Arriving in this city in southern Switzerland is like stepping into the pages of a fairytale, where you can even pick your own castle. Bellinzona boasts three magnificently preserved medieval fortresses, all of which are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each has its own unique character and beauty, together creating a striking historical landscape that dominates the city. It is hard to say which is the most beautiful, as each stronghold offers a different and equally special perspective.

By day, the castles blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, the valley, and the sky, allowing their architecture, history, and connection to the natural landscape to shine. Walking along their trails and viewpoints offers open panoramas and a clear sense of how these structures protected the region in the past.

As night falls, the scenery takes on a stunning transformation. The lighting highlights the castles’ silhouettes against the darkness, turning the city into a powerful medieval stage filled with magic and mystery. Seeing the interplay of light and shadow projected onto the stone walls and towers offers a truly monumental perspective.

A charming detail about Bellinzona is that it is located in the canton of Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Strolling through its streets combines Swiss precision with the joy of la dolce vita: the aroma of coffee on outdoor terraces, the taste of gelato, the sound of Italian as you walk, and a delicious gastronomy that perfectly complements your visit. Whether by day or by night, for those of us who enjoy history, medieval walls, and legends of a bygone era, this Swiss corner is a true must-see.