A World Heritage Site Under Constant Threat! The Three Castles and Defensive Walls of the Old Town of Bellinzona

Bellinzona, the capital of the southern Swiss canton of Ticino, is still a key transportation hub today where the roads connecting Italy, Germany, and France converge. Because of its strategic importance, it is believed that fortresses already existed there during the Roman Empire. Today’s Bellinzona is home to three medieval castles dating back to the late Middle Ages, as well as remaining sections of the defensive walls that transformed the entire town into a fortress city.
Located at the southern gateway of the Alps, Bellinzona is a World Heritage City. This time, we will introduce the three medieval castles that make up the World Heritage Site “Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona.”

What Are the “Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona”?

The first fortress in Bellinzona was built around the 4th century AD during the Roman Empire. That site is believed to be the hill where Castelgrande, one of the three World Heritage castles, now stands.
In the 13th century, the second castle—Montebello—was built on the eastern ridge of Bellinzona. Then in the 14th century, a new tower was added on a higher elevation that overlooks the entire town. This later became the core of Sasso Corbaro Castle.
After that, Bellinzona was repeatedly attacked and ruled by various powers including Italy (the Duchy of Milan), France, and Germany (the Holy Roman Empire). For a brief period of less than 20 years in the 15th century, Bellinzona joined the Old Swiss Confederacy, the precursor of modern Switzerland. In reference to the three cantons of that confederacy, Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro were also called Uri Castle, Schwyz Castle, and Unterwalden Castle respectively.

These fortifications tell the unique history of a region long contested by many nations. They are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title “Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona.”
The gathering of the three castles, old townscape, and defensive walls within the narrow valley of the Ticino River truly makes this place worthy of its World Heritage status.

Access to Bellinzona

To visit the World Heritage city of Bellinzona, the EuroCity international train that connects across Europe is a convenient option. From Bern, the capital of Switzerland, it takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes with one transfer. From Milan Central Station in neighboring Italy, it’s even closer—about 1 hour and 30 minutes without any transfers. Ticket prices vary depending on seat class, so it's best to reserve your preferred seat in advance.
The three castles of Bellinzona are arranged in a straight line with relatively short distances between them, making it possible to visit all of them on foot. There’s also a well-developed bus network, so you can tour them in any order by bus as well.

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Highlights of Bellinzona 1: Castelgrande

Among the three castles, Castelgrande is the most accessible and grandest, standing on an isolated hill right in the center of town. It serves as the symbolic heart of Bellinzona’s trio of castles. The name translates to “Grand Castle” in English—literally meaning a large castle.
While the central structures are no longer intact, the two towers, walls, and attached outer buildings encircle the hill. You can walk along the walls and take in a panoramic view of Bellinzona’s old town as if standing guard.
Though it is the lowest in elevation among the three castles, the hike from the base is still a fair challenge. For those short on time or energy, there is an elevator inside a tunnel that offers an easier route.

Highlights of Bellinzona 2: Montebello Castle

Built in the 13th century following Castelgrande, Montebello Castle (Château de Montebello) stands out with its shape resembling a bamboo leaf boat when seen from above. Its structure is more complex than it appears and is said to be the most defensible among the three.
For example, invaders who barely manage to cross the drawbridge and narrow passageways would be trapped by a portcullis and then targeted with projectiles—a setup reminiscent of a Japanese ninja mansion.
The renovated interior serves as a municipal museum displaying excavated artifacts from the Ticino region and exhibits on the history of Bellinzona. The outer area in front of the castle is a grassy plaza that makes a perfect playground with sweeping views of the old town. On weekends, it’s a lively spot frequented by both tourists and local families.

Highlights of Bellinzona 3: Sasso Corbaro Castle

The last and highest of Bellinzona’s three castles is Sasso Corbaro Castle (Château de Sasso Corbaro). Originally a watchtower monitoring the entire Bellinzona valley, it was upgraded in 1479 into a fortress for urban defense.
As it’s located slightly farther away than the other two, climbing to it on foot is no easy task.
Built in a rushed six-month construction project, it gives a more modest impression compared to Castelgrande and Montebello. However, its walls are the most massive of the three, making its defensive role the most palpable.
You can also stroll along the castle walls, enjoying a panoramic view that includes the old town of Bellinzona and the other two castles. Inside is the Museum of Ticino Folk Art, which is worth a relaxed visit if time allows.

Summary: UNESCO World Heritage – Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of Bellinzona

We’ve introduced the Three Castles and Defensive Walls of Bellinzona’s old town. Located at a strategic crossroad, Bellinzona has historically been a contested area, fought over by surrounding nations. Despite its geographical fate, the town has survived through adaptation.
Today, it is a peaceful tourist city at the gateway to the Alps, watched over by ancient castles. If you’re visiting Northern Italy or Southern Switzerland, don’t miss the chance to explore the World Heritage city of Bellinzona.

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A World Heritage Site Under Constant Threat! The Three Castles and Defensive Walls of the Old Town of Bellinzona