Il nostro itinerario dei Bellinzona Castles inizia dal Castel Grande e si conclude al Castello del Sasso Corbaro.
Castel Grande
You can start from the Castel Grande or Castel Vecchio, which overlooks the historic center from above, like a protective spirit. It can be reached via the Salita al Castello dal Palazzo Cantonale, or from Piazza Nosetto and Piazza della Collegiata through steep and characteristic alleys. Alternatively, more comfortably, it is possible to use the elevator from Piazza del Sole.
Dated to the 6th century, the complex consists of several buildings, all revolving around a single central courtyard and, like many such structures, has undergone changes, additions, and renovations over time.
What characterizes it most are the two beautiful towers, built in different eras: the Torre Bianca from 1250 and the Torre Nera from 1310, 28 meters high, expanded and remodeled both by the Visconti and the Sforza.
Also impressive and very well preserved is the mighty battlemented enclosure, from which extends the wall descending towards the city: it was built for defensive purposes by the Visconti at the end of the 1300s; inside it hides overlapping tunnels, while outside it boasts a long patrol walkway. The castle’s interiors were restored at the end of the 1980s and host the Museo di Castel Grande, with historical, archaeological, and artistic artifacts of the area.
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
Sforza walls:
Summer
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Montebello Castle
Another fortress that makes Bellinzona unique is the Montebello Castle, also called the Small One, to the east of the historic center, reachable by car via a road that branches off from the station avenue or on foot, passing through the Salita Motta, near Piazza della Collegiata.
It was built in the 1200s and from that era has preserved the magnificent trapezoidal keep, while the remaining parts underwent extensive expansions and renovations during the 14th and 15th centuries. Behind the keep rises a spectacular two-story palace, and the 15th-century city walls are adorned with battlements considered by scholars to be perfect in their function of protecting the walkway.
The castle has hosted the Civic Museum for several years, with a rich historical and archaeological section.
Bellinzona Castles: Montebello Castle, 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
