The UNESCO World Heritage Site Castles of Bellinzona features three medieval castles that are enclosed by fortified walls. Visitors can take an elevator or climb stairs to reach the castle's courtyard and enjoy panoramic views of the city. While admission to the exterior is free, there is a fee to visit the museum inside. The site offers great photo opportunities and a nice tour lasting around an hour. Be prepared for some stair climbing but it's worth it for the breathtaking view and charming town ambiance.
Wonderful place! Castles of Bellinzona are the best-kept late-medival fortifications in Switzerland. These amazing buildings with a defensive structure may be a part of your "by the way" tour or the one-day trip. You may walk from one castle to another or just take a bus. In case you choose to walk be prepared for a breath-taking city views. Additionally, the smallest castle is also a museum with beautiful pieces of art. I would definitely recommend this place to all - best friends, couples and families with kids.
Alicja — Google review
The castle is in the middle of the city. You can take the elevator up and walk around the courtyard of the castle, go for a coffee at the panoramic terrace and walk down. The outside visit is free. You only pay to go visit the museum inside. It is a nice tour for an hour or so to enjoy.
vic NY (Vic NY) — Google review
An absolute must if you are not the area. Easy to get to. So well maintained with gorgeous views of snow capped mountains. There is no entrance fee. For those that may need assistance there is a lift which takes you up into the castle area, for those that like to walk there are a couple of entry points. Such a well preserved heritage site.
Catherine Mack — Google review
There is an elevator that you can take but you can also walk up. Great view of the city from the castle and perfect picture opportunities.
Kent Moon — Google review
Absolutely captivating! This is a must-see showcase or Swiss history! Stunning medieval fortifications! For those who have read a bit of history bools, these castles are a display of strategic gameplay, total art of construction and defense! Spare at least 1.5 hour here, climb the tower, enjoy stunning views!
J • B • — Google review
Be prepared for some stairs climbing but the view is so worth it. Love the town too
Rebekah Mak — Google review
Really an amazing place, and a must visit if you are in the area.
Make sure to do all 3 castles (Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro). Also note that entrance to the castles is free, unless you want to go to the mini museums at each castle.
Robert Atherton — Google review
The Castle at the bottom is full of tourists. The castle in the middle is beautiful and I recommend you'll go there by e-bike. I recommend the middle one the most because its quite big and just a raw medieval castle without any fancy exhibitions. The top one is quite small in comparison to the other two.
Julian — Google review
Super cool place to explore! Walk the top of the wall, or opt for walking inside of it. Explore the grounds, or sit at the restaurant or grotto and enjoy a drink/meal. Really a very very cool place. Make sure you centre yourself under the shaft at the base of the lifts and say a few words 😉 crazy acoustics
Geoff Stephens — Google review
Beautiful, well preserved castle, with terrific views of the Alps.
Nick Pullar — Google review
Entrance to the castel is for free.Beautiful view. Accesssible by elevator. Great to have a pick Nick or run around.
Museum 15.-. With the ticino card 20% off.
Alena Pavlova — Google review
Beautiful castles. I suggest visiting even under the rain in spring because everything is so green! The humid weather gives this place the perfect castles visit vibe!
Alberto Anzellotti — Google review
Well kept, free entry, worth the visit, no parking near by
Aftan Sulaiman — Google review
Very nice! Italian relaxed vibe
Denis Marin — Google review
One of the best Castle, is Free entrance unless you wish to go up to the tower there is a charge.
You must take a lift, is located at the end of dark tunnel and hidden at the end of plaza.
The view is astonishing but ver windy!
Montebello Castle is a stunning 15th-century fortress renowned for its excellent preservation. The castle boasts an impressive museum and a rampart walk that offers sweeping views of the surroundings. Visitors who are unable to enter the museum can still obtain pamphlets containing information on all three castles. Montebello Castle's beautiful scenery can be admired from all sides, making it well worth a visit.
