 Bellinzona Castles |
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| A fortress since Roman times, Bellinzona is strategically situated on a valley-floor and a natural nexus to such great Alpine passes as the Gotthard, San Bernadino, Novena and Lucomagno. Placed such, smack in the middle of the ancient road from Germany to Italy, sealed its geographic importance and factious future. The three castles and fortifications of the market town of Bellinzona, in the Swiss canton of Ticino, have been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Bellinzona, capital of the Ticino canton just north of Italy, was a medieval stronghold, guarding the approaches to the Alps. Unlike other parts of the country, the town enjoys the light and warmth of a southern European sun. Today, the old town of Bellinzona is quaint and well preserved and its medieval streets are lined with vendors selling local delicacies during the Saturday market. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Castelgrande (or Castle of Uri, or San Michele) is the oldest and largest of the three castles. Built in 1280, it was recently refurbished by renowned Swiss architect Aurelio Galfetti and offers walks on the ramparts, a permanent art collection and high-end restaurant. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Ten years ago a lift was inconspicuously installed in the rock to take lazy tourists from the bottom edge of the town to the castle's ramparts, where one can then make the easy climb to the top of the tower for the magnificent view and leisurely stroll back down on foot. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| TMontebello, or Schwyz Castle, is an outstanding 13th century chateau with a courtyard and several 15th century additions. Today it is a minor museum of history and archaeology. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Montebello, or Schwyz Castle, is an outstanding 13th century chateau with a courtyard and several 15th century additions. Today it is a minor museum of history and archaeology. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| The castle Castelgrande was built in the 13th century; until the beginning of the 20th century the outer wall reached up to the Ticino river. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Bellinzona's Castelgrande, refurbished between 1980 and 1991 by the well-known Ticino architect Aurelio Galfetti, offers walks on the ramparts, particularly appealing at night when all the castles and churches in the old town are illuminated. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Switzerland > Bellinzona
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| Sasso Corbaro, or Castle of Unterwald, was built in 1479 and has the finest view of Bellinzona from its terrace, where one can see the lower valley of Ticino as well as Lake Maggiore. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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