Discover the four treasure hunts in Ascona-Locarno that will help you unravel the secrets of the region. Locarno, Cardada-Cimetta, Ascona and the Brissago Islands are waiting for you.
Many years ago, Lake Maggiore was a transit area for trade between the Confederation (whose lands extended as far as Bellinzona) and Lombardy. The complicated political climate of the Duchy of Milan and the wealth of merchant vessels attracted a great many pirate ships to the region. Among the many that navigated Lake Maggiore in the hope of bagging some rich loot, one in particular attracted attention for its beauty, but above all for the fame of its captain.
As the years passed however, the prosperity of pirates suffered an unstoppable decline. The closure of trade routes between Bellinzona and Lake Maggiore led to a fall in merchant traffic and armed patrols became more frequent. To avoid capture, the pirates left the region. Before leaving, Pardy decided to hide his treasure, preferring to leave his loot safe in case his ship was attacked. But as he was leaving, Captain Pardy (who was very nice but also very careless) forgot to take his magic map... A few years ago, we discovered the map and found out that Pardy’s key to reading it was that he had the heart of a child.
So, that’s why we decided to give the map to all those budding young pirates who want to test themselves and show the world they truly are brave captains! Only children – and all those who are still young at heart – hold the key to finding the lost treasure of Captain Pardy, which was hidden by the crew in four different places. Four adventures for all the family in search of clues and riddles that will solve the greatest mystery of all: where is the buried treasure? The hunt is on!
Will you choose to search for it among the exotic plants of the Brissago Islands, the ultimate Treasure Island? Or on the mountain with unmissable views of Cardada-Cimetta, where even today a pirate ship commemorates lost time? Or how about right in the middle of the Old Town of Locarno, among ancient stories, castles and legends? Or perhaps in Ascona, hunting for secrets hidden by the narrow streets that intertwine in the Borgo? Wherever you choose to carry out your search, only those of you with a true pirate heart and a touch of cunning will be able to find the hidden treasure of Lake Maggiore.
Ask for the map and start hunting, a prize awaits you at the end of your search but you will soon discover that what matters is what you find along the way.
If you want to be a pirate, you have to talk like a real pirate. Here are some of Pardy’s favourite colourful expressions that will help you gain the respect of your bilge rat crew.
Ahoy! – Hello!
Arrr! – It means practically anything, use it as much as you can.
Avast - Definitely
Aye! – Yes
Loot – Treasure.
Buccaneer, Freebooter, Corsair
Brigantine, Carrack, Caravel, Clipper, Cocca, Corvette, Frigate, Gallivat, Galea, Galleon, Gulet, Sloop – Types of ship
Port, Starboard, Bow, Stern – Directions, in order: left, right, front, back
Big Blue – The sea
Latrine - Toilet
Davy Jones’ Locker – Bottom of the sea (meaning the place where those who fall into the sea go to die)
Hoist the sails - To leave
Scandal, bilge rat – Criminal; these are also ways to make fun of fellow pirates or names to call the lower ranks of the crew.
Slop – Food
Aboard!
Body of a thousand whales!
By Ahab’s beard!
For all buccaneers!
To arms!
By Blackbeard’s blindfold!
Yo ho ho!
The most important thing you have to remember is to always exaggerate whenever you’re telling a story. Pirates like to blow their deeds out of proportion.
Now you’re ready to set off on an adventure. Have fun!
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