Bellinzona Bellinzona Is Probably Switzerland's Most Italianate Town

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Bellinzona Bellinzona is probably Switzerland's most Italianate town. The skyline of the capital of Ticino is defined by the powerful fortifications, comprising three of the best-preserved medieval castles in Switzerland, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico – Piazza Nosetto 6501 Bellinzona T +41 (0)91 825 21 31 F +41 (0)91 821 41 20 [email protected] http://www.bellinzonaturismo.ch

200 m 1000 ft

Bellinzona (German: Bellenz) is strategically positioned where the valley narrows on the way to the Alpine passes of St. Gotthard, San Bernardino and Lucomagno (Lukmanier). The town acts as a gateway to Italy for those travelling from the North, and the keyhole to the Alps for those coming from the South.

The picturesque corners and squares, the courtyards and the neo-Classical, Italian-style theatre, and the sympathetically restored old houses tell visitors the history of what is culturally a Lombardy town. In its alleyways are richly decorated patrician houses and beautiful churches. Yet behind the austere charm of the medieval town is all the dynamic life of a modern meeting-place. Numerous boutiques, cafés and specialist shops offering culinary delicacies invite you to linger and window- shop. Each Saturday there is a big weekly market on the Piazza Nosetto.

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 1/12 General Info The fortifications of Bellinzona are among the most important examples of medieval defensive Canton: Ticino architecture in the Alps, and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year Postcode/ZIP: 6500 - 6501 2000. From the Castelgrande, Bellinzona's oldest and mightiest castle, there is a beautiful view over Altitude: 243 m the Old Town and the surrounding area. A little museum in the Castelgrande documents the history Population: 18,000 of Bellinzona's castles and town centre. There are also museums in the other two castles. Language: Italienisch It was the Romans who realised the strategic importance of the site, and first built a castle here, in Important holidays 2012 in Bellinzona the first century A.D. In the Middle Ages this was extended to form a long, impregnable fortress. 01. Jan 2012 Su New Years Day Because of its location, Bellinzona was always a bone of contention between the Dukes of Milan and 06. Jan 2012 Fr Epiphany the Swiss. It was only in 1516 that the town first became part of the Swiss Federation. 22. Feb 2012 We Ash Wednesday 08. Apr 2012 Su Easter Bellinzona is ideally located for excursions to the nearby holiday resorts of Locarno and Ascona, over 09. Apr 2012 Mo Easter Monday Monte Ceneri to the southern Tessin with its main town, Lugano, up the romantic side valleys of the 17. May 2012 Th Ascension Day Tessin or northwards into the Leventina, with the Bedretto valley, or into the sunny Blenio valley. 27. May 2012 Su Whitsun 01. Aug 2012 We Swiss National Holiday Highlights 15. Aug 2012 We Assumption Day 01. Nov 2012 Th All Saints´ Day ● Three castles – the medieval fortifications, with the castles of Castelgrande, Castello di 25. Dec 2012 Tu Christmas Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 26. Dec 2012 We St. Stephen´s Day ● Villa dei Cedri – municipal art gallery with Swiss and Italian paintings from late 19th and early 20th century, as well as contemporary art. There is a particular focus on artists from the local Opening hours area. Shops/shopping ● Old Town – in the area around the Piazza Nosetto, Via del Teatro and Piazza del Governo, the Monday - Friday: 9 am - 6.30 pm Old Town boasts a wealth of beautiful merchants' houses, stone gateways, balconies with Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm wrought iron railings and inn signs from a bygone era. Late night shopping: Thursday, 9 am - 8 pm ● Teatro Sociale – inspired by La Scala in Milan, the building is in the typically Italian Classical Banks and currency exchange style, and is the only theatre in Switzerland to have been preserved from the 19th century. Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4.30 pm ● Modern architecture in Bellinzona – in the Castelgrande , the architect Aurelio Galfetti has Saturday: closed cleverly integrated a boldly designed restaurant, while the Convento delle Agostiniane on the Monte Carasso has been converted into a modern training centre by the architect Luigi Snozzi. Public authorities and offices Monday - Friday: 8.30 am - 12 noon / 1.30 pm - 5.30 pm Top Events Saturday: closed ● Carnevale Rabadan Bellinzona – highly traditional carnival, with a big masked procession, street Important phone numbers performers and masked balls (February).

Emergency calls: ● Open-air cinema in the Castelgrande – at the castle, in a romantic setting under the stars (Juni). 117 Police ● Piazza Blues Festival – for a few days, Bellinzona becomes the blues Mecca of Switzerland, 118 Fire with international stars (June). 144 Ambulance 1414 Swiss heli rescue ● Bacchica Bellinzonese – traditional wine-growers' festival with a procession in national dress, wine-tasting, theatre and lots of music (September).

General information: ● Cheese market – autumn festival with fresh produce, cheese and wine produced by Ticino 1811 General information such as eg farmers (October). doctors, theater, etc. ● Castellinaria Youth Film Festival – the spotlight is on children and young people in the films 140 Breakdown Service shown here (November). 162 Weather Information 163 Road conditions ● Christmas market - in the Old Town of Bellinzona (December). 187 Avalanche Bulletin

A perfect day in Bellinzona. Bellinzona’s mighty fortifications were built in the late Middle Ages to seal off the valley. Today the “Tre Castelli” are the symbol of Ticino’s capital, and form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest of the three castles, Castelgrande, was restored in 1991 and is easy to reach from the Old Town by lift. Montebello and Sasso Corbaro house museums that relate the town’s rich history.

A place to lift the 09:00 You do not to need to be a believer in order to be inspired: the soul church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in Ticino. Built at the end of the 15th century, it originally formed part of a Franciscan monastery, and is notable for its architectural harmony, precious frescoes and fine paintings.

Record tunnel 11:00 With 151.8 kilometres of tunnels, shafts and galleries, the Gotthard Base Tunnel is unrivalled. Where world records are broken, exciting stories are told: hear them at the AlpTransit info centre in Pollegio near Bellinzona, with its multimedia displays and construction site tours for groups.

Castle restaurant 12:00 Eat in a castle that is UNESCO World Heritage: the Osteria Sasso Corbaro proves that such an experience need not be expensive. A popular venue for families, this restaurant excels at traditional Ticino specialities prepared with market-fresh ingredients. Word has got around about the quality – so do book in advance (+41 (0)91 825 55 32).

World Cultural 13:30 Bearing the proud names of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Heritage Corbaro, the spectacular castles of Bellinzona can be seen from miles away. In 2000 UNESCO added them to its list of World Cultural Heritage Sites. You can explore the impressive fortifications on foot – from the defensive walls to the top of the towers.

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 3/12 The epicentre 17:30 The Viale is like a beacon in the city, a popular rendezvous where people of all ages meet – whether in the morning for coffee, at midday for a snack, or at any time for a chat. In the evening, this is one of the liveliest spots in town – in summer, thanks to its large terrace and the comfortable armchairs and sofas.

Gourmet heaven 19:00 The Locanda Orico is a small restaurant offering great cuisine – and with its Michelin star, it is the pride of the city. Lorenzo Albrici delights guests with his masterful fusion of Italian and French classical cooking. Soft décor, subdued lighting, and unobtrusive service all make the Locanda Orico feel like a little corner of gourmet heaven.

A gem 21:00 The cultural and intellectual heart of the city is the Teatro Sociale. This is Switzerland’s only surviving 19th-century theatre; with its cubic form, it belongs very much to the tradition of the classical Italian theatre, both in its interior and exterior. Alongside plays, the theatre stages ballet, concerts and readings.

Hotel 24:00 Housed in a historic building from the turn of the 19th century, this Internazionale 60-room hotel combines period charm with modern amenities. It also offers a convenient location beside the station – with views of the castles and into the valleys.

