Bellinzona is the capital city of southern Switzerland’s Ticino canton, situated at the foot of the mighty St. Gotthard massif, a strategically fortified city since Roman Times and from the Middle Ages, the site of three defensive and magnificent castles a medieval bulwark nestled in the Ticino Valley.

We start our visit at the Castello di Sasso Corbaro, situated on a rocky ledge 230 metres above the city. A square-shaped main building makes an all-round defence possible for the castle and what is now a fascinating view over the town and valley was at that time a means to power for those that enjoyed the comfort of its four walls.

On a lower lying hill above the city is Castello Montebello, the largest of the castles, connected to Castelgrande opposite with battlement walls. Here, you dive into the past, when Milanese dukes and Swiss Confederates fought each other in shining armour.

On the other side of the deep valley Castelgrande sits atop a rocky ridge, seeming almost within touching distance. Yet, it is precisely this strategic location that has been key to the castles’ defensive success; from above, enemies can be observed from all angles. Here, we learn about defensive elements of the castle built in the Roman and Middle Ages, such as the massive fortification walls, the White and Black Towers, and the south wing for the bishops of Como.

All 3 castles belong to the cultural heritage of the world, and still testify to the strategic importance of the city today and the quality of medieval fortification architecture in the Alpine region, a fascinating and breath-taking experience.