Bellinzona Unmissables

Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, is defined by its three UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. Beyond these fortifications, the city features the neoclassical Teatro Sociale, the 16th-century Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano, and the 15th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie church, home to significant Renaissance frescoes. The selection also includes the modern Federal Criminal Court and the Villa dei Cedri art museum, alongside the 270-meter-long Carasc Tibetan bridge spanning the Sementina valley.

Castelgrande

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

Montebello

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

Sasso Corbaro

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

Ponte Tibetano Carasc

A 270-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 130 meters above the Sementina valley floor, connecting the mountain communities of Monte Carasso and Sementina.

Collegiata dei Santi Pietro et Stefano

Renaissance church built in the 16th century, featuring a late-Baroque facade, a large rose window, and an interior decorated with elaborate stucco and frescoes.

Teatro Sociale Bellinzona

Neoclassical Italian-style theater built in 1847 by architect Giacomo Moraglia. It is the only surviving theater of its kind in Switzerland.

Federal Criminal Court of Switzerland

The Federal Criminal Court, is a Swiss federal court. Since its inception in 2004, it has been located in Bellinzona.

Villa dei Cedri

Civic art museum housed in a 19th-century villa. The collection focuses on regional Swiss and Italian art from the late 19th century to the present day.

Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

15th-century Franciscan church known for its monumental partition wall featuring a Renaissance fresco cycle depicting the Life of Christ.