Audio Guide of Bellinzona Town Hall

Bellinzona Town Hall is open year-round from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed to the public on Sundays, except during special events. We recommend checking updates on the official website before your visit.

No, access to Bellinzona Town Hall is completely free. However, if you wish to visit other parts of the Bellinzona Castles (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), admission fees do apply. More details are available on the tourism website.

An indoor visit usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. If you combine the town hall with the historic center and the Courtyard of Coats of Arms, allow about 1 hour. It is ideal to include in an itinerary covering Bellinzona’s three castles.

Built in 1292, it served as the seat of the medieval government and as a symbol of civil power. Its façade with Renaissance frescoes and the Great Hall with wooden ceilings are gems that show the transition from Gothic to Renaissance in the region.

Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding crowds. Tuesday and Thursday mornings are usually the quietest times. July and August bring more tourists, but Bellinzona offers medieval markets that enrich the experience.

Yes, it has access ramps and an elevator for most areas. The Great Hall has adapted access. For specific needs, contact +41 91 825 21 31 before your visit.

A 5-minute walk away are Castelgrande Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Collegiata Square. The Villa dei Cedri Museum is a 10-minute walk away. The Bellinzona Express tourist train connects all the key sites.

Visit the tourist office opposite the town hall first for free maps. On Wednesdays there are free guided tours at 3:00 p.m. Do not miss the frescoes in the Council Chamber, and ask about the Ticino wine tastings that are sometimes organized.