The Italian speaking canton of Switzerland is called Ticino. It borders on Italy and is in the very South of our country. The canton owns 20% of the Lago Maggiore (Lake of Maggiore), the rest belong to Italy.
Because of the Southern position of this beautiful lake the weather in the Ticino is generally milder and sunnier than in the North. While we are down in the Ticino for a few days of sun up North is is raining right now.
Bellinzona is the capital of the canton. Lugano however is the biggest city of the canton and after Zurich and Geneva the most important financial center. The canton Ticino has only a population of about 350’000 inhabitants.
Quite a few rivers flow from the high mountains through deep valleys into the lake. Up along the rivers into the mountains many charming old villages dot the wild countryside.
Ascona is a picturesque small city on the Lago Maggiore (Lake of Maggiore). It boasts a beautiful lake promenade along with many cafes and boutiques, selling expensive clothing and exclusive watches. Italian culture has a deep influence on the canton and gives it it’s special cultural flavour.
This small city is at the lowest point of Switzerland and only 196m above sea level.
