UNESCO World Heritage

Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona

Journey through the Middle Ages

Once acting as a barrage to the Alps and now a World Heritage property, the three impressive castles of Bellinzona are among the most significant examples of medieval military architecture. They were built by the Dukes of Milan to bar the route southwards to the Swiss. Bellinzona occupied a strategic position between north and south back then too. Over the course of the centuries, the three castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro have been reconstructed and restored many times. With its walls, towers, battlements and gates, this impressive defensive complex remains a source of wonder to those who view it today.

Map
Factsheet
Date of Inscription

2000

Criteria of Inscription

iv

Category

Cultural Heritage

Region

Ticino

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School level

History, Culture and Religion
Fortress of Bellinzona
The “search and find” pictures help children to discover the UNESCO World Heritage properties in Switzerland in a simple way.  What is a UNESCO ...
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Fortress of Bellinzona
Criterion (iv): The fortified ensemble of Bellinzona is an outstanding example of the late medieval defensive structure guarding a key strategic Alpine pass. Integrity: The ...
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