Audio Guide of Castelgrande Castle

The castle is open year-round with seasonal hours: from March to November, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and in winter, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. It is easy to reach on foot from the center of Bellinzona in about 10 minutes, or by using the free elevator from Piazza del Sole. Check updated hours on the official website.

Access to the castle grounds is free, but some temporary exhibitions have an admission fee of around 15 CHF. Museum admission costs 10 CHF for adults, with discounts for students and groups. More details are available on the official website.

We recommend setting aside between 1.5 and 2 hours to explore the castle, its walls, the towers (White Tower and Black Tower), and the archaeological museum. If you also visit the temporary exhibitions, add another 30 to 45 minutes.

Castelgrande is the oldest of Bellinzona’s three castles, dating back to the 4th century, and they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. It played a key strategic role in defending the Saint Gotthard Pass and shows both Roman and medieval influences. Its current design is the work of architect Aurelio Galfetti.

Spring and autumn are ideal thanks to the mild weather and scenic colors. Summer brings more tourists, but if you go on a weekday rather than a weekend, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will avoid the crowds.

Yes. The elevator from Piazza del Sole provides direct access to the terraces and restaurant. The main walls and museum are accessible, although some towers and historic areas have stairs. Check details with the Tourist Office (+41 91 825 21 31).

You can visit the other two UNESCO castles: Montebello, a 15-minute walk away, and Sasso Corbaro, 20 minutes by bus. Bellinzona’s historic center, with the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Stephen and Piazza Nosetto, is also not to be missed. More options are available at Ticino Tourism.

1) Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the walls. 2) Go at sunset for spectacular views. 3) Visit the museum first to understand the history. 4) Try the risotto at the castle restaurant. Don’t forget your camera!