telling of the
dramatic history of Gotthard and the Leventina.
42
In the “Dazio Grande”, an exhibition tells
the history of the Gotthard routes.

Cycling tours
in the Garden of Eden
TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS AND COURGETTES:
THE MAGADINO PLAIN IS TICINO’S VEGETABLE GARDEN, AND A
FAVOURITE DESTINATION FOR SPORTS-LOVING FAMILIES.
If you travel from “Monte Ceneri” towards Bellinzona at
night, you feel like an aeroplane landing at Los Angeles: a large,
broad plain stretches out before you, lights twinkle everywhere - a
wonderful view.
FROM THE FIELDS TO THE SHOPS
IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS
However, the Magadino plain is not Los Angeles, but a very
large garden. Here grow most of the more than 3’000 tonnes of
tomatoes that Ticino supplies to Swiss wholesalers – so quickly,
that 24 hours after they are picked, you can already find them in
the shops. The other vegetables also grow with the claim to maximum
purity: the agricultural cooperatives completely reject genetically
modified produce. A real garden of Eden!
As the Magadino plain is so broad and flat, it is also well
suited to sports lovers, particularly families: in-line skating, cycling
and riding are favourite activities. Even flying! Not like an
aircraft landing at L.A., but more like your first tandem parachute
jump.
43
Magadino plain: amid ripening tomatoes,
you can also enjoy a good bike ride.
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The village of religious
testimonies
THE REGION OF BIASCA COULD ALMOST PASS
FOR AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM: SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
ROMANIC BUILDINGS CAN BE FOUND HERE.
The church of San Pietro in Biasca
dates from the twelfth century.
44
The small stone churches with their modest, austere architecture
and the distinctive clock tower represent the art of construction
in Catholic Ticino like nothing else. In the Biasca region,
you can find particularly impressive examples from the Romanic
period, but also buildings from the Renaissance.
AN IMPRESSIVE WAY
OF THE CROSS
The Romanic church of San Pietro in Biasca, dating from the
12th century, occupies a place of national importance in terms of
construction. From here, there is an idyllic 30 minute Way of the
Cross to the 16th century Oratorium Santa Petronilla which is also
very close to the waterfall of the same name. Also worth seeing in
the small village of Biasca is the stately home “Cavalier Pellanda”,
in a definite Renaissance style. It is now used as a museum.
In the region of Biasca, the road to discovery goes further.
Here, the choice ranges from the 12th to the 16th centuries, from
chapels in splendid viewpoints to the Romanic villages of Loderio,
Cresciano and Osogna, to the monastery of Claro. Anyone wanting
to move on a little further (to the North) will be rewarded by the
cultural and historical jewels of the church of San Nicolao in
Giornico.

PicnicS at Lukmanier
Unfold a blanket and spend an enjoyable day
till evening: the picnic paradise of Lukmanier.
IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN, NATURE REIGNS SUPREME.
FRAGRANT WOODS AND BROAD PASTURES INVITE YOU
TO EAT SUNDAY BRUNCH UNDER THE BLUE SKY.
45
No motorways, no railway lines, no McDonald’s: the Blenio
valley, also known as “Valley of the Sun”, seems as though it belongs
to another age. Old stone-built villages let nothing disturb their
peace and quiet. Dreamy “rusticos” (typical Ticino stone houses)
cling to the slopes here and there. And in the broad meadows and
woods, the scent of fresh, sun-dried bedlinen hangs in the air.
HIKING TRAILS
AND PICNIC AREAS
There are not many places where you can walk from the bitter
Alpine climate to a soft, almost Mediterranean atmosphere in
one day, as you can here from the Lukmanier to Biasca: through
places where all you can hear is the gurgling of the Brenno down
below in the valley, past southern-style facades and the famous
Romanic churches.
There are two things which always draw attention in the
Blenio valley. One is the groups of schoolchildren and especially
the many families, laying out enormous blankets in this picnic
paradise, setting out the ingredients for a lavish feast, and enjoyably
passing the day until evening, in the open air.
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Sweets, culinary oils and teas
are produced from herbs.
46
SWEETS MADE FROM HERBS
The other thing is the fields of herbs. Within a few years,
the Blenio valley has become a stronghold for herbs. At the Alpine
Institute of Phytopharmacology in Olivone, by a Ticinese project
which administers many of the fields, herbs from all over Ticino
are collected, scientifically analysed, stored and with the help of
regional businesses, turned into sweets and culinary oils, among
other things.
The most famous product is herb tea, which is now in every
branch of Migros in Ticino. It is best taken in a thermos flask to
accompany you on your walks. Or enjoy it with a Sunday brunch
at the foot of the Lukmanier, with a view over the Blenio valley,
with the gurgling of the Brenno in your ears, breathing in the scent
of sun-dried bedlinen.

