Bellinzona, a true Italian city outside Italy, is considered one of the most beautiful places within Switzerland. Situated in a green valley in the center of the canton of Ticino, on the Alpine foothills, the town used to serve as a natural border between Switzerland and Italy and has always been a mix of two charismatic cultures.
Picturesque squares and gardens, lush patios and marvelous castles greet the traveler as far as the eye can see; yet, to your surprise, will you find true gems of vivid contemporary cultures beneath the discreet charm of Bellinzona’s mysterious medieval streets.
5 Facts about Bellinzona
- Although Bellinzona is the capital of the only Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland, the largest city there is Lugano.
- Bellinzona is a fairly small town – there are only 18.000 people.
- Buses and cars are not popular here: the area is only 19.15 square kilometers big.
- The majority of the population (87%) speaks Italian.
- Bellinzona is world famous for its three castles that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What to See in Bellinzona
Although Bellinzona is situated in a picturesque natural environment, its symbol and the main attractions are, no doubt, the castles, and fortified walls. There are three main ones, and we recommend to plan your time wisely in order to make it to all of them:Make sure to take a tour in the various castles' museums, the Archaeological and Civic Museum, and Sala Emma Poglia, and the stunning gardens at each a castle to.
Bellinzona is also famous for its churches that are great examples of Renaissance architecture. Just take a look at the fantastic exteriors and interiors of:
- Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Chiesa di San Rocco
- Chiesa di San Biagio
- Chiesa Collegiata dei ss. Petro e Stefano
What to do in Bellinzona
Take a day off and wander the magnificent Old Town of Bellinzona. The center and Piazza Nosetto, Via del Teatro and Piazza del Governo with their Renaissance architecture masterpieces and famous boutiques won't leave you indifferent.Even if you never were into theater, why don't you give one of the oldest and most valued theaters in Switzerland a go? Teatro Socialo is situated on the main square, Piazza del Governo, and has had a major influence of Milan's La Scala. Other than castles' museums, the gallery Villa dei Cedri with artworks of 19th - 20th century Swiss and Italian artists, is also worth visiting.
Main squares, the granite bridge over the river Ticino and the embankments are the meeting spots for the locals in the evenings and on the weekends. Every Saturday morning you get a chance to visit a local weekend market – make sure to try delicious homemade cheese and wine!
How to get to Bellinzona
Train or Bus - If you are traveling around Switzerland, you can get to Bellinzona from Lugano or Locarno, another two major cities in the canton of Ticino, by train or bus - book the tickets and check the timetable at railway stations or online at Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website or Swiss Travel Systems website. You can also take a bus or train from Luzern, Bern, Zurich or Milan; it will take approximately three hours.Rent a Car - If you are planning on traveling around Switzerland or Italy for a while, the best option is to rent a car. For low-budget trips, you can give BlaBlaCar or a similar service a look.
What are the Best Bellinzona Viewpoints
Great places to get the best panorama view of Bellinzona, the Alps and the valley are the castles and their towers situated atop the hills. They offer breathtaking bird eye views of the town and surroundings. You can also take a tour to a church's rooftop or simply go hiking.Where to Eat in Bellinzona
Haute cuisine in Bellinzona is not unusual: inspired by both Italian and Swiss cuisine, authentic local meals are to be found everywhere from expensive restaurants to unpretentious little cafes. For sophisticated dishes visit Pedemonte and Locanda Orico. If you are traveling with family or friends, Grottino Ticinese and La Lampara will be a great choice for you. For a fantastic pizza visit La Terrazza, and if you are looking for some local gelato, check out Gelateria Venturini!Top 5 Places to Stay when in Bellinzona
Although there aren't a lot of hotels in Bellinzona, it is never too crowded. You can get a remarkable and authentic experience in Hotel and SPA Internazionale or Hotel La Tureta. For more modest options we would recommend Croce Federale. There are a few hotels next to the train station as well, for example, Albergo Ristorante-Pizzeria and Albergo. Moderno Garni - If you are traveling with kids or a big company and are looking for a more flexible option. There is always Airbnb or a similar service as well.How to get around in Bellinzona
The most convenient option for public transport in Switzerland and exactly in Bellinzona is a bus. You will find all the necessary information about the tickets, day passes, routes and schedule at any bus stop. Bellinzona is, though, a relatively small town, so the cheapest and definitely the most enjoyable way to get around will be walking or biking!The Best Time to Visit Bellinzona
Bellinzona is great looking in any season! As well as the rest of Ticino. It is famous for its warm and sunny weather almost all year round. However, if you prefer to travel in cooler climates, pick spring, autumn or winter for your trip.Top 10 Bellinzona Events
There are quite a few festivals held in Bellinzona every year, and we recommend you to plan you trip accordingly! The most famous carnival of the town - Carnevale Rabadan Bellinzona – has been held every February for more than 150 years. In June you will catch open-air cinema in the castle, Castelgrande, and the blues festival. September and October hold wine and cheese events – Bacchica Bellinzonese and Cheese Market festivals. And of course, check out Bellinzona's Christmas Market if you happen to visit this lovely town in December!Top 5 Interesting Facts about Bellinzona
- Bellinzona was first mentioned in the year 590. Although the name appear at the end of 6th century, the Romans built the first fortress in Bellinzona in the 1st century.
- Its name Bellinzona got from... juniper. “Belitio” or “Belitione” mean “juniper” and “juniper bushes” in Lepontic, an ancient Alpine language.
- Bellinzona hasn't always been a capital of Ticino. Once becoming independent, the canton changed its capital every six years from 1803 to 1878, so Bellinzona, Lugano and Locarno took turns.
- Bellinzona has its own soccer team.
- Bellinzona suits perfectly for a nice, calm and refreshing vacation with family or friends: the Alpine air, scenic landscapes, and lovely Old Town's streets will make your trip unforgettable. If you are looking for more dynamic activities, you can take a day off and go hiking or travel around the canton of Ticino and visit the lakes of Locarno and Lugano.Have Fun!
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Related Routes in and around Bellinzona
One of the most beautiful hikes in the whole pre-alpine region. The amazing panoramic views from this ridge cover Lake Maggiore, the Centovalli, the Maggia Valley, the Verzasca Valley and Locarno to Bellinzona to the north and Lugano and its valleys and lake to the south, with the Alps, with Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. This hike is usually referred as Ticino's classics. This particular route goes in the opposite direction from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro. This variation brings more uphill walking but allows better scheduling due to rare buses going to Miglieglia.
Monte Brè (933 m) is a small mountain east of Lugano. It is an excellent observation point over Lake Lugano and the Alps. Also, it is a great starting point for numerous hike routes. A must-visit place for everybody visiting Lugano.
This route is the best way to meet Matterhorn the first time. It goes through the most dramatic viewpoints which would make you love this place. If you like you could go the reverse route starting from the Blauherd station all way down. That would save you a lot of energy!
Photo Gallery
A view over the beuatiful city of Bellinzona, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Paelog Hedini )
Inside the Montebello Castle in Bellinzona, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Berger.)
The Swiss Reformed Church in Bellinzona, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: By Roland Zumbühl (Picswiss), Arlesheim or CC BY-SA 3.0)
Medieval Castle Tower in Bellinzona, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Paleog Hedini)
(Photo Credit: Paulwell.)
Castello di Montebello in the city of Bellinzona, Switzerland. (Photo Credit: Werni.)
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