History

Looking back

Ascona was once a fishing village. Then, in the early 20th century, it was discovered by numerous artists who spontaneously adopted it as their home or returned there, time and time again. Ascona quickly became a well-known “artists’ village”, with different artistic genres influencing and inspiring one another. Fondly referred to as the “Mediterranean’s most northerly”, it not only began to attract more and more artists, but also holidaymakers and art enthusiasts from all over the world.

Blessed with long hours of sunshine merely interspersed with showers, Ascona boasts a lush and at times tropical vegetation. Its romantic old town centre with the arcades and granite piazzas typical of Ticino’s architecture is ideal for shopping in boutiques, galleries and antique dealers. In June Ascona’s piazzas are transformed into a multitude of venues for international music performances featuring jazz and classical music. Europe’s equestrian elite also gathers here every year in July to take part in the CSI Tournament.

Hotel

In winter 1998/99 the existing 5-star Eden Roc Hotel merged with its neighbouring hotel, the Europe au Lac, and Ticino interior designer Carlo Rampazzi created a masterpiece of harmony in combining the two hotels. Guests are transported into a dream world full of harmonies of colour and filled with peace and quiet, rest and relaxation, glamour and stimulating inspiration.

As they enter the hotel they are welcomed by the romantic, southern atmosphere of the spacious lobby. A picturesque inner courtyard, specially designed furniture, original wall paintings and attractively laid marble floors call to mind the majestic beauty of an Italian palazzo