castelli di bellinzona

danielhO3210XH

I grew up in Bellinzona and I spend a lot of time within the walls of this medieval castles. At the time that was nothing special. But now that I move away I have to say that I really miss them. It is a great proof of history. Bellinzona is located in very strategically since it is and was the place where everyone that wan't to to cross the alps in an efficient way has to go through.And this is the reason why those beautiful castles are positioned there. They would control all the traffic through 3 main alp passes: Gottardo, Lucomagno, San Bernardino. You may even add the Novena to go to the Rhone Valley. Bellinzona was hosting as well the opening of the 700 year celebration of the Swiss Confederation. For this event the entire town has been recycled and it is worth a visit. Best day to visit it is on Saturday. On the main Street in the morning you will find a great selection of local products.

KARTIKKHATRI

This small Swiss town reminds me of medieval time. Three big castles, old architect, small town market with tiny and beautiful shops & cafes. A typical old Swiss town. We have visited the whole town and three castles by foot only and that's the charm of this place.Long landscapes of Castles and wide wine yards are good place to relax and do picnic.

katiep316

Nice to wander around the ramparts, larger than you think at first. A steep climb up a spiral staircase from town but there is a less steep footpath down behind the castle. Nice views across to the other castles.

R4547EQroberts

We were only passing through and had a nice visit to the castle. There is a "three castle hike" starting from Castelli di Bellinzona. It has commanding views of the city and is well preserved. For a few photo's visit: http://m2explore.wordpress.com/2014/09/09/photo-week-september-7th/

Kenlodwa

I was born and raised next to these beautiful castles and I can only recommend a prolonged visit (at least a day). It's really worth it especially if you love trekking and are interested in art and history. The best way to discover them is on foot, with pauses at the various museums and restaurants. On top you will enjoy a splendid view of the plain of Magadino.

brucekgarber

Nice castle with a view and many interesting areas for photos in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Its a great way to spend a few hours with your friends and a camera.

Michael_R

Bellinzona the capital of Ticino canton was declared in 2000A UNESCO World heritage .The city is about 200 Mt. above sea.Bellinzona has a long history and lives on her old monuments.Walking along the wide walls that are winding between thebuildings of a new part of the city bind beautiful green vineyard from one side and the actual city life with cars and buses.Strolling along the old narrow streets bring you the feeling of being in the past.Bellinzona can be reached easily by train and by cars,At last - a unique place that in addition to her wonderfulGeographic position in the midway of important ways is an Interesting place that certainly worthwhile a full day visit !!Try – you will never forget this point.

AldoNaxxarmalta

From Lugano we took the road for Bellinzona, park the car down and went up by foot to visit the castles, going up the curved hills and sometimes we find short cuts but have to do some trekking gave us a boost, spent more than a hour to go up and on our way down we had some rain and thunder storms that was amazing seeing it coming from between the montains.Also we had a warm welcome in Sasso carbore Castle from the receptionist that helped with some tips to visit while we were in Bellinzona. One of the best was wine tasting where we bought some good Ticino wines.

11RB

Bellinzona and its castels (free) are well worth a visit.Museum has an admission fee.Unique castle wall which runs across valley where you can walk through and above.As with all castles there is a danger with children but they will love it.Easy access by lift from town.Big open spaces and a rocky pool.Plenty of pleasant bars, restaurants and shops making it a much nicer place than Locarno.

Lanky3

A good place for a day. You need a guide to provide the history behind the locations and the 3 castles there. They are in good condition to be explored , although its mainly exterior sights really and great photo opportunities. The princes of Milan had a lot of influence around their construction, and the control of the castles seemed to be a major focus for the Swiss nationalist movement.

Queenswood18

Amazing castles but the signage from the station is poor regarding access and transport. The lift at Castle Grande is in very poor repair.

jg3arrow

The castle complexes in Bellinzona are a real Swiss treasure, and the local preservationists take great pride in safeguarding the past, keeping it beautiful in the present...and even constantly improving it for the future.

Valerie037

The three castles are a World Heritage Site. We visited Castelgrande, which also provided great views to the other two castles. We had a very good guide, who not only provided a lot of information about the castles, but also about the lifestyle at the time. Castelgrande has been very well restored and you can walk the ramparts and walls, which provide good views over Bellinzona. Worth visiting the piazzas and alleyways of the old town.

Kaarin

We decided to visit Castelli di Bellinzona late in the day after several disappointing sites in the Lugano area. What a good choice! It was the highlight of our day even though we got there too late to visit the archaeological museum. The nine-year-old with us was able to run and play and even act as our "tour guide" (using lots of imagination, of course). It is beautiful and green. We took the elevator up and walked back down. We were able to explore the tops of the walls and underneath them. Some of the passages close at 7pm, but we were able to get through just in time. There were restaurants at the top. They seemed expensive, but they certainly had nice views and a pleasant atmosphere. We only visited Castelgrande, but the view of the other castles from there was great. I would definitely visit the other castles on another visit. The literature about the castles was excellent and provided a good interview.

PhilippeB708

The Bellinzona castles are incredible and wonderful. Each has its own caracteristics and charms. We spent a whole morning going from one to the next (be careful, I think the museum in the lower one opens only at 10).The Bellinzona center of town is also charming with the so-beautiful italian style.We had lunch in a grotto next the the third castle : it was delicious !