Bellinzona
Three medieval castles, UNESCO listed, barring the Ticino valley.
To discover around Bellinzona
Augustinian Monte Carasso Monastery
The foundation of the monastery and its associated church dates back to the year 1450. However, the mid-19th century saw the monastery closed and left to decay. It was only in the eighties of the 20th century that the monastery was shaken awake through a total renovation – and brought back to life at the village center under the supervision of the eminent Swiss architect Luigi Snozzi.
Villa dei Cedri Park
The park surrounding the Villa dei Cedri, which today is home to the Municipal Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art, is a living example of an English-style park of the 19th century. A further attraction is the vineyard behind the villa, whose grapes are used to produce the popular Merlot.
Fortress of Bellinzona
The fortifications of Bellinzona are an extraordinary example of a late-medieval defensive structure located at a key strategic point on the Alpine pass. The castles of Bellinzona are among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps.
Bellinzona Saturday market
Each Saturday, people come together to enjoy the colourful weekly market that stretches from Piazza Nosetto to the alleyways of the old town.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Built in the late 15th century, Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most precious churches in Ticino.
Crossing the suspension bridge Carasc
The mountainside above the Magadino Plain is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic hike. In addition to the breathtaking views, the tour also takes in several impressive sights.
Photo Spot Bellinzona
Montebello Castle is situated on a hill of the same name, 90 metres above the city and looking down on Castelgrande. Accessible from the Piazza Collegiata or Nocca district on foot or via a road branching off from the Viale Stazione, it offers wonderful views of the region.
Sasso Corbaro Castle
The name of this fortress is based on its geographical location: the Castello is located on a rock as dark as the feathers of a raven (from dialect “corbatt”).
Source: Switzerland Tourism — myswitzerland.com, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.