Ascona, often called the "Pearl of Lake Maggiore", internationally famous as a vacation resort with a high cultural level, is situated on the delta of the Maggia River in a unique sunlit bay. The privileged position in the middle of a varied landscape, the southern climate, a long tradition in tourism and a strong sense of hospitality of the inhabitants result in ideal conditions for vacations and relaxation and establish Ascona's reputation as a fairy-tale vacation resort. Worthy of note is the rich heritage of culture and art in this ancient town with numerous witnesses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Versatile also the traces of artists who lived in Ascona from the 17th century onwards, among which the unique baroque façade of Casa Serodine is particularly impressive. However, it was the turn of the century that brought Ascona the most fascinating period of its cultural history: a group of people from the north in search of a life close to nature settled at that time on the hill overlooking Ascona and named it "Monte Verità", Mountain of Truth.