You can wander through the narrow alleyways of the Città Vecchia, the Old Town, admire all the bright flower displays in the parks and watch the hustle and bustle on the busy Piazza Grande while you sup a cappuccino - Locarno is above all a city for those who know how to enjoy themselves.

In summer people meet up on the Piazza Grande, especially at open-air concerts or during the famous International Film Festival in August, when thousands of visitors come to the square. The Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, is framed by houses with elegant facades, leafy walkways and pavement cafés.

Towering over Locarno is the famous pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso. The founding of this holy place dates back to a vision of the Virgin Mary which appeared to a Franciscan monk during the night of 15 August (Feast of the Assumption). From the rocky spur of Orselina there is a fantastic view of the city and the lake with the mountains in the background.

Further up, on Locarno's nearest mountain (1670 m), a cable-car designed by the world-famous architect Mario Botta leads up to Cardada-Cimetta. In summer, Cardada is a popular meeting place for hang-gliders and hikers, while in winter you can even go skiing or sledging.

It is particularly worth a visit to the mighty Castello Visconteo with its impressive tower and the archaeological museum inside the castle walls. It is also worth visiting the ancient churches and noble manor houses in and around Locarno.

Locarno is the ideal starting point for numerous excursions, whether a boat trip on Lake Maggiore or a diversion into the romantic and remote valleys in Locarno's hinterland.

13. Locarno Camelie
(24 Mar 2010 - 28 Mar 2010 ) Luci e OmSummer Night's Festival with Fireworks
(22 Jul 2010 - 24 Jul 2010 ) Festival del Film Locarno
(04 Aug 2010 - 14 Aug 2010 ) All Top Events in Locarno

• Pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso – a holy place above Locarno with fantastic views over the town, lake and mountains.
  
• Locarno's nearest mountain, the Cardada-Cimetta – the cable-car designed by leading architect Mario Botta takes visitors up to the hiking, skiing and sledging paradise above Locarno.
  
• Old Town with Castello Visconteo – wander through the picturesque Old Town behind the Piazza Grande to the medieval castle with its archaeological museum.
  
• Verzasca valley & Maggia valley – romantic and largely unspoilt valleys in Locarno's hinterland. Bus connections from Tenero and Locarno.
  
• Lago Maggiore – swimming, water sports and excursions in, on and round the lake, e.g. to the Brissago Islands.
  
• International Film Festival in Locarno – for eleven days every year, thousands of film fans enjoy the magnificent setting of the Piazza Grande (August).