Oh my this is a cool castle. Well worth a visit. Free parking. Great views. Huge. Incredibly intact.
Wanderers Compass Travel Blog — Google review
Always wanted to visit and finally got a chance to go on a warm winter weekend in early February. I thought we will have to pay an entrance fee to enter or the castle might not even be opened at all in winter but to our surprise, the castle is opened and free to enter! I had a lot of fun exploring the different corners of the castle and the castle was also bigger than I thought, with many corners to venture into. The views were amazing and different at different corners. Best of all, it is actually not crowded this time of the year!
Siewling Lay — Google review
Beautiful castle! If you can't go in the museum (costs 10chf but you can only go in if you have a corona certificate) you still can ask for pamphlets with information on the 3 castles. Beautiful scenary from all sides too
Sneezy Fey — Google review
Well maintained castle with parking available on site. Price is 10 CHF but it seems to be free during off season.
Wayne Kruse — Google review
Fantastic fortress with stunning views from Lago Maggiore to the snowcapped surrounding alp peaks.
R C L — Google review
Very well maintained. One of the 3 UNESCO heritage sites in Bellinzona.
Gee deeps — Google review
Great walkthrough not far from the old town
Barry Lott — Google review
Stunning views of Bellinzona , the castle is intact parts of it renovated and are being used to this day.
Beautiful place worth visiting and touring its grounds.
Oren Rosenfeld — Google review
In the canton capital of Bellinzona, on the hill behind the train station, lies the wonderful Castello di Montebello. The Castello can be reached by shuttle bus from the train station. Visiting the castle courtyard is free, but there is an exhibition in the large tower for which you have to pay an entrance fee. The whole castle looks very well renovated and can be started almost completely. Within the castle complex there are many green areas that invite you to have a picnic.
Simon Gättelin — Google review
Very beautiful castle in the center of Bellinzona ☀️✨ I recommend.
Copycat — Google review
Very beautiful castle. We were there after closing hours but were still able to walk in the yard and on the outside parts of the castle. Very beautiful views.
Joeri Boersen — Google review
All 3 castles are very nice, it's worth to come here and see
Oleksandr Zdoryk — Google review
I followed steps beside the youth hostel hoping to get good photos of the city. The stairway ended at the entrance of Montebello castle. I can't find any info about the steps, but I loved the walk. The castle is great but the stairway to it intrigued me. I was rhere in April of 2007 on a week day.
Not crowded at all.
Terri Redrow — Google review
Beautiful castle with one of the best views of castle grande and Bellinzona city. There are a few stairs that one has to climb reach there and the entrance was initially difficult to find. But eventually, the view was all worth it. When we went there ( September and December) the museums were closed.
Built in the 16th century in Renaissance and Baroque styles, many paintings adorn the walls. A magnificent organ whose origin dates back nearly 450 years. A magnificent church filled with art and wealth.
Martin Miler — Google review
(Translated by Google) At least beautiful from the outside
(Original)
Zumindest von außen schön
Notna Anton — Google review
Bellinzona is a municipality , a historic Swiss town that sprang a few surprises that worth a visit . Not only famous for the 3 Castles , a walk to the Piazza Collegiata to absorb the charm of the morning market (only Saturday morning ) to buy some fresh produce . Do visit it Chiesa : Fantastic !!
Choo HengHeng — Google review
??? — Google review
Nicely decorated Catholic Church.
Budi — Google review
This is a good quiet place for those who seek peace.😘🙏🇨🇭💯🪴
KTY Jeslina — Google review
Schön
Dragan Velimirovic — Google review
(Translated by Google) Imposing Catholic religious edifice dating from 1515 is located in the historical center. Worth seeing.
(Original)
Imponent edificiu religios catolic ce dateaza din 1515 este situat in centrul istoric .Merita vazuta.
