Fortress of Bellinzona

Bellinzona's three castles and the Sforza Wall are some of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of medieval architecture built in defence of the alpine territories. Since 2000 the castles and the Sforza and city walls of Bellinzona have received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The three castles and their history

The Castelgrande hill was first settled around 5'500 BC.
The Montebello castle complex was constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Sasso Corbaro fortress was built on the orders of the Duke of Milan in only six months in 1479.

The castles were of great importance to the Visconti and Sforza families, the Dukes of Milan, who spared no expense or efforts in their construction. Having built the Sasso Corbaro fortress and the wall, thus blocking access to the inner valley, they are mainly responsible for the current appearance of the castles and wall.

The Dukes of Milan valued Bellinzona's strategic location for the defence and control of their alpine territories and regional trade, since the city lay along the most important routes over the mountain passes of St. Gotthard, Nufenen, Lukmanier and St. Bernhard as well as the Greina and San Jorgio passes, which were still commonly used in the 15th century.

Museums and exhibitions

The castles are home to civic and historical museums offering permanent exhibitions to visitors.  Other rooms host temporary thematic exhibitions every year.

Castel Grande: historical and archaeological museum. Temporary exhibitions in the Salle de l'arsenal. 

Montebello: Archeologia Montebello.
Sasso Corbaro: temporary exhibitions and conference rooms.

Three panoramic viewpoints with information panels.

Can also cater for conferences, assemblies and civil weddings (Sasso Corbaro Castle, Benedetto Ferrini Hall).

Each year, the castles host temporary exhibitions that attract many visitors.

Offers

Families are also catered for, with a range of activities that children will love, including archaeological workshops organized by the Ticino Archaeological Association and themed workshops during temporary exhibitions.

Archaeological workshops for school classes.

At Montebello Castle, groups can take part in the “Make your own salami” activity in collaboration with Rapelli: www.bellinzonaevalli.ch

For groups, companies and individuals, we also organize guided tours in different languages through the old town and castles. 

Special activities in connection with temporary exhibitions.

RailAway offers.