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The Fortress of Bellinzona and its castles

Hiking Trail recommended route

The Fortress of Bellinzona and its castles

Hiking Trail · Bellinzona (municipality)
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  • La Fortezza di Bellinzona
    La Fortezza di Bellinzona
    Photo: Parisiva, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
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    Set off to discover the Bellinzona Fortress which consists of the three castles, ramparts and city walls. Dive into the past with Castel Grande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, when dukes and confederates challenged each other wearing shining armour. As you walk along the bulwark and through small passageways built into the walls, you will discover secret spaces and can imagine what life must have been like in the past.
    easy
    Distance 5.5 km
    1:50 h
    280 m
    280 m
    459 m
    225 m
    This circular route leads to the discovery of the Bellinzona Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The defences were erected by the Dukes of Milan in the 15th century to prevent the Swiss Confederates from advancing southwards. Bellinzona was, in fact, in a strategic position at the crossroads of the alpine passes between north and south (St. Gotthard, Lukmanier, San Bernardino, Nufenen).

    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.

    Profile picture of Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo
    Author
    Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino Turismo
    Update: September 10, 2024
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    459 m
    Lowest point
    225 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 47.14%Forested/wild trail 3.04%Path 17.40%Road 32.09%Unknown 0.31%
    Asphalt
    2.6 km
    Forested/wild trail
    167 m
    Path
    952 m
    Road
    1.8 km
    Unknown
    17 m
    Show elevation profile

    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

    SwissGrid
    2'721'897E 1'116'996N
    DD
    46.193393, 9.017726
    DMS
    46°11'36.2"N 9°01'03.8"E
    UTM
    32T 501367 5115535
    w3w 
    ///fuss.frosted.invents
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    •  Hiking boots
    • Sun cap
    • Water-bottle
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun cream
    • Hiking map
    • Camera
    • Food

    Similar routes nearby

    • Stunning Architecture
    • Via della pietra - Living with the stone
    • Trans Swiss Trail – Stage 29: Bellinzona – Tesserete
    • Motto della Croce
    • ViaGottardo – Stage 16: Bellinzona – Tesserete
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    5.5 km
    Duration
    1:50 h
    Ascent
    280 m
    Descent
    280 m
    Highest point
    459 m
    Lowest point
    225 m
    Public-transport-friendly Round trip Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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