Castellinaria - 17 International youth movie festival. The event focusees on cinematographic proposals which look at the major changes of Youth movie NOV festival today's youth, without loosing itself in a purely glamourous and attractive world. Information and time schedule: www.castellinaria.ch. Beginning in 1988, The International Youth Film Festival in Bellinzona now brilliantly exceeds its twentieth anniversary, having firmly established itself as an annual date on the cinema calendar. The event focuses on a wide range of themes, attentive to the transformations of the world of youngsters, favoring neither easy, insubstantial or glamorous productions. The rich Castellinaria programme features both competitive and non competitive sections, open to school pupils and the public. In addition, the Festival offers retrospectives and

Castles of In earlier times, the medieval castles of Castelgrande, Castello Bellinzona Montebello and Castello Sasso Corbaro protected the city they now adorn. Only remnants now remain of the fortress walls that once surrounded Bellinzona. Bellinzona was a very important line of defence for the ancient Romans, and the first written reference dates back to 590.

Castelgrande, also known as Castello di San Michele or Burg Uri, is the oldest of these 13th century castles. Two towers, Torre Nera (28 metres) and Torre Bianca (27 metres) dominate Bellinzona's Old Town. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Art are located in the Castelgrande.

Castello Montebello, also known as Schwyz or San Martino, and the castle with the highest elevation, Corbaro Sasso – once known as Unterwalden or Santa Barbara, are among the best preserved medieval castles in Switzerland and are Unesco World Cultural Heritage sites.

Bellinzona Turismo · Palazzo Civico – Piazza Nosetto · 6501 Bellinzona · T +41 (0)91 825 21 31 · F +41 (0)91 821 41 20 · [email protected] · www.bellinzonaturismo.ch / www.welterbe.ch/en/sites.html

Municipal Bath The importance of the Municipal Bath on the bank of the Ticino River, complemented by a tennis court, a cover swimming pool and a covered artificial ice skating rink, is not only attributable to the Bath's idyllic location. Through the long-drawn 6-meter high pedestrian passerelle, connected to the city, the Municipal Bath reflects the motif of the medieval barrages.

Centro Sportivo Bellinzona Via Brunari 6501 Bellinzona

Bellinzona Post It was built in 1985 by the architects Aurelio Galfetti, Angelo Office Bianchi and Renzo Molina. The large postal building is a tri-partite "H" construction. The long and elegant facade along the Viale della Stazione, and the logistic center part with the high and airy hall of the post office counters are impressive.

Post Gebäude Bellinzona Viale Stazione 18 6500 Bellinzona

Business Center Designed by the architect Mario Botta, the large, round red brick Bellinzona building was created by this star architect for Swisscom in 1997. Today it accommodates a business center with conference and seminar rooms, and a part of it is the seat of the new National Criminal Court

Business Center Via die Gaggini 6500 Bellinzona

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 6/12 Archivio e Built in 1997 by the architect Luca Ortelli. The new public building Biblioteca is basically a cultural center with a library and archives. In Cantonale addition, various cultural offices are accommodated in this building.

Archivio e Biblioteca Cantonale Viale Stefano Franscini 6500 Bellizona

Teatro Sociale . The theater built 150 years ago in the style of Milan's La Scala, is Bellinzona Switzerland's most beautiful example of neo-Classical theater architecture. Since its renovation by the architects Giancarlo and Pia Durisch and under the artistic direction of Renato Reichlin, the Teatro Sociale has been a very lively center of international theater and music life since 1997.

Teatro Sociale Bellinzona Piazza Teatro 6500 Belinzona

Bars

Bar Popular meeting point during the Aperitif hour at the foot of Settecentesimo Castelgrande with a terrace and fountains, designed by Aurelio Galfetti. Classical bar with Italian flair. The locale at the foot of Castelgrande was designed with expertise and a sure hand for perfection. It is Bellinzona's best address for a drink or a good glass of wine. It is also a breakfast café, bistro and Apéritif bar.