Miscellaneous News from Ticino
UNDERGROUND
By the end of 2015, the world’s longest railway
tunnel will be completed. AlpTransit is the name
of the largest building site in Switzerland: two
pipes, 57 kilometres long, through the Gotthard.
The Southern Gotthard Information
Centre at Pollegio is worth a visit.
ABOVE GROUND
South of Bellinzona, between Camorino and
Monte Carasso, are the so-called “Hunger
Forts”, a row of round towers with arrow slits.
They were built in 1853, to employ refugees
from Ticino, who had been banished from Lombardy
on the orders of Field Marshal Radetzky.
TRANSCENDENTAL
The monastery at Monte Carasso, dating from
the 15th century was rebuilt in 1993 by the
architect Luigi Snozzi, preserving its age-old
structure with the inner courtyard and arcades.
Today it is used as a school and cultural centre.
THEATRE
The only remaining 19th century Italian-style
theatre in Switzerland is found in Bellinzona:
the Teatro Sociale. It was built in 1846 by the
engineer Rocco von Mentlen and was recently
restored. The new structural techniques and the
charm of the original theatre auditorium make
each performance a special experience.
MONUMENTS
Mario Botta is not the only world-class architect
from Ticino. Luigi Snozzi gained world acclaim
with the restructuring of the village of Monte
Carasso and Aurelio Galfetti made a name for
himself with the restoration of Castelgrande.
Tita Carloni has also contributed to keeping up
the tradition of fame that unites Ticino architects,
the major exponents of whom were
Domenico Trezzini (XVII century) and, most of
all, Francesco Borromini (XVI century).
AMUSEMENT
Rabadan is the name of the carnival at Bellinzona,
which is held according to Romanic tradition
in February. During four harebrained days,
there are masked competitions, street theatre a
lot of music rounded off by a colourful procession
for sheer high spirits.
TASTY
Lemonade from Ticino is known as “gazosa”.
This refreshing drink is served in original
bottles. Some natives of Ticino dilute
their Merlot with gazosa, especially in
grottos, where the evenings can become
long.
FURTHER
INFORMATION:
Bellinzona Turismo, Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 825 21 31
www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
Biasca Turismo, Biasca
Tel. +41 91 862 33 27
www.biascaturismo.ch
Blenio Turismo, Olivone
Tel. +41 91 872 14 87
www.blenio.com
Leventina Turismo, Airolo
Tel. +41 91 869 15 33
www.leventinaturismo.ch
BELLINZONA E
ALTO TICINO

OLCE VITA
DOLCE VITA
Sophisticated: the Delta Beach
Lounge at Lido Ascona.

