Our tour of the Castles of Bellinzona begins at Castel Grande and ends at Castello del Sasso Corbaro.
Castel Grande
You can start your visit at Castel Grande—also known as Castel Vecchio—which towers over the historic center like a guardian spirit. To reach it, take the Salita al Castello from Palazzo Cantonale, or wander up the steep, picturesque alleys from Piazza Nosetto and Piazza della Collegiata. If you prefer an easier ascent, there’s a convenient elevator from Piazza del Sole.
Dating back to the 6th century, the fortress consists of several interconnected buildings centered around a single courtyard. Like many castles, it has seen numerous renovations, extensions, and reconstructions over the centuries.
The most distinctive features are its two impressive towers, built in different eras: the White Tower from 1250 and the Black Tower from 1310, rising 28 meters high, later expanded by both the Visconti and the Sforza families.
The castle’s crenellated ramparts are remarkably well preserved and dramatic, leading down to the city below—a defensive structure added by the Visconti at the end of the 14th century. Inside, secret passageways weave through the walls, while outside, visitors can walk along the panoramic patrol path. The interiors were restored in the late 1980s and house the Museo di Castel Grande, displaying important historical, archaeological, and artistic finds from the region.
Bellinzona Castles: Castel Grande, Opening Hours
Museum
November – March
Mon – Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
April – June / September – October
Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
July – August
Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Inner Courtyard:
Tuesday – Sunday
9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Monday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Murata Sforzesca:
Summer
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Winter
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Castello di Montebello
Another highlight contributing to Bellinzona’s unique appeal is Castello di Montebello, known as the Little One, situated east of the center. You can drive up from the main station boulevard, or reach it on foot via the Salita Motta near Piazza della Collegiata.
Constructed around 1200, the castle has retained its original trapezoidal keep, while other parts were significantly expanded and remodeled in the 14th and 15th centuries. Behind the keep, a charming two-story palace stands out, surrounded by a 15th-century wall topped with crenellations considered exemplary for their defensive function.
The castle has long hosted the Museo Civico, which boasts a rich collection of historical and archaeological artifacts.
Bellinzona Castles: Castello di Montebello, Opening Hours
April – June / September – October
Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
July – August
Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
April – November
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
