The Belvedere was the ancient home of a noble family, built in the 15th century. It has greeted guests as a hotel since the end of the 19th century. It encapsulates a long and storied hotel tradition which has been passed down through the Franzoni family from generation to generation for more than 100 years.
The pioneering Carlo Franzoni was the first of the family to take over the running of the hotel more than a century ago, and son Alberto later followed in his footsteps. Two of his brothers, an uncle, a female cousin and a niece have also followed a successful career in the hotel business. This dynasty came to an end after the third generation of Franzonis with Giorgio and Marco in the 1980s, and from 1980 onward the hotel was taken over by an insurance group. As a new millennium dawned, the Belvedere was completely renovated and expanded and is again being run by locals in a modern and efficient way.
During the renovation work, everything was done to preserve the wonderful frescoes and the appeal of this historical building whilst creating a hotel which meets the needs of the modern guest.
The publication of a book entitled: "Il Belvedere di Locarno ieri e oggi" – "The Belvedere in Locarno, past and present" - is dedicated to the many admirers of the hotel, namely guests, visitors of the restaurant and all the passers-by who enjoy the sound of the water gushing from the historical fountain. The book aims to contribute to the appreciation and love for our region, which is full of extraordinary natural beauty, outstanding monuments and events which have marked the artistic and political history not only of this country but beyond. The Belvedere estate was a witness to all of this and at times even a protagonist during the course of its history spreading over four centuries.
Ask for a copy at the reception desk!