Ticino: Castelgrande
Bellinzona is known for it’s castles, three to be precise, known locally as tre Castelli.
The three were granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, which presumably means they are at least the 851st most interesting historical place in the world.
And historical it certainly is. There’s been a fortress there for over 1000 years, and has been inhabitaed for at least twice that.
The castle was an important fortification, blocking the Ticino valley, a vital part of the two main North/South Alp crossing routes. This is portrayed as the crossover between the Latin and the Teutonic cultures and must have seen some interesting conflicts.
It then became a ducal palace during the renaissance
The castle now features an impressive restaurant, either for romantic dinners a due, or large culinary feasts, such as weddings.
There’s a beautiful terrace, and the castle presents an ideal opportunity to break a journey either before or after tackling the San Bernardino or San Gottardo routes.
www.castelgrande.ch
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