Sunset Swing
INHABITANTS OF TICINO CULTIVATE THE DOLCE VITA
DAY IN, DAY OUT. PARTICULARLY AFTER HOURS.
Slow down and lie back. Get the feeling that you have all the
time in the world, and maybe even a little bit more. Be yourself in
the best possible way, while feeling at one with the universe. Blink
in the sun and discover the culinary world with relish. Dolce vita,
the fine art of living, is one of the most famous Ticinese specialities.
TURNING YOUR BACK
ON THE EVERYDAY
If possible, this lust for life would be cultivated with each
breath, day in, day out, as often as work allows. For the native of
Ticino, courtesy is as vitally important as congeniality and humour.
Yet you will find people in full cry even here, when they can turn
their backs on the daily grind for the rest of the day, when evening
arrives and their friends are awaiting them in a sophisticated bar or
a traditional grotto. Then whatever happened yesterday is just as
insignificant as what will happen tomorrow. The only thing that
counts now is living for the moment!Traditional: evening meal in a grotto.
49
DOLCE VITA

Swings with good views
“Klock”. A perfect stroke. The little ball drives into the sky,
becomes smaller and smaller, can hardly be seen at its highest point
and begins to fall, it lands on the green, bounces twice and stays
still. Great stroke; put down your club and take a deep breath. That
is when you feel a part of the cultivated 18 hole course of the Golf
Club Patriziale in Ascona with its five star green, directly overlooking
Lake Maggiore.
A LOT OF WATER
AND CHALLENGING HOLES
But it is not the only place in Ticino where you can play
golf. At Golf Gerre in Losone you are also surrounded by a picturesque
landscape. A river, three small lakes and the long, sometimes
narrow greens demand a high degree of precision, if you want to
successfully master the 18 hole course (71 par). You can even do
this in winter: thanks to the mild climate, Golf Gerre is playable all
year round, like Golf Club Patriziale in Ascona and the third in the
group: Golf Club Lugano in Magliaso – also ideal for golfers who
are not only seeking sporting success, but want to enjoy the landscape.
51
PLAYING GOLF IN TICINO
ALSO INVOLVES THE LANDSCAPE.
Aiming over the water: Ascona Golf Course.
DOLCE VITA

DOLCE VITA
BROCHURES
Panoramic map
BROCHURES FOR FREE
Lugano, Malcantone, Mendrisio:
Hotels
Apartments
Lago Maggiore:
Hotels
Apartments
Bellinzona and Northern Ticino:
Hotels, Apartments, Mountain huts, Restaurants
Ticino Camping
Ticino Gastronomy
Easy excursions in Ticino
Pathways from the glaciers to the lakes
(medium difficulty)
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TICINO.
PLEASE SEND ME THE FOLLOWING GUIDES:
54
THEMED MAP COLLECTIONS
available at a cost of CHF 10.-/€ 7.- (+postage) per book.
Il Ticino e i suoi sapori - Enogastromic Ticino
(available in I/D)
Il Ticino contemplativo - The Spiritual Side of Ticino
(available in I/D)
Il Ticino parchi e giardini - Ticino Parks and Gardens
(available in E/I/D)
Il Ticino in Mountain Bike - Ticino by Mountain Bike
(available in I/D)
Name, Surname: .................................................................................
Street: ................................................................................................
Postcode, City: ...................................................................................
Country: ............................................................................................
Please detach this page and send it to:
Ticino Turismo, Casella postale 1441, CH-6501 Bellinzona.
E-mail: info@ticino-tourism.ch - Fax: +41 (0)91 825 36 14

