Bellinzona is located in the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, strategically located where the Alps meet northern Italy. Not only is it home to magnificent natural beauty, but it is also famous for its three well-preserved medieval castles. These castles are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also bear witness to Bellinzona's important role in history, from the Roman period to modern times. The second stop of the National Day Castle Tour is to explore this beautiful castle city together.
Bellinzona is located at the southern entrance to the Gotthard, San Bernaldino and Rukmano mountain passes, which have long been an important hub between North and South Europe. As a "keyhole" from Italy to the Alps and a gateway north into Italy, Bellinzona's geographical location is extremely special, making it a strategic place for ancient Romans and medieval rulers. In the 1st century AD, the Romans built the first castle here to guard this important passage.
贝林佐纳的三座城堡——卡斯特尔格朗德(Castelgrande)、蒙特贝罗(Montebello Castle)和萨索·科尔巴罗(Sasso Corbaro Castle),这三座城堡并肩矗立,宛如守护这座小城的三位骑士,穿越数百年的历史风雨,见证着这个地区的繁荣与变迁。
Castelgrande is the oldest and largest of the three castles, standing high above the city. The twin black and white towers here served as watchtowers to defend against enemies, and the ancient walls stretched into the valley to keep out invaders from the south. The castle is still breathtaking, not only symbolizing the historical power of Bellinzona, but also the best place for visitors to experience the ancient military defenses.
The castle of Montebello, next to Castelgrande, stands out for its immaculately preserved walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century and built by a wealthy merchant family from Como. The towers and fortifications around the castle were gradually expanded in the 14th-15th centuries, forming the fortified walls seen today. The castle houses a museum that showcases historical artifacts from ancient times to the present day, and is a great way to learn about Bellinzona's history.
Compared to the first two castles, Sasso · Corbarro, located higher on a hill, is small and chic. Built at the end of the 15th century, it sits on a 230-metre-high hill and is the only castle accessible by transport. From here, you can see the magnificent view of Bellinzona and the Alps, as if you have stepped back in time.
Although Bellinzona is the capital of the canton of Ticino in Switzerland, the strong Italy atmosphere can be found everywhere. Stroll through the city streets and you'll find colourful neoclassical buildings, decorative aristocratic mansions and elegant Italy-style theaters. Quaint streets are full of boutiques, cafes and restaurants, where tradition and modernity are perfectly intertwined. Held every Saturday in Piazza Nosetto, the market is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, with a wide variety of handicrafts and food.
Bellinzona is not only a paradise for history buffs, but also an ideal destination for those looking for a laid-back and cultural experience. Sunlight shines on the ancient stone walls, and strolling through the squares and courtyards is like stepping back in time to medieval Europe. And for those who love the beauty of nature, there are also hiking and adventure opportunities into the Alps.
Quality hotel recommendation
Quality Hotel Bellinzona South Switzerland
Bellinzona Sud Swiss Quality Hotel
The conveniently located and rejuvenated Bellinzona South Hotel is the ideal base from which to explore Bellinzona and its surroundings. Located just off the A2 motorway, the hotel is located in a quiet natural environment, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and easy access to the surrounding attractions.
The hotel offers a wide range of comfortable rooms, including single, double, triple, family and suites to suit the needs of all travelers. The rooms are all surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, complete the hotel experience, complete with a full range of amenities, jogging and cycling trails, and a barbecue area.
Hotel guests can also enjoy a rich breakfast buffet at the nearby Marché restaurant and a variety of cuisines in a lively market atmosphere. The restaurant offers a wide variety of salads, fresh sandwiches, delicious barbecue, a variety of vegetables and side dishes, authentic Asian cuisine and delicious pastries. In addition to coffee, freshly squeezed juice and homemade lemonade were provided.
Source: Switzerland Tourism & Quality Hotels in Switzerland