Owing to its unique geographical position in Switzerland’s sunny Ticino, Bellinzona was once seen from the south as the gateway to the Alps and from the north as the gateway to Italy. This part of Ticino certainly once played a vital role as an intersection at the heart of Europe for travellers, merchants and soldiers crossing the Alps over the St. Gotthard Pass. The town nestles within the remains of the original defensive walls, overlooked by three mighty castles. Today, the fortifications once used keep out invaders from north of the Alps are included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Bellinzona is located in the heart of Italian-speaking Canton Ticino and is its capital. The Italian character of the local inhabitants is borne out by their friendliness, hospitality and relaxed way of life. The setting amid mountains and valleys gives the opportunity to relax in picture-postcard surroundings with majestic snow-capped peaks and the eternal snows of the north. Bellinzona also has plenty of leisure-time entertainment and culture. Cinemas, theatres, exhibitions and art galleries or for those seeking outdoor activity, hiking paths climbing up and down thickly forested mountain slopes. For more laid-back leisure, simply soak up the sun in a beautiful courtyard or pavement café, next to a crystal clear Alpine lake or a river winding its way along the valley floor.