Located in southern Switzerland, Bellinzona is the capital city of the Italian-speaking Canton of Ticino. The city lies along the banks of the Ticino River, at the junction of three alpine valleys, and is just a short drive from Lake Maggiore.
What makes Bellinzona so special is that it is home to a stunning old town center filled with Italian and medieval military architecture. On top of that, it is host to three castles which are some of the best preserved in Switzerland. No wonder this town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Strolling around this medieval town is nothing short of incredible. Its rich history pours out of the beautiful churches, castles, buildings, and the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains set the scene perfectly.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Bellinzona, including where to stay, how to get there, and what to do.
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How to Get To Bellinzona
Bellinzona is very easy to reach. Much easier than you might expect considering its southerly location. I will run through how to get there from Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. From these airports you can then take public transport or drive.
From Milan
If you are flying into Milan, simply get on the train to Milano Centrale Railway Station. From there it is just a 1.5-hour train ride to Bellinzona with one change in Lugano. The journey is stunning as you rise into the alps, past beautiful lakes, and more.
Driving from Milan to Bellinzona is also very easy and it should take just 2 hours to get there, again you will see amazing scenery along the way.
From Zurich
If you are flying into Zurich, grab the train to Zurich HB central station and get on the direct train to Bellinzona. You should be there in under 2 hours and the train ride takes you through the lowlands and into the alps.
Driving from Zurich Airport to Bellinzona takes just 2.5 hours, so it is very easy.
From Geneva
Geneva is one of the worst hubs to get to Bellinzona from as you will have to go via Zurich. The train takes 4.5 hours but you only have to change once, at Zurich HB, so it is a relaxing journey.
Driving takes about 5 hours and you will go via Bern, Lucerne, and into the alps. It is a stunning drive!
Things To Do in Bellinzona
See The Magnificent Bellinzona Castles
Home to three stunning castles; Castelgrande, Montebello Castle, and the Sasso Corbaro Castle, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a castle visit is a must while you are in Bellinzona.
You can visit each one in half a day and should start at the top of the hill at Castello di Sasso Corbaro and then move down to the other two castles of Montebello and finally Castelgrande.
Castello di Sasso Corbaro
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castello di Sasso Corbaro dates back to the 1400s. Amazingly, it was built in just 6 months and completed in 1479. The views from the castle are incredible as you look over the alps more than 200 meters above the town.
It is home to a beautiful chapel, a well, and lots of old tunnels. You can spend your time perusing the museum, having a picnic on the castle grounds, and even having lunch at the onsite restaurant, all while enjoying the amazing views.
Montebello Castle
Montebello Castle, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits below Sasso Corbaro. It also dates back to the 14th century and features a special walkway with trap doors that were added in the 15th century.
It was home to a few notorious families over the years including the Rusconi who spent a lot of years living there. The Ghiringhellis moved in around the 1700s and added a stunning chapel you can still see today.
The views are beautiful from the site and stretch across the city all the way to the lake. There is also a museum you can visit after going on a tour.
Castelgrande
Castelgrande is the most impressive of the castles. It has been around since the first century BC and was eventually fortified in the 1200s. It is beautifully renovated and looks like it would have in the 13th century onwards.
It is home to a museum with awesome exhibitions, a stunning monument, and lots more. There is also a restaurant onsite where you can grab lunch, and lots more to be seen here.
Take In The Local Atmosphere At Bellinzona Market
One of my favorite things to do in a new city is to go to a local market. It is the best way to not only explore the town but also to be immersed in the local atmosphere.
The Bellinzona Market is one of a kind. It is a huge Saturday market that runs from the Old Town all the way to the Piazza Nosetto. You should reserve at least a few hours to explore it thoroughly on a Saturday morning before exploring more of Bellinzona.
This Saturday Market is filled with stalls selling everything from delicious local cheese to regional fruit, delicious bread, and even local sausages which are to die for. You will also find traders selling souvenirs, trinkets, and more.
Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking amongst the bustling streets and taking in the vibe is very much worth it and you will get to see the Old Town come alive.
Go Thrill Seeking At The Verzasca Dam
Located outside of Bellinzona close to Lucarno is the amazing Verzasca Dam. Sitting at the head of the Verzasca Valley, the dam is an amazing 220 meters tall and creates the beautiful Lago di Vogorno reservoir behind it.
Made famous by being featured in the opening scene of James Bond’s GoldenEye, it is today a very popular place to go bungee jumping. If you have the stomach for it, you can dive off the edge of the dam into the stunning valley below.
The views as you look up the valley from the dam are reason enough to visit as you stare over the lake, surrounded by mountains, forest, and up the gorge to the river.
The hiking opportunities around the dam are also excellent. There are lovely trails around Lago di Vogorno that lead to the river. The old architecture of the nearby towns is also wonderful to see, with the traditional cottages and old churches.
See The Magical Church Of Chiesa Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano
The Chiesa Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Stefano is a beautiful church in the Old Town of Bellinzona. It is a marvel of architecture and art combined, so if you are a history and art lover, this is simply somewhere you have to visit.
The church dates back to the Renaissance period. It features awesome architectural pieces, the best of which is the amazing clock tower in my opinion. Inside you will find a lavishly decorated interior featuring old paintings from as far back as the 1400s.
It isn’t just paintings you will see here, the church is famous for its statues too. There are sculptures of King Solomon, King David, Saints San Stefano, and San Lorenzo, and the most impressive of them all are the three statues of Madonna with two angles.
Between the artwork, the architecture, and the sculptures, this might just be one of the most beautiful churches you will ever see.
Go Watch A Show At The Old Teatro Sociale
The Teatro Sociale is the only theater in Switzerland from the 1900s. It is, of course, an Italian-style theatre, built in a Neo-Classical style and it is architecturally stunning.
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The architect who built Teatro Sociale, Von Mentlen based it on the famous La Scala theater in Milan. It was then renovated by Giancarlo and Pia Durisch who only made it more beautiful.
Seeing the theater, located in Bellinzona Old Town is one thing, but why not go to a performance while you are there? The theater hosts a plethora of different shows every week and the acoustics are to die for.
You can see what upcoming shows are on and book tickets on their website here. There is nothing quite like seeing a show in an old theater for me, so I’d highly recommend going.
See The Amazing Architecture Of Palazzo Civico di Bellinzona
The Palazzo Civico di Bellinzona is another architectural marvel you have to visit while strolling around the streets of Bellinzona.
The palace, which is also the town hall, dates back to the 1300s but has been rebuilt many times, most recently in the 1920s by Enea Tallone.
This means the palace features multiple architectural styles over the ages including the Renaissance-style entrance with its arcade, along with the wooden roofs, and narrow windows.
Haematstil style architecture is also heavily featured which is a Swiss-Italian patriotic style that emerged during WWII.
While strolling around the palace, you will be quite amazed especially as you take in the textures of the building, the towers, ramparts, and lots more.
You will find the palace in the center of town close to the castles and the theater. It is great to combine a day of sightseeing with a lovely alfresco lunch afterward.
Enjoy Art, Architecture, and Stunning Gardens at Villa Dei Cedri
Villa Dei Cedri is an old villa that dates back to the 1800s that today features a wonderful art collection and a beautiful park with vineyards.
The museum is home to a collection of art that ranges from the 1850s to the present day by artists from the Ticino region along with Lombardy and the rest of Switzerland.
The works capture the crossover between the periods of realism and symbolism. You will find works by Grubicy de Dragon, Chiesa, De Grada, Foglia, Lavagnino, and lots more.
Once you are done enjoying the exhibition, be sure to walk around the park while noting the beautiful neo-classic style of the villa from lots of different vantage points. The park is also a great place for a picnic or simply relaxing in the shade with a good book.
The villa is on the outskirts of town and is a bit of a stroll away, but it is worth it.
