The Best in Ticino Switzerland for Travelers Spring 2010

Anniversaries: Monte San Salvatore Funicular | Monte Genero Railway | Brissago Islands | Cardada: An important number of anniversaries are celebrated in 2010. In Lugano the historic funicular of Monte San Salvatore celebrates 120 years. Over the years the “mountain of Lugano” has become a pleasant meeting place, from where you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view. Monte Generoso’s railway is also celebrating its 120th anniversary: a further opportunity to go to the summit and visit the observatory, the planets’ path or to enjoy the magnificent view of Monte Rosa. On Lake Maggiore, the Brissago Islands celebrate their 60th anniversary.

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The cantonal botanical garden, located in the middle of the lake, offers visitors a variety of more than 1500 species of plants and flowers from the five continents. In Locarno, the modern cableway Orselina-Cardada, designed by the arch. Mario Botta, brings since 10 years the hikers to the city’s mountain.

„Easter in town” | 02 – 05.04.10.
Lugano.
Join the festive atmosphere of Easter in Lugano and explore the numerous intriguing and entertaining activities for young and old. “Easter in town” takes place from 2nd to 5th April and turns the city centre into a fun and amusing stage. Each of the main city squares will be hosting a different entertainment programme. The public will have the opportunity to purchase numerous objects and many products of local tradition, which will be exhibited on more than 100 stalls set up in Piazza Riforma, Via Nassa, Piazza Dante, Via Pessina and Via Soave.

13th Locarno Camellia | 24 – 28.03.10.
Locarno.
The beautiful camellias garden welcomes year-round visitors to Locarno with 900 different types of camellias spread over 10′000 square meters. “Locarno Camellia” is the pre-eminent event of its type in Europe, and second only in importance to the exhibitions in Japan, home of this beautiful flower. The 13th edition of the camellias garden’s exhibit hosts more than 300 species. These are beautifully displayed by expert gardeners, who highlight a plant that represents a real treasure in the botanic heritage of private and public gardens of the Locarno area.
70th International Football Tournament U19 | 01 – 05.04.10.
Bellinzona.
Since 70 years over Easter, Bellinzona is at the center of attention due to the youth football tournament U19. The event has become an integral part of the international football calendar. Teams from different countries, like River Plate or Manchester United, guarantee a very high level of the games and a top quality show on the field. Professionals and football fans get the opportunity to experience those players in action, which could become tomorrow’s champions.

St. Joseph’s “Tortelli”.
Ticino.
Traditionally on March 19th, the day of St. Joseph, as a sign of devotion people prepare the “tortelli”. The “tortelli” are made of milk, eggs, flour, vanilla sugar and lemon peel. To the flour and the milk, the sugar and the salt are added first and then the beaten eggs. The whole dough is subsequently kneaded and baked. When the mass is cooked, it is cut into squares and fried in lard. The traditional “tortelli di San Giuseppe” are known in many variations and are also popular during the carnival period.

Historical Easter Processions | 01 – 02.04.10.
Mendrisio.
The holy week in Mendrisio features representations of the passion and death of Jesus. On holy Thursday, at sunset, the procession crosses the town centre, representing the ascent to the Calvary: legionaries on horseback, the suffering Jesus with his crown of thorns, Veronica with her veil and many other historical characters. Good Friday’s procession is a powerful mixture of sadness and devotion. The Virgin and her son’s body are carried through the town’s streets, the crowd watches in silence, thoughtful and moved. Beautiful ‘trasparenti’(illuminated lanterns and canvas-lamps made by various local artists from the 17th century) give to the procession an even more emotional atmosphere.

Hotel Eden Roc*****.
Ascona.
Heavenly peace, a private beach, a panoramic landing stage, in- and outdoor swimming pools: these are the ingredients of Eden Roc’s success. As well as, the five-star service, the rich and varied cuisine from the three restaurants and the new SPA. The new Eden Roc SPA was designed by the interior designer Carlo Rampazzi, and offers in addition to the in- and outdoor pools, a hydropool with whirlpool recliners and a “Maggia-Kneipp” course. These will be complemented by a spacious sauna world with steam bath, sanarium, Finnish sauna and a private area for ladies.

