The Bellinzona Fortress and its castles

This circular route leads to the discovery of the Bellinzona Fortress, included in 2000 in the UNESCO World Heritage list and built by the Dukes of Milan, around the 1400s, to prevent the Swiss Confederates from advancing south. Bellinzona was indeed in a strategic position at the intersection of alpine routes between north and south (Saint Gotthard, Lukmanier, San Bernardino, Novena).

The route starts from Viale Portone and following the rampart you reach Castel Grande with its two towers (Black Tower and White Tower), a historical-artistic museum as well as exhibitions, a panoramic grotto and a restaurant. For the descent, there are two options: by elevator you reach Piazza del Sole and then Piazza Collegiata entering Via Codeborgo, or descending the stairs from Castel Grande which leads to Piazza Collegiata. Climbing up the narrow alley next to the homonymous church you can reach the Montebello Castle located on the hill opposite.

After visiting the middle Castle and its Archaeological Museum, continue on Via Artore for a short stretch of road, then cross a stream and reach Via Piumerino. Climbing a steep staircase you reach the village of Artore. Passing in front of the Church of San Sebastiano, you reach the washhouse and walking along a cobbled path you reach the asphalt road Via alla Predella. Continuing to the right you reach the Grotto dei Pacifici reaching the splendid fortress of Sasso Corbaro. From this height, you enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Magadino Plain up to Lake Maggiore. From the castle, exiting through a small carved door in the wall, continue the descent towards Montebello Castle. Just before the manor, the mule track on the left returns to the starting point passing through the Historic Center of Bellinzona.