Ascona, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Maggiore", internationally renowned as a vacation resort with a high cultural standard, lies on the delta of the River Maggia in a unique, sunlit bay. The privileged location in the midst of a varied landscape, the southern climate, a long tradition in tourism and a pronounced sense of hospitality on the part of the inhabitants create ideal conditions for vacations and relaxation and establish Ascona's reputation as a fabulous vacation resort. The rich heritage of culture and art in this old town is remarkable, with numerous witnesses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There are also many traces of artists who lived in Ascona from the 17th century onwards. 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 on the hill above Ascona and called it "Monte Verità", the mountain of truth.