26th “Giro Media Blenio” | 05.04.10.
Dongio.
Every year over Easter, the “Giro Media Blenio” takes place on the roads of the Blenio valley – in a stunning backdrop. It’s a popular running competition with a unique atmosphere that regularly attracts many top sportsmen, along with a multitude of enthusiasts, from all over the world. The event is divided into different races. The classic run (10 km) is for everyone, the “Minigiro Media Blenio” is the children and adolescents race (with a distance between 600 meters to 2 km), the “Grand Prix Media Blenio” consists in running 8 laps of a 1250 m long circuit and is for professionals only. Spectators have the chance to see renown athletes, such as the elegance of the African ‘gazelles’ like the top Ethiopian runner Mosop Moses.
“Chiassodanza” | 01 – 12.05.10.
Chiasso.
Every year Chiasso, a town nearby the Italian border, is hosting a contemporary dance event with amazing shows. “Chiassodanza” is a festival appreciated and valued beyond Cantonal borders, especially thanks to the presence of several internationally acclaimed choreographers, e.g. Carolyn Carlson. The shows, always of a high standard, are addressed not only to dance fans, but also to a larger audience. The wide and varied dance program offers a taste of contemporary styles, which never fails to surprise with its new expressive forms, whilst remaining true to its classical origins.

Festival Leoncavallo | 29.05.10, 05.06.10 and 12.06.10.
Brissago.
Brissago pays a tribute to the musician Ruggero Leoncavallo, who lived on the shore of Lake Verbano and wrote many operas and compositions for piano. The composer from Naples (1857 – 1919), is remembered by a festival which, over three weekends, presents both concerts and recitals. Don’t miss the museum dedicated to him, featuring a collection of documents and objects, in the Branca-Baccalà palace.

“Museo in Erba”.
Bellinzona.
The first foreign branch of the “Musée en herbe” of Paris is located in Bellinzona. The “Museo in Erba”, that celebrates 10 years, approaches a young audience with its exhibits in the field of art, science and civic education. With these exhibits the museum tries to provoke curiosity, interest, sensitivity and creativity. An art studio for children (4 to 11 years) gives way to their creation. The museum is affiliated to a library that has an international selection of art books devoted to children. From 06.03.10 the museum will host the “Images of Picasso” exhibit.

Alpine Institute for Life Sciences.
Olivone.
The Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences is located in Olivone (Blenio valley). Their goal is to support, coordinate and promote education and research in the field of biosciences. In particular, it explores the medicinal and aromatic plants and their therapeutic effects in human and veterinary medicine. For this grounds the Alpine Institute organises trainings and scientific conferences in Switzerland and abroad.

Downhill Trail.
Monte Tamaro.
Monte Tamaro is situated in the triangle between Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno. A convenient cable car takes visitors from Rivera to the Alpe Foppa. Here you can enjoy the adventure park or visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, designed by the architect Mario Botta. The new downhill trail starts next to the arrival station, and is 1,610 m long with a vertical height of 382 m. Along the trail there are signs indicating the details of the various passages and evolutions. The international “iXS Downhill Cup” race will take place on this mountain bike route from 1st to 2nd May.
Palazzo Gamboni.
Comologno.
The Palazzo Gamboni is a beautiful manor house, nestled in the old part of Comologno (Onsernone valley), close to four other significant “papalazzi” from the 17th century, of which the magnificent “Castello della Barca” strands out very clearly. The actual importance of the Palazzo Gamboni lies not only in its history, but rather also to the well-preserved original furnishings, equipment and utensils combined with such of the 18th and 20th century. In 2001, the patrician’s house has been restored with care and the old wing of the palace has been converted into a hotel, which gives the impression of living in a museum.

