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| The Region
of Bellinzona and Upper Ticino |
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| Bellinzona and environs |
Bellinzona, in addition to being the political
seat of the Ticino canton, is also knows as the "Turrita",
the town of towers, walls and castles. It boasts some
of the very best examples of medieval military architecture
in the Alpine region and in 2000 UNESCO declared its castles
a world heritage site. The castles dominate the town,
whose old centre is worth exploring for its fine town
hall and theatre (“teatro sociale”), as well
as ancient buildings and precious facades.
As well as the ruins of ancient military power, a number
of sites are of considerable architectural value: the
lavish Collegiata church with its impressive facade, housing
precious works of art, the church of San Biagio in Ravecchia,
the church of St. Paul (known as the Red Church) in Arbedo
and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Besides the museums in each of the three castles, cultural
attractions include the Museum of Villa dei Cedri, housed
in a breathtaking neoclassical villa, and an art gallery,
both of which specialize in contemporary art.
On Saturday mornings the heart of the capital comes to
life with a picturesque market complete with brightly
coloured stalls and a lively atmosphere. This popular
event is firmly rooted in Ticinese tradition.
Rabadan, on the other hand, provides endless amusement:
this Roman carnival extravaganza, which dates back over
a hundred years, sets the town alight for a whole week
every winter.
Bellinzona and environs Tourism
Palazzo Civico
CH-6500 Bellinzona
Tel. 0041 (0) 91 825 21 31
Fax 0041 (0) 91 825 41 20
www.bellinzonaturismo.ch
info@bellinzonaturismo.ch |
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