Southern plants such as palm trees and lemon trees thrive in the heart of Locarno and give the city its special charm. Its heart is the Piazza Grande, famous for the annual Film Festival. The narrow streets of the old town lead you directly to the piazza.  Locarno is the ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding valleys. Between culture, lake and mountains, it is the perfect vacation resort to relax or enjoy the best entertainment. The "Città Vecchia", the old town, is full of surprises and interesting discoveries with its boutiques, cafés, stately homes and churches. Characteristic is the picturesque, historic atmosphere in the narrow streets that all lead to the famous Piazza Grande. The Madonna del Sasso is enthroned above Locarno, on the sacred mountain. A magnificent pilgrimage church on a rocky outcrop, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the town and the lake as far as Italy. The area around Locarno offers a wide range of activities for water lovers and mountaineers alike. Just a few steps from the lake is the cog railroad station to Orselina, where the Madonna del Sasso stands. From there, take the cable car to Cardada-Cimetta. The cable car was completely renovated according to a project by Ticino architect Mario Botta and takes you up to 1670 m above sea level in just a few minutes, from where you have an indescribable view.