„Bellinzona in Fiore” | 24 – 25.04.10.
Bellinzona.
The event “Bellinzona in Fiore” is organized by the florists association of Ticino. The competition is open to the 8 cantonal florists sections that are challenging each other for the decoration of a given area in the old town of Bellinzona. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the creation of flower compositions and they will determine the winner by ballot. The registration to the contest will begin on 22 April. A gala dinner for the public is planned on Saturday 24 April. On Sunday a risotto-lunch is served to everyone on the piazza and the florists will be available to support the public during the arrangement of a flower composition.

Robert Mapplethorpe. The perfection of form | 21.03 – 13.06.10.
Lugano.
The Art Museum of Lugano (Museo d’Arte) dedicates an exhibit to the American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, entitled “The perfection of form”. The exhibit has more than ninety recordings, which illustrates the quest for an ideal plastic perfection of the artist, to establish a connection between the photographer and the Renaissance masters, especially Michelangelo. Mapplethorpe’s work includes naked bodies of athletes, still lifes and portraits that will render the comparison with Renaissance art more clearly.

„Locarno nautica” | 13 – 16.05.10.
Locarno.
The Nautical Exhibition, accompanied by numerous side events, will take place at the port of Locarno. Surrounded by a beautiful park and the direct position on the lake, the region of Lake Maggiore has the advantage to dispose of the ideal location for this event. Dockyards can benefit from the structure and the cooperation of the regional port of Locarno and perform the ships to their existing and future customers in a serene atmosphere.

Wilhelm Tell Express.
Luzern – Lugano / Locarno.
The Wilhelm Tell Express links two of Switzerland’s most attractive regions: Central Switzerland and Ticino. The trip starts in Lucerne on a nostalgic paddle steamer cruising on Lake Lucerne to Flüelen. In Göschenen the world-famous Gotthard line enters the 15-kilometer long Gotthard tunnel, Europe’s most important north/south gateway. Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries and bridges testify to the remarkable achievements of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering. And there you are: Welcome to Ticino! From the Leventina valley the train crosses breathtaking cantilevered bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona. From here, the next leg is to Locarno or Lugano: it will be up to you to decide.

Hotel Dellago.
Melide.
The Hotel Dellago in Melide offers to its guests an urban lifestyle combined with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, directly on Lake Lugano. The rooms have all a different design and the restaurant serves seafood specialties in crossover style. In late summer, the hotel has inaugurated its new “sparkling rooms”. They each have an area of 60 m2, a freestanding bath, a Jacuzzi and a spacious Turkish bath.

Wool’s house.
Sonogno.
Traditional work in wool, hemp, ceramics and other materials used to be part of everyday life, especially in the Verzasca valley, and even today there are still people who keep these activities alive by practicing them. The craftswomen who work at the “Casa della lana” in Sonogno process wool as shorn from the sheep, carding, spinning and dyeing it and then turning it into typical rural articles, such as pullovers, cardigans and scarves. The colours of the wool result from the use of various natural substances such as: birch leaves, alder leaves, onion skins, heather and apple-tree bark to produce the colour yellow, hazel leaves or shells to produce the colour brown and madder roots to produce the colour red.

XXNegrentino.
The church above Prugiasco (Blenio valley), originally dedicated to St. Ambrogio, is also called Church of San Carlo or Negrentino Church. The church is known since 1224, but undoubtedly goes back to an even earlier time, since one of the most interesting frescoes in the church was painted in the middle of the 11th century. The interior is decorated with frescoes by artists from three different eras. The pictures on the north side of the nave and the apse are among the best works of the Seregnesi painter.

Bike tracks with time measurement Timtoo.
Ticino.
Discover Ticino by bike along the time measured Timtoo tracks! 40 different cycling routes were realised with indicators at the start and finish of each tour. Thanks to automatic and continuous timers that record the passing of the tracked athletes, cycling enthusiasts will be able to race against the chronometer along trails immersed in breathtaking sceneries that run from the lakeside up to the steep slopes of the valleys. The results are automatically forwarded to www.timtoo.com and incorporated into the evaluation of the respective bicycle tour.

To find out about events in the southern region of Switzerland, please visit www.events.ticino.ch.

www.ticino.ch

January 28, 2010   Posted in: Switzerland