In and around Switzerland: Bellinzona is beautiful

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The Romans were already aware that Bellinzona’s location on a north-south axis, in a valley with access to several Alpine passes, was highly strategic. They were the ones who built the castle here in the first century. In the Middle Ages this was further expanded due to constant conflicts with the Dukes of Milan. This resulted in a powerful fortification that is still very well preserved today and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Shaping the cityscape of Bellinzona, this castle complex includes Castel Grande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro, Bellinzona’s oldest and strongest castle.

Visitors can be part of this traditional Ticino event when the historic center of Bellinzona fills with market stalls every Saturday. Bellinzona market is an important meeting point of the local people and you can feel how the hearts of Bellinzona and its inhabitants beat a little faster on market day. The market is a reflection of what Ticino’s rich nature has to offer. Seasonal fruits and vegetables specific to the region, delicatessen products prepared according to old recipes, and fresh baked goods are offered. Including homemade Ticino bread, which you can enjoy with a piece of mountain cheese and a glass of fine red wine.

In Cadenazzo, in the middle of the Magadino plain, not far from Bellinzona, is the organic farm of the Feitknecht family. A few years ago, the first Ticino malt house was built within the farm complex; the idea of ​​two childhood friends Manuel Bolliger and Adrian Feitknecht (beer). Secondly, Manuel Bolliger, a qualified beer sommelier, has a lot of expert knowledge about beer, while running his family’s organic farm and providing the perfect raw material with the organic malting barley he grows. On the one hand, Masseria Ramello produces 100% organic malt for the production of high-quality beer. Malthouse offers tours, courses, tastings and beer menus. Various venues, including the gardens, can also be booked for festive events.

If you spend time in and around Bellinzona, you should definitely visit the historical town of Curzútt. At 612 meters above sea level, you will find a soul-touching, slow-down point of land. While Curzútt was gradually abandoned by its former inhabitants, the Curzútt–San Barnárd Foundation took over the village and revitalized it. Today, a youth hostel in Curzútt welcomes guests for overnight stays and meals. A visit to the nearby Tibetan hanging bridge is a must when you arrive in Curzútt. Thanks to him, the regions of Monte Carasso and Sementina were able to unite. There are also no obstacles to circular walks in Ticino’s beautiful cultural landscape.

Visiting this villa is a special experience. Once privately owned, the building now houses an art museum with priceless works. They are shown to visitors in two to three exhibitions a year, along with other art projects. In addition to the museum, the century-old park where the villa is located is also a center of attraction in itself. Here, ancient cedar trees line the street leading to the main building. There is also an Italian-style flower garden and a vineyard where Merlot is still produced today. And all this in the middle of Bellinzona. Once built as a suburban villa, the park and museum have now become part of the city and merged with the rest of Bellinzona.

The wild plateau, largely located in Graubunden, is also an attractive excursion destination from Bellinzona. After a nice one-hour journey by S-Bahn and bus, you reach Campo Blenio. Known as a family-friendly ski area in winter, the Greina Trail starts here in summer. A challenging circular walk of almost seven hours leads to Capanna Scaletta via the Greina Pass; here it is worth taking a detour to the Greina Arch, a majestic rock formation. The highest point of the walk was reached here. On the descent, another highlight awaits you, offering views of the Lago di Luzzone reservoir from the Motterascio hut. Buses run from the reservoir back to Campo Blenio throughout the summer.

Enjoying food should not be neglected when visiting Bellinzona. The choice of typical osterias, cozy caves and gourmet restaurants is truly huge. Traditionally, polenta, local sausages and Merlot are on the menu. When the weather is nice, it’s worth booking a table on the terrace of the Grotto San Michele, right next to Castel Grande. The views of the city of Bellinzona, the surrounding vineyards and the mystical castle walls are magnificent. If you’re not afraid of a 30-minute drive, you’ll find a gem at Grotto Pescatori in Giornico. Located right on the banks of the Ticino River, you can spend relaxing moments with your loved ones here with a small menu featuring products from local producers.

Source : Blick