Three Castles of Bellinzona, Medieval fortification ensemble in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
The Three Castles of Bellinzona is a defensive complex featuring three separate fortresses positioned on different elevations across the city. Connecting defensive walls run between the structures, creating an integrated system that spans the valley floor.
The complex was built between the 13th and 15th centuries to control a critical mountain pass linking Italy to central Switzerland. Each fortress was expanded and reinforced during different periods, reflecting changing military needs and strategies.
The three fortresses display construction techniques from their respective periods through visible masonry and wall patterns. Visitors can observe how medieval builders adapted their methods to the steep terrain and defensive needs of each location.
Marked pathways connect all three castles, with Castelgrande reachable by elevator from the town center. The other two require walking on trails of varying difficulty that reward visitors with views across the region.
Each of the three fortresses sits at a different elevation, creating a multi-level defense system rarely replicated elsewhere. This vertical arrangement was innovative for its era and allowed sight lines between the strongholds for coordinated defense.
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