Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico - Casella Postale 1419 CH-6500 Bellinzona

Tel. +41 91 825 21 31 Fax +41 91 821 41 20

Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, is famous for its three castles, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2000.

The city is located at the foot of the Alps and its impressive castles and endless ramparts lock in the valleys that descend from the Gotthard and Graubünden mountains. When one thinks of Ticino and its gentle way of life, one thinks above all of the Lake Maggiore (Locarno, Brissago...) and Ceresio (Lugano...) regions. We tend to forget Bellinzona, which forms a singular contrast with the holiday resorts located further south.

The castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro once formed an impassable barrier on the north-south axis of the Alpine passes, and their endless ramparts are very well preserved and very impressive.

The bulk of the monumental complex dates back to the work done by the Dukes of Milan in the 15th century to deter Confederate warfare. Hey yes, contrary to what one might imagine, this incredible barrier was not built to defend Switzerland, but to protect the Duchy of Milan, threatened by the expansion of the Confederation!

In the past, these fortifications barred the entire valley and, with their walls, towers and gates, they still inspire wonder today, constituting a unique walking destination as long stretches of these ramparts are accessible, offering superb views of the city.