Castelgrande

Castelgrande is a medieval fortress perched on a hill above Bellinzona in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It is part of the trio of castles that defend the valley and control the Alpine route between northern and southern Europe, the other two being Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. In 2000, Bellinzona and its fortifications, including Castelgrande, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fortress originated in the 13th century, with later expansions shaping its current silhouette. It consists of a cliff-top enceinte surrounding a central keep, with battlements, towers, a gatehouse, and multiple courtyards. The castle was a strategic stronghold of the rulers in the region, passing under the dominion of the Duchy of Milan and later coming under the Swiss Confederacy after its conquest of Bellinzona in 1500. Following incorporation into Swiss fortifications, Castelgrande was progressively updated with artillery-oriented works in the 16th–17th centuries and integrated into a broader system to defend the valley.

Today Castelgrande is a preserved cultural site and public museum. Parts of the fortress and its towers are accessible to visitors, and the site hosts exhibitions, guided tours, and events that illuminate its history and the broader fortifications of Bellinzona. It is maintained by regional authorities and supported by conservation organizations.