"Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino" Top 5 Page for this destination Bellinzona by ealgisi

Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellinzona

Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino and is situated in the heart of this Italian speaking Canton. The friendliness, hospitality and the relaxed way of life of the inhabitants attest to the Italian character of this area. The town nestles within the remains of the original defensive walls and is overlooked by three mighty castles.

Its natural location amidst mountains and valleys affords the visitor an opportunity to relax in green and pleasant surroundings. With its beautiful courtyards, elegant 19th c. houses, piazzas, arcades and pavement cafés, Bellinzona was a favourite with such illustrious visitors as the writer John Ruskin and the painter Joseph Turner.

The history and art of the area are well documented in the local museums and art galleries, which provide both the scholar and the curious visitor with the chance to make a closer acquaintance with the cultural heritage of the region. The piazzas and the narrow lanes and streets in the centre are also part of the charm of this historic town. In Via Colebrook, Via and Piazza Nose to, Via Comminute and Piazza Collegiate, there are numerous interesting buildings, former homes of the local gentry, wit impressive granite portals, beautiful wrought iron balconies and, here and there, old inn signs. On of the most unusual is the Cà Rossa or Red House, so named because of its ornamental terracotta facade. Bellinzona is the seat of the Cantonal Government and the Parliament building is situated in Piazza Governo, near Piazza Nosetto. Built between 1738 and 1743 as a convent for Orsoline nuns, it was later suppressed in 1848.

Today the building is as it was in 1878 when Bellinzona was proclaimed capital. Bellinzona is splendidly situated in the middle of a fertile plain surrounded by green hills and lofty mountains.

The town's central location makes it an excellent departure point for other interesting excursions. Bellinzona also has plenty to offer in the way of cultural events: choral, chamber and modern music, folk and brass band concerts; there is something for all tastes. In February Bellinzona becomes the backdrop for the five day "Rabadan" carneval celebrations and procession.

Bellinzona Turist Office
Palazzo Civico - Piazza Nosetto
Casella postale 1419
6501 Bellinzona
Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31
Fax +41 (0)91 821 41 20
info@bellinzonaturismo.ch
www.bellinzonaturismo.ch

Wikipedia website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellinzona