Bellinzona
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By Air
The nearest major airport to Bellinzona, Switzerland is Malpensa International Airport (MXP / LIMC). This airport is in Milan, Italy and is about 67 km from the center of Bellinzona, Switzerland. The closest major airport in Switzerland is Zurich International Airport, with an IATA code of ZRH and an ICAO code of LSZH. This airport is in Zurich, Switzerland and is about 144 km from the center of Bellinzona, Switzerland.
By Train
Bellinzona railway station (Italian: Stazione di Bellinzona) serves the city of Bellinzona, near the southern end of the Gotthardbahn, in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It is also the largest railway junction in Ticino.
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Castelgrande
The main features of interest in Bellinzona are the three castles. The oldest Castelgrande, (known in the 14th C. as Castel Magnum, in the 17th C. as Burg Uri or Altdorf and in 1818 as San Michele), was constructed above a Roman castle. The Torre Bianca (27 m/89ft) and the square Torre Negra 28 m/91ft) form the most ancient part of the five defenses. Situated 50 m/164ft above the town the castle boasts wonderful views.
Castello di Montebello
The Castello di Montebello, (originally Castello Piccolo, later Burg Schwyz and in the 19th C. San Martino), stands on the east side of Bellinzona, where the old town walls divided. It is the most interesting of the three as an example of the art of fortification (originally centered on the keep, with a 13th C. palace and courtyard and further structures built between 1460 and 1480), which now contain a historical and archaeological museum.
Collegiate Church SS Pietro and Stefano
The Roman Catholic Collegiate church SS Pietro and Stefano in Bellinzona dates back to 1424. This fine Renaissance building was largely rebuilt in 1517 by Tomaso Rodari, master builder of Como Cathedral in Italy. The rich Baroque interior and facade were added in the 17th-18th C. The marble high altar is decorated with a representation of the Crucifixion (1658) by either Simone Peterzano or Tintoretto.
Ravecchia
In Bellinzona's outlying district of Ravecchia (1.5km/1mi south), off the road to the left, is the Romanesque church of San Biagio (St Blaise), with fine frescoes of the 14th-15th C.
Information not available
January - February -> 2(°C) - Winter
July - August -> 23(°C) - Summer
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