Sightseeing tour of Bellinzona

Bellinzona is the capital of the canton of Tessin, and once a Lombardian city on the southern approaches to the alpine passes. In tourist guides, Bellinzona is described fleetingly, which is absolutely not deserved! And only true connoisseurs and connoisseurs of beauty will find their way here. You just look around: the old facades of the houses are painted with ancient frescoes, Italian courtyards, narrow streets of the old city. More than half of all the inhabitants of Bellinzona live in the historic part of the city, which they fondly call the fourth fortress. What temples in Bellinzona! You just look around – in Piazza Collegiat, the Renaissance Church of Saints Perth and Stephen, in the southern part of the city, the tiny church of Santa Maria delle Grazie will delight us with paintings. On the walls of the church, an unknown master created in the early 16th century 60 scenes from the life and suffering of Christ. Take a few steps and we will be near the Romanesque church of San Biagio.

From spiritual to military: Tre Castelli Castles - Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castel Grande (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List). We are just approaching them, and they have already amazed us with their grandeur. With their granite walls, they fit so harmoniously into the landscape that they seem to be an integral part of it.

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, they were designed to protect the southern part of the valley and the whole of Lombardy from raids by treacherous Swiss. Lombardy weakened, the Swiss brazen and at the end of the 15th century the fortress changed owners. With the capture of Bellinzona, new rulers gained a key role in the region and control over important trade routes. Take a closer look at the castle walls! What do they remind you of? Yes, the walls of the Moscow Kremlin are true! Why? It's your secret!