The Fortress of Bellinzona and its castles
The Fortress of Bellinzona and its castles

Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
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La Fortezza di BellinzonaPhoto: Parisiva, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Explanation
Start from Viale Portone and walk on the bulwark to reach Castel Grande with its two towers (Torre Nera and Torre Bianca), an artistic-historical museum, a temporary exhibition space and a restaurant. There are two options for getting to the town centre: use the lift down to Piazza del Sole and then turn onto Via Codeborgo to reach Piazza Collegiata; or, walk down the cobblestone steps from Castel Grande to Piazza Collegiata.
Follow the narrow alley next to the Collegiata Church to reach Montebello Castle, located on the opposite hill.
After visiting Montebello Castle, follow Via Artore for a short stretch of road and then cross a stream to Via Piumerino. Climb a steep flight of steps to the village of Artore. Pass in front of the Church of San Sebastiano, then pass the village wash-house and follow a cobbled path to the asphalt road Via alla Predella. Continue on the right, until Grotto dei Pacifici, then further on to the splendid fortress of Sasso Corbaro. From this height, there is an impressive view of the town and the Magadino Plain as far as Lake Maggiore. From the castle, exit through a small door in the wall and continue the descent towards Montebello Castle. Just before the castle’s keep, the gated passageway on the left leads back to the starting point in Bellinzona's historic Old Town.
Author’s recommendation
To explore the route, we recommend buying the official maps of the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo. In addition, the following website map.geo.admin.ch offers constantly updated data.

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Hotel Bellinzona Sud (Bike friendly)Marchè Bellinzona Sud (Bike friendly)
Villa del Gusto (Bike friendly)
Hotel Unione (Bike friendly)
Hotel & SPA Internazionale (Bike friendly)
Camping Bellinzona (Bike friendly)
Capanna Cremorasco (Bike friendly)
Ostello Montebello (Bike friendly)
Hotel La Tureta (Bike friendly)
Safety information
Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: www.montagnepulite.ch
Tips and suggestions
Alternative path for the return: after the Sasso Corbaro castle, follow the tarmac road and at the first fork turn left. Carry on until the bends which take you to Ravecchia, on Via Ospedale. Walk down the road alongside the Dragonato stream, ‘til the main road, Via Franco Zorzi, and turn right. Walking straight and crossing the pretty old centre of Bellinzona takes you back to Piazza del Sole.
Listen to the podcast: The Fortress and its castles
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Parking
Piazza del Sole Parkplace.Coordinates
Equipment
- Hiking boots
- Sun cap
- Water-bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Hiking map
- Camera
- Food
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
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