MAKE WAY FOR THE LONGEST OPEN AIR
EVENTS CALENDAR IN SWITZERLAND
February Bellinzona
Rabadan,
Carnival and procession
Locarno and Gambarogno
Festival of the Camelia
and exhibitions
Mendrisio
Historical Easter parades
Lugano
Easter in the City Centre,
entertainments and Easter market
Apr.-June Lugano
Lugano Festival,
classical music concert
May Bellinzona
Montebello Castle,
“La Spada nella Rocca”
medieval pageant
Ascona
Festival of street artists
June Chiasso
Festate World Music Festival
Bellinzona
Piazza Blues
THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS ARE SHOWN HERE.
FOR THE DETAILED PROGRAMME, CALL THE TICINO TOURIST BOARD,
TEL. +41 (0)91 825 70 56. OR VISIT THE SITE www.ticino-tourism.ch
June-July Ascona
Jazz Ascona
New Orleans & Classics
June-Aug. Vallemaggia
Magic Blues,
open air concerts
July Mendrisio and Lugano
Estival Jazz
Locarno
Moon and Stars,
concerts in Piazza Grande
Magadino
International Organ Festival
Lugano
Airshow over the bay
Ascona and Locarno
Ticino Music, International
meeting for young musicians
Ascona
CSI International Equestrian
Tournament
August Locarno
International Film Festival
Tesserete
Irish Music Festival
Aug.-Oct. Ascona
Music Weeks,
classical music
September Lugano
Blues to Bop Festival
Bellinzona
“La Bacchica Bellinzonese”
wine festival
Mendrisio
Wine festival
Sep.-Oct. Lugano
Autumn festival
October Different places
Chestnut festival
November Bellinzona
Castellinaria,
International Youth Film Festival
December Lugano
Piazza Riforma,
New Year Party
DOLCE VITA

Per ulteriori informazioni - For further information
Pour d’autres renseignements -Voor meer informatie
www.ticino-tourism.ch
Ticino Turismo
Casella postale 1441
CH-6501 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 825 70 56
Fax +41 91 825 36 14
www.ticino-tourism.ch
info@ticino-tourism.ch
Bellinzona Turismo
CH-6500 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 91 825 21 31
Fax +41 91 821 41 20
www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
info@bellinzonaturismo.ch
Biasca Turismo
CH-6710 Biasca
Tel. +41 91 862 33 27
Fax +41 91 862 42 69
www.biascaturismo.ch
info@biascaturismo.ch
Blenio Turismo
CH-6718 Olivone
Tel. +41 91 872 14 87
Fax +41 91 872 15 12
www.blenio.com
info@blenioturismo.ch
Leventina Turismo
CH-6780 Airolo
Tel. +41 91 869 15 33
Fax +41 91 869 26 42
www.leventinaturismo.ch
info@leventinaturismo.ch
Ente Turistico Lago
Maggiore
CH-6601 Locarno
Tel. +41 91 791 00 91
Fax +41 91 785 19 41
www.maggiore.ch
buongiorno@maggiore.ch
La Svizzera è vostra.
Ihre Schweiz.
A vous la Suisse.
Switzerland is yours.
Gambarogno Turismo
CH-6574 Vira
Tel. +41 91 795 12 14
Fax +41 91 795 33 40
www.gambarognoturismo.ch
info@gambarognoturismo.ch
Ente Turistico di Tenero
e Valle Verzasca
CH-6598 Tenero
Tel. +41 91 745 16 61
Fax +41 91 745 42 30
www.tenero-tourism.ch
info@tenero-tourism.ch
Vallemaggia Turismo
CH-6673 Maggia
Tel. +41 91 753 18 85
Fax +41 91 753 22 12
www.vallemaggia.ch
info@vallemaggia.ch
Lugano Turismo
CH-6901 Lugano
Tel. +41 91 913 32 32
Fax +41 91 922 76 53
www.lugano-tourism.ch
info@lugano-tourism.ch
Malcantone Turismo
CH-6987 Caslano
Tel. +41 91 606 29 86
Fax +41 91 606 52 00
www.malcantone.ch
info@malcantone.ch
Ente Turistico del
Mendrisiotto e Basso Ceresio
CH-6850 Mendrisio
Tel. +41 91 646 57 61
Fax +41 91 646 33 48
www.mendrisiotourism.ch
info@mendrisiotourism.ch
© Ticino Turismo 2005 - Printed in Switzerland 1/1/2005 - I: 20’000 - F: 10’000 - GB: 30’000 - NL: 10’000