Orselina
A village like Ascona, but more relaxed.
The municipality of Orselina lies above the town of Locarno, surrounded by numerous mountains, which frame the fertile "Piano di Magadino" with its unique flora and fauna, the magnificent delta of the Maggia and the magnificent Lake Maggiore. A small holiday and recreation idyll that offers a panoramic view of the lake and mountains and is just waiting to be rediscovered by you on hikes, sporting activities or in the evening strolling from Lungolago to Piazza Grande.
Orselina also has the famous "Madonna del Sasso" monastery.
According to tradition, Frà Bartolomeo d'Ivrea, a Franciscan brother in the monastery of Locarno, wanted to build a place of worship on the "Sasso" after an apparition in 1480 and he built two small chapels here. The present Sanctuary, which was completely restored in 1902, contains 17th century stucco work with frescoes by Alessandro Gorla. The image of the Madonna on the main altar dates from 1480. The escape from Egypt in the southern nave is the work of Bramantino (1520), the monumental tomb in the third side chapel was painted by Antonio Ciseri (1870). A rich collection of votive tablets decorates the walls of the church and other rooms. The Sanctuary was reopened to the public after extensive renovation work.
Opening hours: 06.30 - 18.30
Further interesting information about Orselina and the region around Locarno-Ascona can be found at: