Castles of Bellinzona
Castelli di Bellinzona
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three medieval castles and their walls, the Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, guard the route to the Alpine passes.
Bellinzona, the capital of the canton of Ticino, is guarded by three medieval castles and their walls. They control the main routes to Alpine passes such as the Gotthard. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Castelgrande, the largest castle on the rock, can be reached directly by lift, and its walkways along the walls are open free of charge. Montebello Castle and the higher Sasso Corbaro Castle offer broader views, and both house museums. A combined ticket for all three castles costs about CHF 28. On Saturday mornings, a large market is held in the old town. From Lugano, the train takes about 20 to 30 minutes, so the visit makes a good half-day trip.
Opening hours
Main castle approx. 10:00–18:00; shorter hours in winter
Nearby sights
- Monte Tamaro
- Monte Brè
- Gandria
- Verzasca Valley
- Parco Ciani & Lakefront
- Piazza della Riforma
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo
- Lake Lugano Boat Trips