TEODOR VIOREL CIOBOTEA — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful baroque church in the capital of the Canton of Ticino, a region which, among other things, has given birth to notable artists over the centuries. Located at the top of a staircase so as to be in a dominant position over the beautiful square in the historic center of Bellinzona
(Original)
Bella chiesa barocca del capoluogo del Canton Ticino, regione che tra l'altro ha dato i natali a notevoli artisti nel corso dei secoli. Situata in cima ad una scalinata così da risultare in posizione dominate sulla bella piazza del centro storico di Bellinzona
Angelo G. Valle — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful Catholic church in the center of Bellinzona, large, very rich in paintings, mosaics, statues that make it a true work of art, together with the castles one of the places to visit in the Swiss town.
(Original)
Bellissima chiesa di stampo cattolico al centro di Bellinzona, grande molto ricca di dipinti, mosaici statue che la rendono una vera e propria opera d’arte, insieme ai castelli uno dei posti da visitare nella cittadina Svizzera.
(Translated by Google) Historic place with an easy path that connects various towers, some of which are slightly ruined.
Beautiful panoramic view of the Bellinzona area.
(Original)
Luogo storico con facile sentiero che collega varie torri alcune un po diroccate.
Bella vista panoramica sulla zona di bellinzona.
Very nice hike amongst ever so many water springs to reach the monastery.
There is also a funicular service with small cabins.
The view is great and the church is open and can be visited.
There are Benedictine’s books for sale from the nuns that also sell their products such as honey and cookies.
Iacopo Grandi — Google review
Nice hike and a beautiful view.
Sebastian “tokkee” Harl — Google review
(Translated by Google) A beautiful walk to get there on old paths, I loved it and came back several times to go up and admire this beautiful view of Claro in the quiet area at the Monastèré gate, about 1h30min walk.
The Sisters sell their Honey which is just incredible thanks to this preserved nature, also try their biscuit you will not be disappointed!
(Original)
Une belle balade pour y arrivée sur des sentiers ancien, j’ai adoré et suis revenu plusieurs fois pour monter et admirer cette belle vue sur Claro au calme au porte du Monastèré environ 1h30min de marche.
Les Soeurs vendent leur Miel qui est juste incroyable grace a cette nature preserver, essayer aussi leur biscuit vous en serez pas déçu !
́Nky — Google review
(Translated by Google) Splendid place, very well-kept and quiet on top of a rocky mass. A "beautiful sun terrace". The ascent on foot is suggestive as it is initially a bit steep but then softens slightly.
(Original)
Luogo splendido, molto curato e tranquillo in cima ad un masso roccioso. Una „bella terrazza al sole“. Suggestiva la risalita a piedi che inizialmente é un po‘ ripida ma poi si ammorbidisce leggermente.
Dolores Cantoni — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautifully renovated monastery complex with a beautiful view. Old stone path with 2 chapels as access to the monastery. Unfortunately it is in poor condition in places, so you can only walk on it with good shoes
(Original)
Schön renovierte Klosteranlage mit schöner Aussicht. Alter Steinweg mit 2 Kappelen als Zugang zum Kloster. Leider ist er stellenweise in schlechtem Zustand, nur mit guten Schuhen begehen
Peter Aeschlimann — Google review
(Translated by Google) Impressive approach on a narrow road up to the monastery, the barrier opens after paying the fee and off you go! On the left, just after the barrier, you can see the climb through the forest via the mule track. We decide to go up.
The view at the top is overwhelming, the ancient walls and buildings on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by forest and sky, exude an enormous sense of calm.
It is worthwhile and extremely interesting to find out more about the origins of this monastery and to take a look behind some of the walls.
(Original)
Eindrücklicher Anfahrtsweg auf schmaler Strasse hinauf zum Kloster, die Barriere öffnet sich nach Bezahlen der Gebühr und los kann es gehen! Links gleich nach der Barriere ist der Aufstieg durch den Wald über den Säumerpfad zu sehen. Wir entscheiden uns hochzufahren.