Hang Out In The Oldest Square In The City – Piazza Nosetto
Piazza Nosetto sits in the center of the town and it dates back to the middle ages, making it the oldest and most important square in the city.
The Piazza Nosetto is filled with walnut trees, from which it gets its name, and these walnut trees have been a key part of the square since old times. You can also see young walnut trees in the square too.
In the old times, it was home to the city well where all the locals got their water from and it is also where the town hall and the seat of the mayor have been for centuries.
Sitting in the Piazza Nosetto in the shade of the trees you can think back to all the amazing historical things the square has seen.
Located in the center of town next to the town hall, between the castles, and the palace, you can easily add it to your day of sightseeing.
Go Hiking Around The San Bernardino Pass
The San Bernardino Pass is one of the most historically important Swiss mountain passes as it created trade routes across the alps. It dates back to the 1400s when the valleys of Mesolcia and Hinterrhein were first connected.
It was then further improved in the 1820s and today is an awesome road to drive as you get to go up the valley and up to the alpine peaks. At the top of the San Bernardino Pass, you will have incredible views down both valleys as well as stretching views across many alpine peaks.
At the top, you will find lots of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as close-up views of more than 8 alpine peaks.
You can only access the pass during the summer as it is closed in winter. The journey up to the top is also stunning and very much worth it.
Where to Stay in Bellinzona
Booking.comThere are plenty of great hotel options available in Bellinzona from 4-star hotels to bed and breakfasts. I would suggest staying somewhere central so all the sights and the train station are within easy reach on foot.
The Hotel & SPA Internazionale Bellinzona is an excellent choice if you want a little luxury along with a very central location.
If you are on a budget the Bellinzona Youth Hostel is a great option. It takes just 3 minutes to talk to the town center and 10 minutes to the train station. Also, the famous Castello di Montebello is just up the hill.
Where to Eat in Bellinzona
Being in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, the food in Bellinzona is quite amazing. You, of course, will find tastes of Italy at the restaurants but also traditional Swiss cuisine, European influences, and local products such as preserved meats, cheeses, local honey, and sausages,
A great place for a romantic dinner and Italian food with great wine is Trattoria Cantinin Del Gatt. The food is excellent, the vibe is lovely, as is the service, and it is reasonably priced too.
For great pizza, outdoor dining, and a great atmosphere, head to Ristorante Giardino.
If you are looking for a special night out, the Osteria Castello-Sasso Corbaro is the place to go. This is fine dining at its best with views across Bellinzona and two of the three castles.
Interesting Facts About Bellinzona
- The Romans first built in Bellinzona due to its strategic position connecting northern Italy with the alps and Switzerland
- It is home to a unique festival called Rabadan which takes place in February each year. The festival takes over the whole town and lasts for 5 days
- The opening scene of James Bond – GoldenEye was shot at the Verzasca dam down the road
- It is home to some of the best medieval defensive architecture in the Alps
- The richly decorated patrician houses are stunning
Best Time To Visit Bellinzona
The best time to visit Bellinzona is in the months of May, June, September, and October. What makes these months so great is the reliably amazing weather and the fact that the city isn’t too busy with tourists.
You should expect sunny days, almost every day, with temperatures around the 60℉/20 C mark. It is also outside of school holidays and the busy tourist season meaning you get better deals on accommodation and have a quieter city to explore.
What is Bellinzona Known For?
Bellinzona is famous for its three stunningly well-preserved medieval castles as well as its historic old town and local market.
Is Bellinzona Worth Visiting?
I couldn’t imagine a town more worth visiting than Bellinzona, especially if you love art, architecture, nature, and amazing food.
Take in the old castles, palaces, and piazzas, the market in the Old Town, and then head out into nature to see alpine peaks, lakes, rivers, and lots more.
Bellinzona is literally a slice of Italy in Switzerland which gives you an amazing combination of a beautiful ancient city, rich culture, better food, and all in one of the most beautiful parts of the planet.
