What to see at the The Bellinzona

The city of Bellinzona has three interesting castles which belonged to the three bailiffs of the three first canton of Switzerland. The bailiffs became the owners of the city  in 1500. The castles were built for a purpose of defense on the Alpine road for St Gothard and San Bernardino itineraries. The city of Bellinzona was built on a strategic point. The whole city is build according to a model of defense with ramparts, walls and defensive castles. The old city is surrounded by ramparts and Bellinzona was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

CASTELGRANDE AND CASTLE SASSO CORBARO

The CastelGrande is one of the three castles of the city, laid on a peak, it stands 50 meters above the city and it overlooks Bellinzona. This castle with its two towers can be seen and recognized from far away.It was built during the 14th century by the Sforza Dukes of Milan.

The smallest castle, is the castle Sasso Corbaro, located on the south west of the city , it is also the one which has the highest location. It stands 200 meters above the city and offers a breathtaking view over Bellinzona. Nowadays, a museum can be found inside which offers thematic and anthological exhibitions.

CASTLE MONTEBELLO

The third castle is the castle of Montebello, it is situated on a hill and is higher than Castelgrande and offers a wonderful view on the valley until the lake Maggiore. The castle Montebello changes its names several time as years passed. It was Castello Piccolo, then Castello di Svitto and Castello San Martino in 1818. The canton bought it in 1903 and restored it. It was its first restoration.

The city has a nice market each week and one of the best carnivals of the area.