Die Aussicht oben überwältigt, die alten Mauern und Gebäude auf einem Felsvorsprung, umgeben von Wald und Himmel, strahlen eine enorme Ruhe aus.
Es lohnt sich und ist äusserst interessant, mehr über den Ursprung dieses Klosters zu erfahren und einen Blick hinter einige der Mauern werfen zu dürfen.
Sanne Erlin — Google review
(Translated by Google) Stunning place with a wide view. The walk from the car park to the Monastery is beautiful, among chestnut trees, birch trees, colors and smells in autumn, fairytale-like
(Original)
Luogo stupendo con una vista ampia. Bellissima la passeggiata dal posteggio al Monastero, tra castagni, betulle, colori odori in autunno, da fiaba
Edith Dadò — Google review
(Translated by Google) I think this is a place of power. The old monastery radiates peace. A wonderful place to relax. Magnificent view
(Original)
Ich denke das ist ein Kraftort. Das alte Kloster strahlt Ruhe aus. Ein wundervolles Ort zum entspannen. Herrliche Aussicht
(Translated by Google) It's a nice park to spend time outdoors with kids. There are also fountains and stone tables where you can eat, study or simply spend time.
(Original)
È un bel parco per passare del tempo all'aria perta con dei bambini. Ci sono anche delle fontane e dei tavoli in pietra dove si può mangiare, studiare o semplicemente passare del tempo.
Paolo Samir — Google review
(Translated by Google) Park kept reasonably well, not advisable in the evening when unsavory people are around
(Original)
Parco tenuto discretamente bene, non consigliabile la sera quando gira gente poco raccomandabile
Raio Deluar — Google review
(Translated by Google) Nice park for active children, more than games they are tools for free body gymnastics!! Overall a nice experience, parking attached to the park, bathrooms, water fountain... the only flaw, dogs are not allowed...
(Original)
Bel parco x bambini attivi, più che giochi sono attrezzi per ginnastica a corpo libero!! Nel complesso una bella esperienza, parcheggio attaccato al parco, bagni, fontana per l'acqua...unico neo, vietato l'accesso ai cani...
Fabio B. — Google review
(Translated by Google) Useful park for children and Valcio square
(Original)
Parco utile per bimbi e square di valcio
Vincenzo de Rosa — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful field, well kept, clean and a meeting place for many kids, free and open access
(Original)
Bellissimo campo, tenuto bene, pulito e ritrovo per molti ragazzi, accesso libero e gratuito
cake love — Google review
(Translated by Google) Always good offers, organic food etc... I like shopping at the Coop!
(Original)
Sempre buone offerte,cibo bio ecc...mi piace fare la spesa alla Coop!
# InLove — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very nice, large and clean
(Original)
Molto bello, grande e pulito
Alan Corti — Google review
(Translated by Google) Park open to the public, animals prohibited.
(Original)
Parco aperto al pubbico vietato per i animali.
Piazza del Sole is a lively square located in the heart of a bustling city. It is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling activity. The plaza features various shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. This public space serves as a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike who gather to socialize or simply enjoy the ambiance. Piazza del Sole exudes an energetic vibe with its busy pedestrian traffic, street performers, and colorful market stalls.
(Translated by Google) Beautiful and ancient. Suffice it to say that from around 1600 to 1940 the S. Giovanni hospital was located nearby. How much history has passed through here!
(Original)
Bellissima e antica. Basti pensare che dal 1600 circa al 1940 l'ospedale S. Giovanni si trovava qui vicino. Quanta storia è passata da qui!
monica pronzini — Google review
(Translated by Google) very interesting church with some noteworthy frescoes
(Original)
chiesa molto interessanti con alcuni affreschi degni di nota
graziano g — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very beautiful church with a lot of history inside. One of the few not ruined to visit
(Original)
Chiesa molto bella con molta storia all'interno. Una delle poche non rovinate da visitare
Klaus Wintgen — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful Romanesque rock church.
