Bellinzona Castles World Heritage site Virtual Tour

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Piazza del Sole Switzerland > Bellinzona Bellinzona, capital of the Ticino canton just north of Italy, was a medieval stronghold, guarding the approaches to the Alps. Unlike other parts of the country, the town enjoys the light and warmth of a southern European sun. Today, the old town of Bellinzona is quaint and well preserved and its medieval streets are lined with vendors selling local delicacies during the Saturday market. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi	Castelgrande, entrance Switzerland > Bellinzona Castelgrande (or Castle of Uri, or San Michele) is the oldest and largest of the three castles. Built in 1280, it was recently refurbished by renowned Swiss architect Aurelio Galfetti and offers walks on the ramparts, a permanent art collection and high-end restaurant. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi	Castelgrande - elevator Switzerland > Bellinzona Ten years ago a lift was inconspicuously installed in the rock to take lazy tourists from the bottom edge of the town to the castle's ramparts, where one can then make the easy climb to the top of the tower for the magnificent view and leisurely stroll back down on foot. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi
Montebello castle, panoramic view of Bellinzona Switzerland > Bellinzona TMontebello, or Schwyz Castle, is an outstanding 13th century chateau with a courtyard and several 15th century additions. Today it is a minor museum of history and archaeology. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi	Montebello castle, entrance Switzerland > Bellinzona Montebello, or Schwyz Castle, is an outstanding 13th century chateau with a courtyard and several 15th century additions. Today it is a minor museum of history and archaeology. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi	Castelgrande - La Murata and the vineyard Switzerland > Bellinzona The castle Castelgrande was built in the 13th century; until the beginning of the 20th century the outer wall reached up to the Ticino river. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi
Castelgrande - La Murata Switzerland > Bellinzona Bellinzona's Castelgrande, refurbished between 1980 and 1991 by the well-known Ticino architect Aurelio Galfetti, offers walks on the ramparts, particularly appealing at night when all the castles and churches in the old town are illuminated. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi	Sasso Corbaro castle Switzerland > Bellinzona Sasso Corbaro, or Castle of Unterwald, was built in 1479 and has the finest view of Bellinzona from its terrace, where one can see the lower valley of Ticino as well as Lake Maggiore. Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi