Castelgrande Castle - Montebello Castle - Sasso Corbaro Castle - Giornico

Route: Lugano - Castelgrande Castle - Montebello Castle - Sasso Corbaro Castle - Giornico - Lugano
Duration: 7 h
Firstly we will visit to the castles of Bellinzona are one of Ticino's main attractions and, with the old walls that are still standing, are the sole medieval military complex in the Alpine region. They became part of the UNESCO World Heritage . Bellinzona's strategic position at the crossroads of the alpine routes connecting the North to the South (Gotthard, Lukmanier, San Bernardino, Nufenen) is the reason why around the year 400 an important defensive project with three castles, towers and city walls was built. The Dukes of Milan were the ones to block the valley of the River Ticino. It was meant to impede the Swiss Confederates from gaining ground in the South. This passage, at the valley's narrowing point, is the only access to the North. To access the first castle, Castelgrande, you may take the elevator from the Piazza del Sole or on foot by going up the alleys that begin in the city's historic centre in the vicinity of the Collegiata. The site on which Castelgrande stands was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period (5500-5000 B.C.) and date back to Roman times. Castelgrande  is equipped with two high towers and crenulated walls that are partially accessible on foot. It houses a museum illustrating the history of the city as well as permanent exhibits, and a good restaurant managed by the Canton Ticino Tourism School. From Castelgrande you can reach the castle of Montebello, located on the opposite hill, by descending the stairway leading to Piazza Collegiata and ascending the alley adjacent the namesake church. The castle come to life during the event La Spada nelle Rocca which takes place in the Spring and during which ladies, horsemen, archers and musicians dressed in wonderful costumes can be spotted along the walls. The defensive walls of the old town originate here and join up with those from San Michele hill. The internal nucleus of the castle dates back to the 13th/14th century and has been restored several times. Most probably, it was built by the Rusconi family of Como who kept it for a long period of time, even during the rule of the Viscontis. The external courtyards with the towers and the "Rivellino" were built by Sforza-engineers in the second half of the 15th century During Swiss occupation, the castle was called Castello di Svitto but it was renamed Castello di San Martino when Ticino became an independent canton. The third castle, Sasso Corbaro, dominates the city from above enjoying a spectacular view. It can be reached both from Montebello by following the stretches of trails through the vineyards and the stretches of road. The Sforzas built the third castle, called Sasso Corbaro after the hill on which it stands, in 1479 after the defeat of the Milanese troops at the Battle of Giornico. It was designed and completed in the incredibly brief time of 6 months by the military engineer Benedetto Ferrini of Florence who died of the plague shortly before its completion. Its dominant position, 230 meters above the town, meant better protection of the Ticino Valley. The Castle, starkly geometrical in shape, stands in a square courtyard surrounded by massive walls which are as much as 4.70 meters thick at the point where they join the keep on the northern side. The lookout tower on the southern side is still almost intact. During early Swiss occupation, the castle was known as the Castle of Unterwalden but was renamed Santa Barbara in 1818. Today it is called Sasso Corbaro or Castello di Cima. Giornico is located in the middle of the Leventina region. The village was once an important waypoint for pilgrims and travellers negotiating the historic Gotthard route. Giornico is surrounded by vineyards and is divided in two by the Ticino river, in the centre of which is a small, inhabited island. The left bank of the river is characterised by a compact village centre, with former vintners's houses lining its narrow laneways. The Torre di Attone, one of the oldest buildings in the village, is also located on this side. The inhabited island in the middle of the river can be reached via Romanesque bridges, and the right bank of Giornico can be accessed from here by crossing additional bridges. This part of the village is distinguished by its many sacred buildings. These include the protected Church of St Nicolao, one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the canton of Ticino. The Church of San Michele, which houses an interesting 16th century winged altarpiece, is located directly beside it. Casa Stanga is another important structure in Giornico. Its facade is painted with over 50 coats of arms dating back to 1589. These probably came from famous travellers who visited the village. Today, Casa Stanga is home to the Museum der Leventina, which contains a selection of rich and fascinating treasures from throughout the valley. After that we will return to Lugano.
Price: Per person