(Original)
Bellissima chiesa romanica in roccia.
Josh Antorini — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautiful and very old church.
(Original)
Schöne und sehr alte Kirche.
Daniel Springer — Google review
(Translated by Google) A very beautiful church.
(Original)
Vrlo lepa crkva.
Zoran Joksimovic — Google review
(Translated by Google) Beautifully renovated church
(Original)
Schön renovierte Kirche
Peter Aeschlimann — Google review
(Translated by Google) It has some impressive frescoes. It is worth the visit.
(Original)
Tiene unos frescos impresionantes. Merece la visita.
Museo Villa dei Cedri is a charming museum located in an old villa dating back to the 1800s. It showcases artistic production from Ticino, Lombardy, and Switzerland spanning from the nineteenth century to the present day. The museum is named after the large cedars that adorn its park. Visitors can explore a wonderful art collection within the villa and stroll through its beautiful park featuring vineyards.
Contemporary art to reflect on our relationship with the planet we inhabit.
pp Atocha — Google review
Small but with a lot of knowledge. The park is super cute.
Daniela Ayers — Google review
The Villa is beautiful, but the art exhibition currently occupying it is a waste of the high quality space around it.
Tomasz Zakrzewski — Google review
Cute place with local artwork, but not particularly interesting to the passing traveller.
Markus Huebscher — Google review
Small collection beautifully presented in a historic Villa.
Chris Wik — Google review
Very cozy place, but well organized.
Leyla Tow — Google review
(Translated by Google) Free exhibition of photo books.
Personally, I wasn't particularly interested in this book exhibition, which is why I'm only giving it two stars.
(Original)
Gratis-Ausstellung über Fotobücher.
Persönlich hat mich diese Bücherausstellung nicht gross interessiert, deshalb gebe ich für die Wertung nur zwei Sterne.
Bruno Hauri — Google review
(Translated by Google) Intrigued by the "ecosystems to explore" exhibition, I discovered this beautiful place. Park, villa and exhibition are worth more than a visit and I will return with pleasure. The park offers rich flora, a stimulating and diverse playground, vegetable gardens and lots of precious quiet. The villa has beautiful rooms and the works on display enhance them. Congratulations to the management for managing to coordinate artists, gardeners, interior designers, finances etc. and thank you for the great experience.
(Original)
Incuriosita dalla mostra "ecosistemi da esplorare" ho scoperto questo bellissimo luogo. Parco, villa e mostra valgono più di una visita e ci tornerò con piacere. Il parco offre una ricca flora, un parco giochi stimolante e diverso, degli orti e tanta preziosa quiete. La villa ha delle belle sale e le opere esposte le valorizzano. Complimenti alla direzione per essere riuscita a coordinare artisti, giardinieri, arredadori, finanze ecc. e grazie per la bella esperienza.
Giorgia Fernandez — Google review
(Translated by Google) I recently visited the Villa dei Cedri Museum and I'm so happy I did. All the museum staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and provided great insight into the history behind each painting. If you're ever in town, it's definitely worth a visit!
(Original)
Di recente ho visitato il Museo di Villa dei Cedri e sono così felice di averlo fatto. Tutto il personale del museo era molto cordiale e ben informato e ha fornito una visione approfondita della storia dietro ogni dipinto. Se sei mai in città, vale sicuramente la pena visitarlo!
(Translated by Google) Located in the center of Bellinzona with courteous, competent and professional staff
(Original)
Situata in centro Bellinzona con personale cortese e competente e professionale
Lovely Stadium of AC Bellinzona, which play in the second Swiss division, Challenge League. Very friendly staff, reasonable prices for entry and drinks. Go visit a match if you get the chance to!
Andreas Edge — Google review
Great stadium where once a year its celebrated the "Gran Gala dei Castelli" gran celebration of Athletics, where great world famous stars always join and partecipate.This year 2018 we had the unique opportunity to see Justin Gatlin world winner 100m man racing with Roberts Michael. It is said the track it is one of the best in terms of performance.
