"Bellinzona" Top 5 Page for this destination Bellinzona by MalenaN

Bellinzona Travel Guide: 77 reviews and 266 photos

View from Montebello towards Castelgrande

View from Sasso Corbarco

Since 2000 the three castles, Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbarco, have been an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bellinzona has a beautiful location. It is situated by Ticino River in Ticino Valley and has a strategic position along the route over the Alpine passes. A fortress was built already in Roman times, it was later added to by the Bishop of Como. When Bellinzona was under the control of the Dukes of Milan two more castles were built and they had, not only a good defence, but also control over the passing traffic and trade.

Below Castelgrande is the Old Town of Bellinzona with narrow cobbled streets, some squares and fine buildings, like the Town Hall with a courtyard with Renaissance arcades around.

I visited Bellinzona on a sunny day in February and I enjoyed my stay very much. I walked around in the Old Town, ate at a café and visited all three castles by foot.

Last visit to Bellinzona: Feb 2009
Intro Updated Apr 4, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Castelgrande Things to Do (3)

Castelgrande is standing on a hill just above the town centre. Of the three castles in Belizean it is the oldest one. On... more travel advice

Castello di Montebello Things to Do (3)

Castello di Montebello is situated just east of the town centre. The castle dates from the 13th century and was probably... more travel advice

Castello di Sasso Corbaro Things to Do (3)

Sasso Corbaro stands on a rocky hill about 600 metres southeast of the town centre, but walking up along the winding... more travel advice

Train to Bellinzona Transportation (1)

While I was visiting northern Italy I made a daytrip to Lugano and Bellinzona. There are frequent trains from Milan to... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Peverelli

Been to Bellinzona?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (7)

Bwana_Brown Jun 26, 2009 at 4:08 PM Report Abuse

Malena, it is not often that you get such a fantastic natural location along with three beautiful castles! Even if they were not open, just viewing them in such weather must have been a pleasure.
LoriPori Jun 16, 2009 at 4:26 AM Report Abuse

So many castles in one area - Castello di Sasso / Montebello /Castelgrande.
kokoryko Apr 7, 2009 at 3:30 PM Report Abuse

The winter light is beautiful and your pictures show it, Malena. Three castles in the same place ! Oh, how did you get 9 pictures on your fifth travelogue? Cheers, Hermann
yumyum Apr 7, 2009 at 11:01 AM Report Abuse

It's such a good idea to visit Ticino in wintersun! I must keep it in mind. Bellinzona looks very appealing and I wanted to go there for years. My last visit was as a kid. So thanks for reminding me :)
cachaseiro Apr 7, 2009 at 6:11 AM Report Abuse

that looks likea really good combination of natural and cultural scenery.
Nemorino Apr 5, 2009 at 12:01 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful photos in your tips and travelogues! Great that you went there by train from Milan, but it's too bad the castles were closed when you were there.
hunterV Mar 31, 2009 at 9:08 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Malena! I enjoy reading your travel pages! Thanx!<><>