Bellinzona is the capital of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and the most Italian city of Switzerland. Its symbol is Tre Castelli, or the Three Castles from the medieval period, which have been entered on the UNESCO list as the most important monument in the city.
The city is strategically located at the junction of valleys leading to Alpine passes. Already in antiquity, the Romans appreciated it by building a fortified camp here. In the Middle Ages, this area was a constant point of contention between the rulers of Italy's Milan and the Swiss Confederates. It was not until the beginning of the 16th century that the city became part of the Swiss Confederation.
The three fortified medieval castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are today Bellinzona's highlights. Their towers overlook the historic buildings in the Italian style, and themselves are great vantage points of the area.
The buildings of Bellinzona have largely retained their medieval character. The most important monuments of the city are, apart from the castles, also the local churches, the Church of St. Peter and Stephen and the Church of San Bernardo.
Situated at the foot of the Alps, the town is a good starting point for hiking tours in the area. A big attraction here is the Carasc Tibetan Bridge suspended above the Sementina valley. The Monte Carasso-Morner Railway is also popular, thanks to which you can quickly and effortlessly get to the picturesque viewpoint above Bellinzona.