Anna MG — Google review
Amazing! The stadium is well done and the races are organized very well
Riccardo Tricarico — Google review
Excellent new track, good bar service
Denise Neumann — Google review
Rather old and unconvenient stadium but it has its charme.
Rob Wirz — Google review
Ac Bellinzona
Pablo Bentancur — Google review
(Translated by Google) The stadium is very beautiful and from there you can see the surrounding castles. It's always a thrill to enter both as an athlete and as a spectator
(Original)
Lo stadio è molto bello e da lì si possono scorgere i castelli circostanti. È sempre un'emozione entrarci sia come atleta che come spettatore
Giorgia Tamburriello — Google review
(Translated by Google) Fantastic facility in the mountains, delicious air, hospitable people and it's open to everyone to do sport! 👍
(Original)
Impianto fantastico tra le montagne, un aria buonissima, gente ospitale ed è aperto a tutti per fare dello sport! 👍
Sasso Corbaro Castle, a restored 15th-century fortress located on a high rocky outcrop surrounded by sweeping mountain and valley views, is situated about 3.5km south of central Bellinzona. Despite some parts being closed during certain times of the year, visitors can still access the castle's entrance and courtyard as well as dine at its restaurant.
Castel medieval construit intre 1478 - 1482 ,impreunā cu celelalte 2 castele din Bellinzona au devenit patrimoniul UNESCO . In interior se poate vizita un mic muzeu ( contracost) . Panorama fantastica. In apropiere exista parcare auto.RECOMANDAT !!!
(Translated by Google)
Medieval castle built between 1478 - 1482, together with the other 2 castles in Bellinzona became UNESCO heritage. Inside you can visit a small museum (for a fee). Fantastic panorama. There is a car park nearby. RECOMMENDED!!!
TEODOR VIOREL CIOBOTEA — Google review
Parts of the castle were actually closed this time of the year when we visited but the restaurant seemed opened and we could still get up to the entrance of the castle and the little courtyard inside. The views from the castle were amazing and it was nice that it’s not crowded, probably because it’s not technically opened.
Siewling Lay — Google review
Awesome location overviewing the valley and plain. It is definitely worth the climb from the station when the weather promises the view.
Rene Tschaggelar — Google review
Beautiful location for view and picturesque scenarios.
Medieval castle.
Iacopo Grandi — Google review
Interesting temporary music exhibit along with history.
Grit Walther — Google review
It is the castle on the hill that you can see from the railway station. It takes about 45-50 from the station to hike up there, but the view (including the Maggiore Lake) is gorgeous and I suggest you wait for the sunset on the lake, if you can. Till March it is closed, so plan your visit between spring and fall.
T C — Google review
Beautiful castle, open entrance, beautiful view, very well maintained and organized.
Rob Wirz — Google review
It's a fabulous place to spend a great fall evening. I suggest to reach the castle by the beautiful walk starting near the EOC.
Take your time once you are there, the panoramic view is breathtaking and the castle worth a long visit
Enrico G. Lupo — Google review
Small little fortress. Take the train up to see it. Not very handicap accessible
Pass on the museum. Not worth the experience
Barry Lott — Google review
Nice smaller castle with great views of the valley. We managed to see all three Bellinzona castels in one afternoon - all worth a visit!
Flavor Tucson — Google review
Considering the fact that the castle was built in only 6 months, it is a truly impressive piece of architecture.
While it is located quite far off the center, you can easily reach this place with the touristic train (nice ride, by the way!)
The sights are definitely worth it and I wish I could've tried the restaurant, which seems to be very high quality and located in a romantic setting.
Guillaume Meyer — Google review
3 castles that come under UNESCO heritage. - Castel Grande, Montebello n Sasso Corbaro. This castle stands on a huge rock. Do visit all 3 castles.