CASTLES OF BELLINZONA

One of Lugano's top attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site are the Bellinzona Castles. The largest and oldest, Castel Grande, with its "White Tower" and crenellated walls, provides breathtaking vistas. Visit the historical museum to see items spanning 6,500 years of existence, such as medieval panelling and Roman artwork.

There's an elevator carved out of the mountain to go to Castel Grande, which also has a restaurant facing the valley. The 14th-century Rusca family erected the well-preserved Montebello Castle, which features sturdy walls and a rebuilt drawbridge.

Here you can find displays of art, weaponry, and stone carvings at its Archaeological and Civic Museum. A vertical design connects the exhibits from the chambers to the summit of the tower. You can visit Sasso Corbaro, the smallest of the three, which has a museum. This museum lets you see medieval antiquities and Italian marionettes, as well as panoramic views from its battlement tower. For a fascinating look into history, explore these castles.

Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bellinzona Castles, depicting magnificent medieval architecture and the history of Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro.
• Ascend the historic Castel Grande walls to get a view of the valley and see a museum brimming with Roman and medieval treasures.
• Wander around the protective walls of Castel Grande and take in views of the Ticino River and vineyards.
• See the impressive drawbridge and well-preserved fortifications of Montebello Castle houses a fascinating vertical museum with artefacts and weapons from the Middle Ages.
• Explore the quaint museum with marionettes at Sasso Corbaro, and climb the high battlement tower for stunning vistas.

How To Reach

• By Car: The Bellinzona Castles are about 1.5 km from the city center, taking roughly 5 minutes via the A2 freeway, exiting at 45 and following signs to the town. Parking is available in various locations, with Autosilo Piazza del Sole being the closest and providing elevator access to the castles.
• By Bus: Take the PostAuto bus line 4 from Bellinzona station to the Sasso Corbaro stop. The castles are about 1.5 km away from the bus stop, which is a 20-minute walk.
• By Train: Arrive at Bellinzona Train Station, which is around 1.5 km from the castles. You can walk to the Bellinzona Castles in about 20 minutes. The S20 and S50 trains serve this route, with the S20 being the first train and the S50 the last.
• By Foot: You can walk to Montebello from Piazza Collegiata in about 10 minutes. Castelgrande can be accessed by walking up the alleys near the Collegiata or by taking the elevator from Piazza del Sole.

Best Time To Visit

You can visit the Bellinzona Castles year-round, each season offering a unique experience.

• For the best day of the week, choose any weekday except weekends, as weekends tend to be crowded with visitors.
• For the best time of day, arrive early in the morning as soon as the castles open to enjoy a quieter visit before the tourist rush begins.

Other Essential Information

Visitors Tip's:

• Visit Bellinzona Castles on a dry day for optimal conditions, as much of the site is outdoors.
• Wear solid hiking shoes for exploring, especially when hiking up to Sasso Corbaro, to avoid slippery paths.
• Plan no other excursions if visiting all three castles and Villa dei Cedri as it's a full-day activity.
• Consider a brief visit if pressed for time thus visit either Castelgrande or take a fortress exterior tour by tourist train.
• Allow at least 2 hours for a castle exterior hike and extend to 4 hours for full museum and interior exploration.
• For a day trip from Lucerne, return by train in the evening and enjoy dinner onboard for convenience.