Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro: the three castles of Bellinzona with their towers and what remains of the ancient walls are a unique complex of medieval military architecture in the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built at the behest of the Dukes of Milan, around the 15th century, to prevent the Swiss Confederates from advancing southwards. Bellinzona was in fact in a strategic position at the crossroads of the Alpine routes between north and south.

Walk around the crenelated walls and, passing through little doors carved into the walls, visit the secret rooms and imagine what life must have been like in those days.

As well as by foot, the castles can be reached by a convenient little tourist train from Piazza Collegiata.