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Locarno

Culture of Locarno. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Locarno is an astonishing city with hot Italian temper. The first reference about the city dates back to the 8th century. The city has preserved the historical landmarks of different epochs. Locarno suburbs will unveil the ruins of ancient castles. One of the most stunning historical landmarks is considered to be the church Madonna del Sasso. It is set on the top of the high cliff dominating the city and enjoying the greatest panoramic view over its streets. The church was established in the 17th century and since that time its building has been preserved unchanged. Many unique artifacts including ancient icons are kept within the walls of that religious building.

Family holidays with kids in Locarno. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.

Locarno is a great place for an active family vacation. The city has many attractions and interesting entertainment centers. Its main attraction is the ancient castle Visconti – an amazing …

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Locarno has also preserved a fortifying building being the Visconti Castle. Nowadays a part of the halls of the castle are reequipped to the archeological museum which collection is regularly added with ever new artifacts. Among the presented objects the visitors can find the domestic items and antique firearms and weapon, jewelry and important historical documents. The connoisseurs of pictorial art should necessarily visit Art gallery in which the collection of artworks of local artists is exhibited.

Travelers can see many interesting architectural buildings scattered around the Piazza Grande. A unique historical building is placed there. It was built more than 300 years ago and today it hosts a renowned hotel. The main natural landmark is the Verzasca valley. Many touristic routes are crossing its territory. Hiking through the ancient reservation one can reach the ancient sea wall Verzasca Dam. This stroll will be of the greatest interest for extreme leisure enthusiasts as the wall opens a magnificent view over the suburbs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Cuisine of Locarno for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe

Ethnic cuisine of Locarno is a traditional fondue, fragrant wines and simple but rich dishes. The city boasts gastronomic establishments of different trends that is why choosing a proper …

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Travelers who will lack the local landmarks are recommended to visit the neighboring city of Askona. It also features a great variety of interesting historical landmarks, beautiful architectural buildings and ecclesiastical constructions. There are several museums which expositions give the visitors an insight into the life and culture of the city folks. There are few archeological areas in the suburbs of Locarno which attract tourists. All the visitors can hike though the historical areas and view the ruins of ancient buildings.

Connoisseurs of contemporary art (both fine and sculptural) would be happy to know that Locarno has a great museum with an impressive contemporary collection - Pinacoteca Casa Rusca. Its building is the former residence of the Rusca family, after which it was named. However, exhibitions of contemporary artists can also be enjoyed in another cultural institution such as La Rada. The city boasts several wonderful theaters worthy of the attention of theatrical art fans. Among these cultural institutions are the Teatro di Locarno and the Teatro Cambusa.

Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Locarno inhabitants

Locarno is a distinctive Swiss town known to many travelers thanks to the annual film festival taking place here. Today, it is one of the most significant in the world. For the first time, …

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The majestic castle Castello San Materno rising on a hill and seeming impregnable is another attractive tourist attraction. Over long years of its existence, the medieval Romanesque monument of architecture has experienced many changes - from expanding in the 1850s to a complete abandonment in 1919. Local authorities could not allow such a historically important object to just disappear, so it was decided to transfer it to state ownership already in 1987. The castle was finally restored in 2014, and today it houses a museum with a rich collection of Medieval fine art. The most interesting relic is the remains of the fresco Majestas Domini.

Lichtkunst "Brillant par Tradition" in Locarno

Locarno can also boast of many beautiful religious monuments. So, one should never pass by the Chiesa di San Francesco built in 1536 on the site of an older building. Originally, the church was a monastery. The 17th century brought the shrine an expansion in the form of side chapels and a balcony, the mid-19th century brought closure, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the building began to serve another function: there were a warehouse and barracks here. Today, the traditional building made of gray stone pleases tourists and locals not only with its beautiful exterior, but also with the opportunity to pray - just like in the good old days when it performed its original function.

Your active city break in Locarno. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Locarno is a good chance for active leisure enthusiasts. The city boasts scenic natural areas, a variety of entertainment centers and shops. Travelers eager to view the natural landmarks of …

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Another shrine deserving special mention is Chiesa San Vittore that was rebuilt several times, changing its appearance. Initially, there was a basilica built at the turn of the 5th and 6th century on its site. However, by the end of the 11th century, it was decided to rebuild the church in the Romanesque style. An important moment in the history of the shrine is the attachment of a Romanesque crypt, which happened in the middle of the 12th century. Today, it is the main treasure of the church due to being well-preserved. The need to repair the building appeared in the 16th century, and the last reconstruction was carried out in 1932.

The majestic Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta is striking primarily with its facade with sculptural images in side niches. The magnificent interior of the church is no less outstanding - the interior is dominated by the Baroque style. Beautifully decorated ceiling and altar attract visitors most of all. A remarkable architectural monument of the Renaissance is the Collegio Pontificio Papio (although the correct name is “Collegio di Santa Maria della Misericordia”). The building dates back to 1585 and is named after Bartolomeo Papio who was the sponsor. He abandoned his palace in Ascona in favor of building a beautiful Jesuit college. A Roman Catholic school has been operating here to this day, as during the Middle Ages.

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Locarno

1. Setting off to the local restaurants one should take into account some of the important points. The tips are given to a waiter only in case if these are not included into the total sum. …

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No less atmospheric is Casa del Negromante, a mansion built in the 15th century. Having been restored in 1994, now the building houses an appropriately decorated restaurant featuring an attractive Medieval atmosphere, as well as several commercial premises. Castello Bernese Castle that is presently occupied by a school is another great local attraction worthy of being included in any tourist route. And all because of its rich history and magnificent appearance. Apart from that, due to its location on a hill, it offers magnificent views of the city and surroundings.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Locarno and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Locarno and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Locarno is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Locarno - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Reference information

Map of all palaces

Public palaces near Locarno
♥ Palace 'Royal Villa of Monza' Monza, 74 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Castello Sforzesco' Milan, 83.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Locarno
♥ Cattedrale S. Lorenzo, Lugano, 21.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica di S. Vittore, Intra di Verbania, 30.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte, Carese, 34.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Santuario-Basilica di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Morbio Inferiore, 39 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica di S. Vittore Martire, Varese, 39.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica di S. Giorgio, Como, 44.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica Cattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Como, 45.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Culture of Locarno. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Locarno and surroundings

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Locarno

Landmarks of culture on Locarno map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Locarno