Weekend in Ticino Part 2: Bellinzona

Posted by Jul on 22 February 2007

Bellinzona is one of those places you go and think, why didn’t anyone ever tell me about this place before? Despite its beauty, charm, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Bellinzona is rarely mentioned amongst the highlights of

Switzerland

(perhaps this country just has too many highlights?).

This Italian-speaking town is nestled into a valley which forms an important pass through the Alps. This geographic significance caused it to be a hot commodity back in the days before airplanes and tunnels and other Alp-crossing devices. Thus it was heavily fortified, with three castles and a wall that spanned across the entire valley. It’s hard to imagine that whoever built these castles intended them as anything other than beautiful scenery, though, since they are so picturesque it hurts.

We visited two of the three castles (the third is closed during the off season), and walked along some of the remaining wall, and wandered all over the charming old town (which was full of carnival revelers). More than anything we just soaked up the beauty of this city from every possible angle. We had a decent lunch at the Grotto in Castelgrande (I would highly recommend sitting out on its terrace if you visit in the high season). Bellinzona is definitely worth a day or two.

Comments (7)

Ed Bremson, MFA

February 22nd, 2007 15:14

I love the photos on your blog. They make me nostalgic for Europe (all except for the snow — too cold) I have traveled in Europe and Egypt from time to time. Perhaps I will travel again sometime. Anyway, thanks for visiting my health blog, and thanks for the link. Oh, and thanks for reminding me of the expat life.

Kate

February 22nd, 2007 18:15

The castles seem to fit perfectly into the scenery don’t they? Beautiful pictures.

Kate. Lovetolead.

Kirk

February 22nd, 2007 19:17

I’ll bet one reason more people don’t know about Bellinzona is because it’s not on a lake like Lugano and Locarno. On our one visit to Ticino, we didn’t even look into Bellinzona for that reason…looks like it was our loss.

zandria

February 23rd, 2007 15:50

Arrggh! Castles! You make me sick! (In a good way.) So jealous.