“A triple fortification of granite walls and towers—Castelgrande; Montebello; and Sasso Corbaro—built by the Dukes of Milan in the 15th century to block the Swiss confederates; the defensive wall still snakes across the Ticino valley floor; stand on the ramparts of Montebello at sunset; the grey gneiss of the castles turns violet against the dark green mountains; the sound of the valley traffic feels distant and inconsequential.”
About Three Castles of Bellinzona
A triple fortification of granite walls and towers—Castelgrande; Montebello; and Sasso Corbaro—built by the Dukes of Milan in the 15th century to block the Swiss confederates; the defensive wall still snakes across the Ticino valley floor; stand on the ramparts of Montebello at sunset; the grey gneiss of the castles turns violet against the dark green mountains; the sound of the valley traffic feels distant and inconsequential.
Why Visit
Three Castles of Bellinzona is one of Switzerland's defining sites — a place that rewards every visitor differently.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Book tickets for Three Castles of Bellinzona in advance to skip long queues.
- 2
Hire a local guide to unlock the stories behind every corner.
- 3
Spend extra time in the least-visited sections — they're often the most rewarding.
