Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
Overview
Intro
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.
And it is with this wording that the three castles of Bellinzona, together with the walls and ramparts, joined the ranks of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites on 30 November 2000.
Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro were constructed to control the route from the valley of the Ticino river, access to Alpine passes and commercial traffic from and to the San Gotthard pass.
Following recent reconstruction, restoration and improvement, it can now be seen in its full splendour and is the main tourist attraction in the city. Interesting temporary exhibitions are regularly organised at Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro.
Visit them and add a missing piece to the complex and gigantic puzzle that is the history of humanity!
Montebello Archaeology
The new exhibition inside Montebello Castle
The new Montebello Archaeology exhibition displays more than 200 archaeological finds from the canton of Ticino extending from the Mesolithic period to the end of the Roman period. A guide to accompany visitors through the exhibition is available in four languages and can be downloaded to a smartphone.
Castelgrande Museum
The museum is located over two floors of the south wing of Castelgrande, the ducal fortress restored by the architect Aurelio Galfetti between 1980-91.
In the archaeological history section, there is a brief presentation of the 6500 years of human presence on the hill, from the first Neolithic villages to the 20th century (collection of coins from the 16th century, evidence of a mint for three primitive cantons), and a very enjoyable film at the end. The artistic history section includes a group of tempera paintings on paper (from around 1470) which originally embellished the wooden ceiling of a magnificent fifteenth-century dwelling in the town centre which was demolished in 1970.
Further information
Other activities
Castelgrande sensory path
Escape Room Rabadan
Guided tour of the city of Bellinzona and Castelgrande
Events at the Castles
Discover the Fortress of Bellinzona with Artù
The small Artù tourist train departs from the old town and takes guests on a comfortable trip to the castles of Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. Guests can hop off and on at the most important monuments and places of historic interest.
The sightseeing trip lasts around one and a half hours and tickets can be purchased directly at the train or from the tourist office in Bellinzona.
Experiences in the World Heritage
Interesting activities to explore the natural and cultural treasures of Switzerland
The Swiss castles
The variety of castles and fortresses in Switzerland is unique. The association “The Swiss Castles” gives an overview of the various tourist offers, defines quality standards and provides reliable support to Swiss and international guests so they can enjoy an exciting experience at the castles throughout Switzerland.General information
Season |
All year
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Time required |
2 to 4 hours (half day)
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Suitable for children with age |
10 to 13 years, 14+ years
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Suitable for |
Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
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Weather |
Indoor and outdoor
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Category |
Culture, Education, Urban
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Booking Information
Additional information |
Experiences in the World HeritageAttractive offers associated with Switzerland’s natural and cultural treasures.13 places are on the roster of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Convince yourself of the uniqueness of these places by visiting them. |
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Contact
UNESCO World Heritage in Switzerland
Switzerland
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Piazza Collegiata
6500
Bellinzona
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)91 825 21 31
Fax +41 (0)91 821 41 20
bellinzona@bellinzonaevalli.ch
bellinzonaevalli.ch
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