Fortifikation Bellinzona, Medieval fortress complex in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

Fortifikation Bellinzona consists of three separate fortress structures - Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro - standing on different hills above the Ticino River valley and Alpine passes. Each preserves walls, towers, and interior spaces that show how they were built to control and defend the surrounding territory.

The three fortresses began in the 13th century to watch over important trade routes and access to the San Gottardo Pass. Over several centuries they were expanded and strengthened to maintain their control over the Alpine region.

The three castles that make up the site — Castelgrande with its Murata wall, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro — were given their definitive form by the Dukes of Milan. Their name and role as a barrier (Talsperre) come from the narrow Ticino valley crossing, where the passes of Nufenen, Gotthard, Lukmanier, Greina, San Bernardino and San Jorio meet.

The fortification line stretches from the Verzasca valley through Gordola, Magadino and Monte Ceneri to Camoghè and the San Jorio pass, with the Camorino barrier added in the 1990s. The terrain is steep and partly wooded; sturdy footwear helps. The Kehlkaserne and the rifle gallery of the Gordola infantry work, on a hill above Gordola, were renovated in 1996.

The entire complex received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 for being one of the most complete examples of medieval military architecture in the Alps. This recognition shows how valuable these fortresses are as examples of past defense techniques.