Castelgrande (Castle) (Bellinzona)

The settlement of this strategically important rocky ridge dates back to the 4th millennium BC. Around 16/15 BC, the Romans built a fort to secure their conquests. After its abandonment in the 1st century AD, an extensive defensive complex was erected in the mid-4th century. In the early Middle Ages, the Roman fort continued to serve as a military base and a refuge for the local population. Around 800, a large fire destroyed the southern part of the complex, which was expanded into a citadel during the Carolingian rule. In the 11th and 12th centuries, representative buildings were constructed by the nobility of Como, and the redoubt served as the bishop's residence. After changing owners, Bellinzona fell to the Visconti of Milan in 1340, who significantly expanded Castelgrande in the second half of the 15th century to defend against attacks from the Swiss Confederates, giving it its current appearance. In 1500, Bellinzona submitted to the Confederates, and in 1506, the canton of Uri received Castelgrande. After 1803, the castle passed into the possession of the newly founded Canton of Ticino and served as an armory from 1813 and later as a prison. A comprehensive restoration took place between 1982 and 2000.

Castelgrande Castle is located in Bellinzona, in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, on a rocky ridge at approximately 276 m above sea level.

Today, Castelgrande can be visited. Inside, there is a restaurant. The White Tower is accessible as an observation tower, and the south wing houses a museum with an archaeological collection and art historical exhibitions.

• Castello di Montebello (Bellinzona) (castle), approx. 0.4 km away
• Castello di Sasso Corbaro (Bellinzona) (castle), approx. 0.8 km away
• Castello dei Magoria (castle), approx. 7.4 km away
• Ruine San Vittore (castle), approx. 8.2 km away