Bellinzona is an ancient fortress town surrounded by picturesque valleys, forested peaks and the snow-capped Swiss Alps. Admire a jewel box of historic architecture in the Old Town and visit a trio of castles. Venture into the mountains to explore scenic trails and discover a wonderland of alpine lakes, waterfalls and meadows.
Things to do in Bellinzona
Castelgrande soars over the Old Town and echoes the city’s medieval past. Walk up to the castle from the town or ride the lift from Piazza del Sole. From the ramparts, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding hills, mountains and terracotta rooftops.
On clear days, you can see shimmering Lake Maggiore from Castello di Montebello. The 13th-century stronghold is perched on a hilltop and welcomes you with snaking ramparts and an enormous drawbridge. Castello di Sasso Corbaro is the third castle in the Bellinzona trio. Imposing stone walls and towers lend plenty of drama to the 15th-century fortress. Castelgrande, along with Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Admire works by famous European artists at Villa dei Cedri. The gallery is housed in a beautiful Neoclassical villa set in palm-filled gardens. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent collection, which includes pieces by heavyweights like Giovanni Segantini and Grubicy de Dragon.
Handsome historic buildings frame Piazza Collegiata. Cafes and trattorias spill onto the cobbled square and offer front-row seats to buskers and street performers. Sip an Aperol spritz and enjoy fantastic views of the Renaissance church and get up early for the Saturday morning market. Vendors from across Ticino arrive to set up stalls selling artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh-baked bread and seasonal produce.
Getting around Bellinzona
Bellinzona is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, as large sections of the Old Town are car-free. Buses are a good way to cover longer distances and visit nearby towns and villages, or you can rent a car. Bellinzona is in the Ticino canton, a 2.5-hour drive from Zürich and 1.5 hours from Milan.