The Castles of Bellinzona are a group of three medieval castles located in the town of Bellinzona in the southern Swiss canton of Ticino. The castles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their stunning architecture and rich history.
The castles were built in the 13th and 14th centuries to guard the southern approach to the St. Gotthard Pass, a major trade route that connected northern and southern Europe. The three castles are named Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, and are strategically located on a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bellinzona and the surrounding countryside.
Castelgrande is the largest and oldest of the three castles, and was originally built in the 13th century. The castle features a central tower and several other buildings, including a chapel and a residential palace. Montebello and Sasso Corbaro were built in the 14th century, and both feature impressive towers and ramparts.
Over the centuries, the Castles of Bellinzona played an important role in the political and military history of Switzerland. They were used as residences by local nobility, as well as military garrisons and prisons.
Today, the Castles of Bellinzona are open to the public as a museum, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the castles' various rooms and learn about their history and significance. The castles are also used as a venue for cultural events and performances, including concerts, theater productions, and festivals.