The Fortress of Bellinzona

Bellinzona's three castles and the Sforza Wall are some of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of medieval architecture built in defence of the alpine territories. Since 2000 the castles and the Sforza and city walls of Bellinzona have received the status of  Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The Castelgrande hill was first settled around 5500 BC, the Montebello castle complex was constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries, while the Sasso Corbaro fortress was built on the orders of the Duke of Milan in only six months in 1479.

The castles were of great importance to the Visconti and Sforza families, the Dukes of Milan, who spared no expense or efforts in their construction. Having built the Sasso Corbaro fortress and the wall, thus blocking access to the inner valley, they are mainly responsible for the current appearance of the castles and wall.

The Dukes of Milan valued Bellinzona's strategic location for the defence and control of their alpine territories and regional trade , since the city lay along the most important  routes over the mountain passes of St. Gotthard, Nufenen, Lukmanier and St. Bernhard as well as the Greina and San Jorgio passes, which were still commonly used in the 15th century.

The castles host annually changing special exhibitions, which attract many visitors each year as well as special activities for families and children such a workshop organised by the Archaeological Society of Canton Ticino, or workshops on the topics of the special exhibitions. A highlight of any visit is certainly the chance for visitors to make their own castle salami under the tutelage of Rapelli, one of the Ticino’s most famous meat producers.

Towards the end of the season the castles celebrate their admission into the ranks of Unesco World Heritage Sites with an open house and special events. The programme on offer on these so-called Unesco Days is always very special.