Fabulous Ascona
We went on vacation to Switzerland. During the week we visited several cities - Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Ticino, Ascona.
Ascona was especially memorable, and I want to tell about her.
Ascona is a small cozy town on the shores of Lake Maggiore (this is one of the warmest lakes). The city is located at an altitude of only 196 meters, that is, it is the lowest city in Switzerland. Ascona is a resort town. Indeed, for relaxation, its location is very, very picturesque, the atmosphere is simply unique.
The Italian dialect of the population created a special attraction for me. Ascona belongs to the Italian part of Switzerland.
Walking around Ascona is only on foot, at a leisurely pace, in order to feel the beauty of the architecture and nature of the town. The streets are narrow, the houses are low with amazing balconies. You stop your eyes on almost every house. The houses are located very closely, there are literally slits between them. The general feeling is that you are in a fairy-tale town.
And we also felt like fairy-tale heroes when we got to our hotel and received the keys to the room. The Albergo Elvezia hotel itself is located in an old building, so we were also given old metal keys with a large number.
And now for the sights. First of all, we visited the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, as it was next to our hotel in the city center. This is a 17th century Catholic church. It is unusual for us that in this temple, instead of the usual dome, there is just a ceiling. Surprised.
The Pontifical College of the early 17th century was not particularly impressive. Then we admired the church of Santa Maria dela Misericordia, this is already the beginning of the 16th century. Admission is free - we go in to admire the frescoes on biblical scenes and the insanely beautiful altar.
Next we were waiting for the ruins of the castle of San Materno. We got there and were surprised - no ruins and mountains of stones we expected, but instead a small old house. Having bought tickets, we went inside - admired the room itself and the paintings hung there.
And yet, being in Ascona, visit the beach. The beach is small, sandy, but cozy, the water is cold. Not immediately, but still decided to plunge. And they did not regret it - despite the rocky bottom, along which it is not very pleasant to enter the water, the pure transparent water itself captivated us with its coolness, gave us a feeling of lightness, strength and youth. It was even difficult to leave this place in the evening.
In a word, Switzerland captivated us, captivated us with its fabulous towns and unique nature.