By Vicky · Published Jan. 15th, 2025 · Updated Feb. 1st, 2025
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This walking tour of Bellinzona takes you around the historic centre and up to all three castles that make up the Fortress of Bellinzona.
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Location
This walking tour of Bellinzona starts from Piazza del Sole, a large square near the centre of town. There’s a small free parking space and a larger paid underground car park nearby. Alternatively, the train station is only about 500 metres away.
Bellinzona Walking Tour Map
Tips
- If you want to visit all three castles, buy the Bellinzona Fortezza Pass (cheaper than buying individual tickets). You can buy the ticket onsite, online from the official website, or from GetYourGuide* (often slightly higher price, but sometimes has deals).
- You can still enjoy this walk even without visiting inside the castles.
- If you don’t feel like walking all the way to the top, there’s a little tourist train that can take you.
- If you’re driving north afterwards, there’s a beautiful hike at San Bernadino pass, or check out other walks on our Switzerland Hiking Page.
Popular Nearby Tours
Top Sights in Bellinzona
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll see the historic centre of Bellinzona plus the three castles that make up the largest defensive system in the Alps. If you don’t visit inside the castles, this walking tour of Bellinzona takes about half a day, but allow a full day to see inside the castles.
- Piazza del Sole
- Castel Grande
- Piazza Collegiata
- Castello di Montebello
- Castello di Sasso Corbaro
- Piazza Nosetto
- Independence Square
- Piazza Governo
Bellinzona Walking Tour Route
1. Piazza del Sole
The Piazza del Sole is one of the largest squares in Bellinzona. It’s quite a modern square with slightly brutalist architecture, something you find quite often in Switzerland. There are good views of the cliffs and Castle Grande directly above, and part of the old castle wall fills one side of the square. You can also find a Migros supermarket on the square (closed on Sunday), ideal for food and drink that’s significantly cheaper than in cafes/restaurants.
Directions: From Piazza del Sole, take the eery secret lift up to the castle for the most interesting way to arrive (and to avoid walking uphill). To find the lift, head to the corner of the square nearest the castle and walk through the narrow passageway in the cliffs.
2. Castel Grande
Key Information: Open April-October 10am-6pm, November-March 10:30am-4pm. Tickets cost €15, or €28 for all three castles (summer only). See the official website for more details and to buy tickets online. There’s a bistro (closed Monday) and a posh restaurant (closed Monday and Sunday) in the castle, for both reservations are recommended.
Castel Grande is an impressive castle in the heart of Bellinzona and a must-see when visiting the city. It’s the largest of the three castles that make up Fortress Bellinzona and probably the best to visit if you only visit one. Note, this is the only castle fully open in winter, the others you can only look around the outside. The archaeological historical museum is housed in one part of the castle and there are also often temporary exhibits.
Directions: While in the castle you can walk along the old stone walls and visit several viewpoints over town. When you’re ready, head out the main entrance through the gate and walk right, down the hill. You’ll come out at the next stop.
3. Piazza Collegiata
Piazza Collegiata is a lovely central square, home to both Bellinzona tourist information and the elegant Church of St Pietro & St Stefano. It’s in the centre of the historic part of town and you’ll find many cafes and shops here and in the surrounding streets.
Directions: Head down the street to the right of the church, then take the signposted route heading upwards to the next castle.
4. Castello di Montebello
Key Information: Open April-October 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €10, or €28 for all three castles. See the official website for more details and to buy tickets online.
Castello di Montebello is another of the three castles of Bellinzona. Its walls are fairly intact, making the castle quite impressive, and there are also good views. Surrounding it, there are picnic tables, a large children’s playground and a Grand Tour of Switzerland photo spot.
Directions: Leave the castle at the far side and head right on the walkway by the car park. At the road, take the small path slightly to the right, heading up through the field. Cross over the road and continue on the signed route upwards. At the top, continue along the road, and at the corner, you’ll have a good view of a distinctive yellow church. Around the corner, take a left up a track through the walled fields and keep heading upwards until you reach the castle.
5. Castello di Sasso Corbaro
Key Information: Open April-October 10am-6pm. Tickets cost €15, or €28 for all three castles. See the official website for more details and to buy tickets online. There’s a posh bistro (closed Mondays) in the castle courtyard.
The Castello di Sasso Corbaro is perched high above Bellinzona, but it’s worth the walk! There are panoramic views, and inside you’ll find a dungeon, a lookout tower and several exhibitions.
Directions: Leave via the back of the castle to walk through the trees and rocks. Head right at the road and downwards, circling the castle again. Then take the same route down as you walked up. When you reach the square at the bottom, turn left.
6. Piazza Nosetto
Piazza Nosetto is an old square surrounded by many historic buildings. The old Palazzo Civico Municipio is a lovely example, with intricate architectural details. It’s definitely not a place to miss on a walking tour of Bellinzona, and the surrounding streets are also quite cute.
Directions: Take the street to the left to reach the next stop.
7. Independence Square
Independence Square, or Piazza Indipendenza, is on the edge of the old town, and though a bit spoiled by cars it’s surrounded by several nice buildings including the Church of San Rocco.
Directions: Leave to the right and you’ll come to another square.
8. Piazza Governo
The Piazza Governo is similar. You’ll see the grand government offices on one side and the little Teatro Sociale on the other.
Directions: Walk back to Piazza Nosetto and Piazza Collegiata before heading up Viale Stazione, a nice shopping street. In a little while, take a left to return to Piazza del Sole and the end of the Bellinzona Walking Tour.
Best Places to Stay in Bellinzona
Budget: Villa del Gusto* is a good-value pension on the northern side of town. The bathrooms are shared but the rates include a delicious breakfast and the owners are very friendly.
Comfort Self-Catering: Bellinzona Piazza Collegiata* is a great fully-equipment apartment right in the heart of Bellinzona.