Culture vulture
Church in Mogno
The little church of San Giovanni Battista was completely destroyed by an avalanche in 1986 but ten years later it was given new life, thanks to the vision of the architect Mario Botta. The reconstructed church is one of Botta's most important works and is an essential stop for any of his admirers.
Take bus no. 316 to Locarno Via della Pace, then change to the 315 line to Bignasco Posta and finally take bus no. 334 to Mogno.
Fiore di Pietra
A day trip to discover Mario Botta's latest masterpiece. The Fiore di Pietra (stone flower) restaurant opened in 2017 and is situated on the mighty Monte Generoso. With its breathtaking views extending from the Apennines to the Alps, visitors can admire the lakes of Northern Italy and Switzerland's Alpine peaks far away in the distance.
Take bus no. 316 to Locarno, then the train to Capolago and continue by cog railway (or, if you're lucky, by steam engine)
Santa Maria degli Angeli Tamaro
The church, which was designed by the world-famous architect Mario Botta and adorned with paintings by Enzo Cucchi, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. A place full of spirituality, a gem with stunning panoramic views.
Take bus no. 316 to Locarno station – train to Giubiasco - Rivera-Bironico
30 museums
History, art, cinema, music, crafts, traditions and much more! In our region alone there are 30 museums, each with countless stories to tell. You'll be spoilt for choice! Click here for a detailed list.
Tea garden
Explore the tea trail and tea garden on Monte Verità at your own pace. Take a rest in the pavilion in the Zen garden overlooking the lake. Enjoy a cup of green tea, in keeping with the local culture. You'll find stylish tea-making equipment and fine teas on sale in the shop.
April - October
Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Casa del Tè, Strada Collina 84, 6612 Ascona
Tea ceremony
In the "chashitsu" (the room for the Japanese tea ceremony), you can attend one of the regular Japanese tea ceremonies.
The aim of a Japanese tea ceremony is to create a perfect moment of being, in the spirit of Buddhism. That's why the Japanese tea ceremony is one of the most elaborate ways of welcoming a guest.
April – October
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 6.15 p.m.
Price: CHF 45.00 per person, groups on request | Sign up at: info@casa-del-te.ch , +41 91 791 43 00
Take bus no. 316 to Ascona Posta then walk for 15 minutes
Can be reached from the hotel in a 2-hour walk.
Address: Casa del Tè, Strada Collina 84, 6612 Ascona
Edible herbs
Accompanied by the qualified nutrition consultant and cookery writer Erica Bänziger, you go on a walk in search of seasonal and edible wild herbs and botanical rarities in the Terre di Pedemonte (Verscio, Cavigliano) and the Centovalli, through meadows, fields and forests. Afterwards, a herb-based snack in the chestnut groves of Cavigliano rounds off your unique culinary experience.
Season: from mid-March to the end of October
Takes place: every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until approx. 2 p.m.
Adults incl. lunch CHF 50.00
Children incl. lunch CHF 12.00
Sign up at least 24 hours in advance
Meeting place: Cavigliano railway station
From the hotel take bus no. 316 to Locarno station, then the Centovalli Railway to Cavigliano