Overview
Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino, at the foot of the Alps, preserving a medieval atmosphere with three UNESCO-listed castles. It offers a mix of history and modern Swiss efficiency, ideal for budget travelers exploring the Italian-speaking region.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Transport
Bellinzona railway station connects to Milan, Locarno, and Lugano. Postal buses serve the castles.
Unesco
The three castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro) are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Water
At Lido di Arbedo, beware of strong currents and cold water in the Ticino River.