Castelli e rovine nel Canton Ticino

Castles and Ruins

Ticino’s landscape is defined by its strategic fortifications, most notably the three UNESCO World Heritage castles of Bellinzona: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. These structures showcase medieval military architecture ranging from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Beyond Bellinzona, the region features the 12th-century ruins in Morcote and the Visconti Castle in Locarno, which houses significant archaeological collections. These sites illustrate the historical transition from defensive strongholds to aristocratic residences across the Swiss-Italian border region.

Castles and Ruins — Mappa

Massimo Macconi / Public domain

A

Montebello

This medieval castle has more than 700 years of history behind it. A prime example of Swiss military architecture.

Jungpionier / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Castelgrande

The Castles of Bellinzona are a group of fortifications located around the town of Bellinzona, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino.

C

Sasso Corbaro

Defensive fortress and prison that (unlike the other two) remains unconnected to the defensive walls.

ezioman / CC BY 2.0

D

Visconteo Castle

Visconti Castle Italian: Castello Visconteo is a castle in Locarno, Switzerland.

E

Castello di San Giorgio

13th-century manor house and castle in Magliaso, featuring a medieval tower and residential structures modified during the Renaissance.

F

Castello di Morcote

12th-century fortress ruins situated on a ridge overlooking Lake Lugano. The site underwent significant reconstruction in the 15th century and includes the remains of a tower and defensive walls.

G

Pontegana Castle

Pontegana Castle is a ruined castle located in the municipality of Balerna in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland.

H

Castello di S. Giorgio

Medieval castle structure in Magliaso, historically serving as a fortified residence.