Bellinzona Day Trip - Ticino

The attractive historical hub of the Ticino region

UNESCO protected Bellinzona castle
 
About Bellinzona Day Trip

Available: all year round.

Example travel costs

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE travel to Bellinzona

Ticino Ticket: FREE travel plus 30% discount on the Bellinzona Pass, covering entry to the castles 

Half Fare Card: 13 Sfr from Lugano or Locarno

Entrance payable locally: Bellinzona Pass 28 Sfr per adult and 18 Sfr per child (6-16 years); 30% discount with the Ticino Ticket. Free entry with Swiss Travel Pass. 

Historic Bellinzona is dominated by three fantastically preserved medieval castles which are recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Apart from the castles, the town is worth exploring in its own right, with plenty of shops, restaurants and a famous market on Saturday mornings.

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage castles

The town boasts three beautifully preserved castles which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a fabulous day out.

The Romans built the first fortifications at Castelgrande, which were then extended in the Middle Ages by the Dukes of Lombardy. Castelgrande offers a lovely view over the Old Town and visitors can meander along the 'Murata' ramparts and enjoy the the surrounding mountains.

The second castle, Montebello, offers medieval drawbridges and views to Lake Maggiore. The first mentions of the fortress date back to the 14th century, when the road opened through the Schöllenen Gorge and made the Gotthard Pass the most important route across the Alps.

The third castle, Sasso Corbaro, towers above Old Town on a wooded hillside. Built in the 15th century, today the castle hosts an art museum and offers a fabulous view over the town and the wider region.

Bellinzona market

The Bellinzona market is a popular event, held in the town's historic district since 1878. Set amongst the ancient inns and floral displays, the colourful stalls offer quality products including regional fruit and vegetables, homemade bread prepared with traditional recipes and delicious cheeses from the local valleys. Homewares are also available, with some handicrafts being created on site by the stallholders. 

The market takes place every Saturday morning and Wednesdays during May-June and September-October. 

Relax in the town

The town of Bellinzona itself is italianate in style and features many picturesque squares and courtyards. Visitors can wander among the Old Town's atmospheric alleyways with their restored merchants' houses, theatres and churches. As with all the Ticino towns, there are plenty of cafés and delicatessans to enjoy. At the Villa dei Cedri art museum there are paintings from the late 19th-early 20th century and peaceful gardens.


Directions

Bellinzona is easily reached by rail from Lugano and Locarno; trains depart frequently to the town.


 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Historic Bellinzona

More excursions in the region

The Ticino has a distinct Italian influence and it is a joy to cruise to an idyllic village for a lakeside lunch. As well as any number of cruises, there's subtropical gardens and an array of funiculars and cable cars to take you up to mountains which offer panoramic views over the region.

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Your choice of resorts

Morcote village on Lake Lugano

The Italian speaking canton of Ticino occupies the balmy lakelands of the southern foothills of the Alps. There are a choice of lakeside resorts such as Ascona, Lugano, Locarno, all offering cruises, mountain visits, walking opportunities and excellent cuisine.

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Bellinzona castles video


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