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Castles

Bellinzona: Old Town and Castles

Castles

Bellinzona: Old Town and Castles

Highlight • Historical Site

Bellinzona: Old Town and Castles

Recommended by 307 cyclists out of 318

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Location: Ticino, Switzerland

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Top cycling routes to Bellinzona: Old Town and Castles

4.6

(202)

2,176

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1. Ticino Riverside Cycle Path – Tenero–Bellinzona Cycle Path loop from Bellinzona

44.6km

02:33

140m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(201)

2,109

riders

2. Tenero–Bellinzona Cycle Path – The Castles of Bellinzona loop from Orselina Madonna del Sasso

45.1km

02:47

320m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(5)

121

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3. From Bellizona to Alpe Gesero – gravel loop

49.8km

04:34

1,800m

1,790m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Tips

Paul

September 27, 2025

The Fortress of Bellinzona and its Castles
Once upon a time, there were knights and drawbridges. Where? In Bellinzona, of course! Take a journey back in time and visit the castles, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000.
Arm yourself with a camera and discover Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. Tin-reinforced walls, towers, and enormous gates: you'll be catapulted straight into the Middle Ages! Dream of the knights' heroic deeds and immerse yourself in life back then. The Fortress of Bellinzona offers visitors a hands-on experience of medieval history.
You can purchase the Fortress Pass online, at the InfoPoint in Bellinzona, or at the ticket offices of the three castles. It allows you to visit the fortress and its walls, the Castel Grande Museum, the Archeologia Montebello exhibition trail, and the temporary exhibitions.
Are you primarily interested in visiting the exhibitions? Then buy the new Expo Pass: a combined ticket that grants access to the temporary exhibitions at Castel Grande, Sasso Corbaro, and the Museo Villa dei Cedri!
Text / Source: Bellinzona e Valli Tourism
bellinzonaevalli.ch/de/discover/castles.html

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Paul

September 27, 2025

In Bellinzona's Old Town
From the train station, the bus takes us to the stop at the end of Via Lugano. To the east is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the other side of the railway line, we pass the Villa dei Cedri, nestled in a magnificent park and home to the municipal art collection. We head north along Via Pedotti to Piazza San Biagio, where the 13th-century church of the same name can be admired. The church, one of the most interesting in the region, has been restored and stripped of its Baroque additions. The remarkable frescoes date from the late Middle Ages.
We return and follow Via Lugano north to Piazza Indipendenza, where we find the Church of San Rocco, a building dating back to 1330 and enlarged in 1478. This is where the actual old town begins. The town hall, with its elegant courtyard, was completely rebuilt in 1924, using materials from the previous 15th-century building. At Piazza Nosetto, with its beautiful porticoes, we turn left onto Via Teatro, passing the restored theater building from the previous century and reaching the government building. The oldest part consists of the former Ursuline convent, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in the previous century. Returning to Piazza Nosetto, we approach Piazza Collegiata, passing the Casa Rossa, a brick-clad building inspired by the Lombard style of the 15th century. The massive church of SS. Pietro e Stefano reflects the Renaissance style with Baroque elements. A lively market is held every Saturday in Piazza Collegiata. On Viale Stazione, we find ourselves in the city's commercial district.
The post office building is noteworthy, a prime example of contemporary Ticino architecture.
Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona
ticino.ch/de/commons/details/In-Bellinzonas-Altstadt/3156.html

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Wiro L.

March 19, 2020

Bellinzona is mainly known for its castles, a medieval architectural defense complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the old town also deserves a visit, one of the most authentic in all of Ticino, and the 15th-century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses a magnificent Renaissance fresco that occupies an entire wall.

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Elevation 230 m

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Sunday 7 December

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Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

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Location: Ticino, Switzerland

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Bellinzona: Old Town and Castles

1. Ticino Riverside Cycle Path – Tenero–Bellinzona Cycle Path loop from Bellinzona

2. Tenero–Bellinzona Cycle Path – The Castles of Bellinzona loop from Orselina Madonna del Sasso

3. From Bellizona to Alpe Gesero – gravel loop

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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