Bar Settecentesimo Piazzetta Mario Della Valle 6500 Bellinzona +41 (0)91 826 48 30

Disco Club Traditional DiscoClub. Here evem the middle aged feel at home Habana (or away from home). In the south of Bellinzona.

Disco Club Ramarro Via Franco Zorzi 19 6500 Bellinzona-Semine Reservation: Tel. +41 (0)79 789 63 15

Bar Viale Located in the modern post office building, designed in 1985 by star-architect Aurelio Galfetti. Café in the morning, snacks in the afternoon, and aperitif bar in the evenings.

Bar Viale · Viale Stazione · 6500 Bellinzona · T +41 (0)91 825 73 03 · [email protected] · www.viale.ch

Park/Garden: The Park around Villa dei Cedri, today the Municipal Museum for Parco di Villa dei Modern and Contemporary Art, is a living example of an English- Cedri style park of the 19th century. A vineyard adjoins the park. Next to the library of the museum there is a small playground.

Museo Villa dei Cedri Parco di Villa dei Cedri 6500 Bellinzona-Ravecchia

Parco della The long drawn Park della Golena begins at the relic of a Golena medieval bridge at the end of Via Stefano Franscini and extends along the Ticino River. This is a landscape that is wonderful for hiking from the Magadino Plain up to the confluence of the Moesa River. Benches and picnic spots beckon the hiker to tarry awhile.

Parco della Golena Argine del Fiume Ticino Ponte della Torretta 6500 Bellinzona

City Tours

Guided City Tours Guided tours of the 3 castles, 3 museums and 3 towers. For Bellinzona programme and registration form visit http://www.bellinzonaturismo.ch/.

Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31 [email protected]

City tour: An architectural city walk with highlights showcasing the Bellinzona: a development of Bellinzona's modern architecture. hidden city

Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31 [email protected]

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 8/12 City tour: Stones Retracing the footsteps of the Middle Ages in Bellinzona. A and colors of walking tour under historical aspects. Medieval Bellinzona

Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31 [email protected]

Audio guide The “Bellinzona Artkey” audioguide transforms a walk round the Bellinzona town into a trip back in time. The Castles of Bellinzona - once a fortified barrier at the gateway to the Alps, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The long history of Bellinzona lives on in its monuments and other important vestiges of its fascinating past. Traces of its cultural heritage are not only documented in the museums of the three castles or at the Villa dei Cedri civic museum, but can be seen all over the area. The new audioguide “Bellinzona Artkey,” takes you on a tour of the town in 22 stages accompanied by the voices of our guides. The audioguide can be hired for CHF 7.- at the three castles or at the information centre of Bellinzona Turismo situated in the courtyard of the Town Hall. (http://www.bellinzonaunesco.ch/)

Bellinzona Turismo Palazzo Civico 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 21 31 [email protected]

Places To Be

Bar Favorite meeting point during the Aperitif hour at the foot of Settecentesimo Castelgrande with a terrace and fountain, designed by Aurelio Galfetti. Classical bar with Italian Flair.

Bar Settecentesimo Piazzetta Mario della Valle 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 826 48 30

Bar Commercianti Traditional meeting point of business people, politicians and craftsmen in the romantic lane Old Town.

Bar Commercianti Via Teatro 5 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 51 98

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 9/12 Minigolf al Municipal leisure park with minigolf course, children's playground, Grottino Ticinese Boccia course and granite tables under linden trees.

Minigolf al Grottino Ticinese Via Lavizzari 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 795 12 89

Bar Galleria A gathering point of the city's youth in the center of the city in a small version of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Here a church stood at one time, subsequently is was the provisional first venue of the Cantonal Parliament.

Bar Galleria SnackBar Galleria dei Benedettini 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 37 12

Restaurants

Locanda Orico A delicious blend of Italian and French flavors. The menu is changed monthly.

