Bellinzona has always occupied an important geographic location in the Swiss Alps where several key Alpine pass routes including the Nufenen, St. Gotthard, Lukmanier and San Bernardino meet. These passes connect northern to southern Europe and all converge in the area around Bellinzona making it a key trading center and from Roman times, it has been a fortress town.
In the Middle Ages, the Dukes of Milan (the Visconti) built three castles in Bellinzona enabling them to defend the strategically placed town and control traffic passing through the valley and over the passes. The castles (Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro) were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.
In the Middle Ages, the Dukes of Milan (the Visconti) built three castles in Bellinzona enabling them to defend the strategically placed town and control traffic passing through the valley and over the passes. The castles (Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro) were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.
above photo credit Tobyc75 via Wikimedia
You can visit all three of the castles in one day via a small cartoon-like train which you can hop-on and hop-off at each castle allowing you to spend some time at each castle or simply take a few pictures and move on to the next one. The train stops for about 15-20 minutes at each castle and the timetables are posted. None of the castles are furnished which was a little disappointing. Instead, they house a variety of interesting Museums.
We chose to walk up to the first castle, Castelgrande, which is perched on a high plateau above the Old Town and is the oldest of the three castles. This cliff-like perch helped protect the castle. A lift is also available for those who don’t want to walk up the many stairs.
In the early Middle Ages, Holy Roman Emperor Otto III gave the important town of Bellinzona to the Bishop of Como in gratitude for his support, and in the 12th century, the Bishops of Como rebuilt and expanded the Roman fortress. During the following century, Bellinzona and Castelgrande passed back and forth between forces allied with either the Holy Roman Emperor or the Pope.
After 1242, the Dukes of Milan rebuilt and enlarged the fortress again upon the foundation of the old Roman structure after they conquered the castle in support of the Pope.
After 1242, the Dukes of Milan rebuilt and enlarged the fortress again upon the foundation of the old Roman structure after they conquered the castle in support of the Pope.
Records from the 11th to 15th centuries as well as archeological evidence indicate that the Castelgrande grounds were once full of buildings. However most of these were pulled down by the Dukes of Milan to free up interior space. The open space was divided into 3 large baileys (courtyards) which served to provide temporary housing for troops that could be stationed in Bellinzona.
Castelgrande’s main features are the Torre Bianca (White Tower) and the Torre Nera (Black Tower) joined by crenellated walls which encircle the inner baily.
Castelgrande’s main features are the Torre Bianca (White Tower) and the Torre Nera (Black Tower) joined by crenellated walls which encircle the inner baily.
A museum inside the castle documents the history of Bellinzona and there is also a display of 15th century painted panels. A separate museum space houses contemporary exhibits.
The castle also has a terrace bar/restaurant which has the most magnificent views of Bellinzona and the Ticino Valley and in my opinion is the best location for outdoor dining in Bellinzona. But we didn't have time for a break yet. We were on to our next UNESCO World Heritage Castle!
RSS Feed