Bellinzona and surrounding area Discover the medieval and lombardian charm of the city and its castles Bellinzona, capital of the Canton of Ticino, has been careful to preserve intact its medieval characteristics and its role of “Key to the Alps”. The historic centre has been thoughtfully restored and its three castles were nominated by UNESCO as a Heritage of Humanity. Bellinzona is also distinguished by its modern architectural works by local architects and in particular by Aurelio Galfetti. Sadly the centre is not easily accessible by wheelchair. The itinerary A should be undertaken with a companion: this is the only itinerary which permits discovery of the heart of Bellinzona without too much difficulty. Bellinzona is also well known for its numerous cultural offerings and particular for the Piazza Blues Festival and the Rabadan Carneval. The visit to the ancient nucleus ideally begins from the car parks in the Piazza del Sole or Cervia and develops in part through the little streets of the pedestrianised historic centre, where only a few of the monuments, churches, shops, services, restaurants and hotels are totally accessible or have suitable toilets. On the other hand, whether following the recommended itinerary or not, there are a good number of parking places for the handicapped in other areas of the centre (www.ftia.ch). The other excursions (B) proposes either exploring the castles and their defence mechanism triggered by the Dukes of Milan in 1400, or a visit to the beautiful medieval churches around the city which are easily accessible and can be reached by car. In the suburbs there are commercial centres, shops, services, restaurants, hotels, parking and toilets all accessible without too much difficulty (www.ftia.ch). From either Piazza del Sole or from the railway station, itinerary A guides visitors as far as Piazza Collegiata, with its typical Lombardian character and where every saturday morning there is a very busy market offering various local food specialities and Ticino craft-ware. Facing the Piazza are some beautiful frescoed buildings and the Renaissance style Collegiata. From the historic Piazza Nosetto, the location of the Town Hall, arrive in the Piazza Governo (Government Square), which is characterised by its Teatro Sociale, one of the few authentic italian style theatres in Switzerland, as well as the Orsoline Building, home of the local government. Returning to Piazza del Sole via the Piazza Indipendenza, it is possible to commence Itinerary B by taking the elevator to the Castelgrande (Big Castle), a great fortress, and testimony to centuries of history written by the Romans, the Longobardians, the Milanese and the Swiss. Castelgrande was also the home of the celebrations commemorating 700 years of the Swiss Confederation in 1991. The Montebello and Sasso Corbaro castles can be reached by car and the views stretch as far as Lake Maggiore. Following that, visit the suburb of Ravecchia, the medieval church of San Biagio and Villa dei Cedri Art Gallery. A little further on is the beautiful church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, rich in frescoes of the Lombardian school. From Giubiasco, an area with numerous suitable services (www.ftia.ch) and near to the Bellinzona Sud motorway exit, it is easy to reach Monte Carasso, a village known for its recently restored Augustine Monastery. To round off the trip it is worth a visit to the ruins of the medieval church of Gnosca. www.ftia.ch www.bellinzonaturismo.ch www.ticino-tourism.ch www.bellinzona.ch www.rabadan.ch www.castellinaria.ch www.swisscastles.ch www.ticino-lifestyle.com www.montecarasso.ch www.autopostale.ch/it

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