How to get there: The restaurant is in the center of the city, in the direction of Piazza Governo.

Locanda Orico Via Orico 13 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 825 15 18

Grottino Ticinese Is there anything more comforting than an appetizing platter of freshly cut salami, prosciutto or lardo, soft cheese from the Valle di Muggio, or hard cheese from the upper Ticinese Alps? The large stone tables under centuries-old linden trees are inviting and conducive to animated conversations. Grottino Ticinese is a garden pub, which was established on the occasion of the National Marksmen's Festival of 1929. Swissness!

Grottino Ticinese Via Lavizzari 1 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 826 39 64

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 10/12 Trattoria Malakoff Located in a scenic spot in the Ravecchia section near Villa die Cedri. Select Mediterranean and pre-Alpine cuisine with a broad range of definitely home-made pasta. A large selection of Ticinese Alpine cheese! Reservations are recommended.

Trattoria Malakoff Via Bacilieri 10 6500 Bellinzona-Ravecchia Tel. +41 (0)91 825 49 40 [email protected]

Osteria An historic railway pub (behind the train station) has evolved into an intimate and well-maintained Pedemonte Trattoria: Stylishly designed, with a very personal touch. The courses on the menu are prepared after the chef has spoken with you about them!

Osteria Pedemonte Via Pedemonte 12 6500 Bellinzona-Daro Tel. +41 (0)91 825 33 33

Restaurant A gourmet temple in a unique architectural monument. It features Castelgrande a fine restaurant, a banquet room, a garden cafe, a panorama terrace and a grotto. A meeting point for lovers of regional and mediterranean cuisine. If desired, gastronomical evenings can be organised. Large assortment of Italian wines and spirits.

Im Schloss Castelgrande Collina di San Michele 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 826 23 53

Osteria Sasso The newly organised Osteria features a garden terrace and has Corbaro been expanded by a new intimite hall (Sala del Cavaliere). The restaurant offers a wide range of culinary delights: Grandmother's cooking, grill specialties, fish, game, risotto, vegetables, all complemented by the appropriate wine. A congenial meeting place for friends and family in unique and historic ambience.

Osteria Sasso Corbaro Castello di Sasso Corbaro 6500 Bellinzona-Artore Tel. +41 (0)91 825 55 32 [email protected]

Shopping

Gastronomo della Delicatessen and homemade pasta. Large variety of Ravioli and Piazzetta other flour-based products, fish, cheese specialties from the Ticinese Alps, wine and fine olive oils. Catering service.

Gastronomo della Piazzetta Piazzetta Resinelli 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 826 13 60

© MySwitzerland.com - Schweiz Tourismus - Page 11/12 ResiGourmet A large variety of delicatessen, especially Italian and regional meat products (Cured Ham, Salami, Salametti, etc.), rich assortment of cheeses, bakery goods, and patisserie from the Gazzaniga bakery, produce and fruit, in a market atmosphere.

ResiGourmet Viale Stazione 23 6500 Bellinzona Tel. +41 (0)91 826 13 60

Monn Classical textile enterprise with a large selection of famous labels: Burberry, Barbour, Schneiders, Canali, Corneliani, Jeckerson, among others. Star architect Mario Campi's little gem is located in a Lombardian Palazzo.

Monn Piazza Collegiata 6500 Bellinzona

Bias Christina and Michele Biaggi are among the trendsetters of Ticinese fashion designers. In their BIAS Pelletterie they produce exquisite leather goods, which reflect Italian design and professionalism.

Bias Pelletterie Via Teatro 6500 Bellinzona

Saturday Market Each Saturday people meet on the colorful weekly market, which Bellinzona extends from the Piazza Nosetto to the lanes of the Old Town. The "mercato del sabato" offers, besides market booths with clothes, also souvenirs, antiques and bric-a-brac.

Altstadt Jeden Samstagmorgen 08.00 - 13.00

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