The best traffic-free bike rides around Bellinzona

In Bellinzona's Old Town From the train station, the bus takes us to the stop at the end of Via Lugano. To the east is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the other side of the railway line, we pass the Villa dei Cedri, nestled in a magnificent park and home to the municipal art collection. We head north along Via Pedotti to Piazza San Biagio, where the 13th-century church of the same name can be admired. The church, one of the most interesting in the region, has been restored and stripped of its Baroque additions. The remarkable frescoes date from the late Middle Ages. We return and follow Via Lugano north to Piazza Indipendenza, where we find the Church of San Rocco, a building dating back to 1330 and enlarged in 1478. This is where the actual old town begins. The town hall, with its elegant courtyard, was completely rebuilt in 1924, using materials from the previous 15th-century building. At Piazza Nosetto, with its beautiful porticoes, we turn left onto Via Teatro, passing the restored theater building from the previous century and reaching the government building. The oldest part consists of the former Ursuline convent, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in the previous century. Returning to Piazza Nosetto, we approach Piazza Collegiata, passing the Casa Rossa, a brick-clad building inspired by the Lombard style of the 15th century. The massive church of SS. Pietro e Stefano reflects the Renaissance style with Baroque elements. A lively market is held every Saturday in Piazza Collegiata. On Viale Stazione, we find ourselves in the city's commercial district. The post office building is noteworthy, a prime example of contemporary Ticino architecture. Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona https://www.ticino.ch/de/commons/details/In-Bellinzonas-Altstadt/3156.html

The Fortress of Bellinzona and its Castles Once upon a time, there were knights and drawbridges. Where? In Bellinzona, of course! Take a journey back in time and visit the castles, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. Arm yourself with a camera and discover Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. Tin-reinforced walls, towers, and enormous gates: you'll be catapulted straight into the Middle Ages! Dream of the knights' heroic deeds and immerse yourself in life back then. The Fortress of Bellinzona offers visitors a hands-on experience of medieval history. You can purchase the Fortress Pass online, at the InfoPoint in Bellinzona, or at the ticket offices of the three castles. It allows you to visit the fortress and its walls, the Castel Grande Museum, the Archeologia Montebello exhibition trail, and the temporary exhibitions. Are you primarily interested in visiting the exhibitions? Then buy the new Expo Pass: a combined ticket that grants access to the temporary exhibitions at Castel Grande, Sasso Corbaro, and the Museo Villa dei Cedri! Text / Source: Bellinzona e Valli Tourism https://www.bellinzonaevalli.ch/de/discover/castles.html

In Bellinzona's Old Town From the train station, the bus takes us to the stop at the end of Via Lugano. To the east is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the other side of the railway line, we pass the Villa dei Cedri, nestled in a magnificent park and home to the municipal art collection. We head north along Via Pedotti to Piazza San Biagio, where the 13th-century church of the same name can be admired. The church, one of the most interesting in the region, has been restored and stripped of its Baroque additions. The remarkable frescoes date from the late Middle Ages. We return and follow Via Lugano north to Piazza Indipendenza, where we find the Church of San Rocco, a building dating back to 1330 and enlarged in 1478. This is where the actual old town begins. The town hall, with its elegant courtyard, was completely rebuilt in 1924, using materials from the previous 15th-century building. At Piazza Nosetto, with its beautiful porticoes, we turn left onto Via Teatro, passing the restored theater building from the previous century and reaching the government building. The oldest part consists of the former Ursuline convent, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in the previous century. Returning to Piazza Nosetto, we approach Piazza Collegiata, passing the Casa Rossa, a brick-clad building inspired by the Lombard style of the 15th century. The massive church of SS. Pietro e Stefano reflects the Renaissance style with Baroque elements. A lively market is held every Saturday in Piazza Collegiata. On Viale Stazione, we find ourselves in the city's commercial district. The post office building is noteworthy, a prime example of contemporary Ticino architecture. Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona https://www.ticino.ch/de/commons/details/In-Bellinzonas-Altstadt/3156.html

Bellinzona Old Town With elegant churches, magnificent parks, and squares, Bellinzona's old town offers a fascinating insight into the region's history and culture. The remarkable post office building also reflects contemporary Ticino architecture. Bellinzona undoubtedly deserves its reputation as the most authentic old town in Ticino. The popular "Viale Stazione" street, which leads directly from the train station and into the old town, makes access particularly easy and convenient. An absolute highlight that shouldn't be missed is the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It impresses with its elegance and houses a stunning Renaissance fresco that transports visitors back to a bygone era. Bellinzona's old town also offers a variety of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and the Ticino ambiance. The picturesque alleyways invite you to stroll and continually offer new discoveries. Not to be forgotten are the well-preserved city walls and castles that surround the old town, offering an interesting insight into medieval defensive architecture. Text / Source: Bellinzona e Valli Turismo, Piazza Collegiata 12, Bellinzona https://www.myswitzerland.com/de/erlebnisse/old-town-of-bellinzona/

Fine gelato over Gass.

Bridge with rest area for a short break.

We visited the farm on our tour from Bellinzona to Valtellina. The fresh milk, homemade cheese and salami were delicious!

The church of St. Bagio is one of the oldest churches in Bellinzona and was first mentioned in documents in the 12th century. The large fresco of St. Christopher on the front facade is what makes the church stand out from the outside, but the interior is also worth seeing. You can visit it daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.