Castle Castelgrande
Via Salita Castelgrande 18, 6500 Bellinzona Castle Castlegrande (Castlegrande) is part of the unique protective complex around the city of Bellinzona. The construction of the castle dates back to the first century BC, this defensive structure was used to accommodate the troops of the Roman Empire.
Montebello Castle
Salita al castello di Montebello 5, 6500 Bellinzona Montebello Castle is part of the Bellinzona fortress system. The terrain did not give the inhabitants of the castle a natural protection, so the castle is surrounded by a deep moat. Now the castle houses the historical and archaeological museums.
Bellinzona is a wonderful city in the south of Switzerland, the capital of the canton of Ticino, rightly considered one of the most beautiful corners of the country. Bellinzona is often called the city of three castles: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbato - all located in its environs and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with the historical center of the city.
In the very center of Bellinzona, on a rocky rise with steep walls, there is a beautiful castle Castelgrande (Castelgrande), built in the XIV century as a fortress for protection from the enemy. Its fortress wall goes through the whole city from west to east. Now the castle has an archaeological museum, in which there are very ancient artifacts. Thanks to the location of Castelgrande, it offers a wonderful view of Bellinzona
The stone city walls connect Castelgrande with the Montebello castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland, built in 1313 . The central part of Montebello encircles the double ring of fortress walls, and in the southern part of the chapel of St. Michael is preserved . Today the city museum is located in the castle, the exposition of which is divided into two parts . The exhibits of the archaeological section are ceramics, glassware, objects and jewelry and various jewelry 1400-1500 yy . . e . The historical part of the museum contains objects of medieval painting, various weapons and ancient manuscripts .
Bellinzona has some wonderful churches that are definitely worth a visit. Opposite Castelgrand is the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Stephen (Chiesa collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano), with an amazing grace that combines the facade in the style of a reserved Renaissance with baroque interior spaces. The vaults of incredible beauty adorn the ornaments and frescoes of famous Italian and German artists.
The Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie) is still painted with magnificent frescoes of the 16th-17th centuries. The Chiesa di San Biagio, a basilica dating back to the 13th century, is mesmerized with frescoes and art paintings of a facade that has not been restored, but has been preserved in good condition through many centuries.
Palazzo del comune - one more Noteworthy construction of Bellinzona. It is worth to take a look at his beautiful three-story courtyard with loggias and frescoes that captured the historical moments of Bellinzona
The Teatro Sociale, built in the 19th century and still operating today, is very rare and valuable for Switzerland. This beautiful Neoclassicism building will leave a lasting impression in the heart of a person who is attentive to detail.
A 700-meter-long dam on the Ticino River built to protect Bellinzona from floods and a granite bridge across the river are impressive. In the morning Saturday hours, the streets and squares of the old city are filled with stinking smells and sounds of the local market, where they sell a wide variety of goods, from home-made cheeses and sausages, fruits and vegetables, to bright and fragrant flowers.