Castello di Montebello

Visiting Castello di Montebello in Switzerland is like walking into a fairytale! But first, a little tip: to reach the castle entrance, you’ll need to find the elevator that takes you down to the lower level. The castle walls are incredible, they wrap around the city and give you a real sense of its medieval history. It’s absolutely stunning, especially when seen from above or while walking along the ramparts. 🏰🌿 Once you’re inside, the views are breathtaking. You get a sweeping panorama of Bellinzona and the surrounding mountains – it’s the kind of view you could stare at for hours. 🌄😍 Whether you’re into history, photography, or just love exploring unique places, Montebello is a must-see. Peaceful, picturesque, and full of charm.

Superb view. Well worth the steps going up from castel Grande. Breathtaking.

Amazingly beautiful. We found a nice path where you don’t have to pay and still could appreciate the building

Nestled in the heart of Bellinzona, Castello di Montebello is a breathtaking medieval fortress that transports visitors back in time. As one of the three UNESCO-listed castles in the city, it offers a perfect blend of history, stunning architecture, and panoramic views that make it an unmissable destination in Ticino. Walking through its ancient stone walls and well-preserved towers, you can truly feel the history surrounding you. The castle, dating back to the 13th century, is remarkably well-maintained, with its defensive walls and pathways providing a glimpse into the medieval world. The climb to the top is absolutely worth it, rewarding you with spectacular views of Bellinzona, the surrounding valleys, and the other two castles—Castelgrande and Sasso Corbaro. The museum inside the castle is another highlight, showcasing fascinating artifacts, historical exhibits, and insights into the region’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply a traveler looking for a unique experience, the interactive displays and well-curated collections make for an engaging visit. Beyond its historical significance, Castello di Montebello is also a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk or a peaceful picnic, as the castle grounds are beautifully maintained. The combination of lush greenery, ancient walls, and breathtaking vistas creates a magical atmosphere. Overall, Castello di Montebello is a must-visit attraction in Bellinzona. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, admiring the magnificent views, or simply soaking in the medieval charm, this castle offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Switzerland’s cultural heritage.

We spent 1 good hour

Amazing middle size castle built in the late Middle Age, recommending it.

Always wanted to visit and finally got a chance to go on a warm winter weekend in early February. I thought we will have to pay an entrance fee to enter or the castle might not even be opened at all in winter but to our surprise, the castle is opened and free to enter! I had a lot of fun exploring the different corners of the castle and the castle was also bigger than I thought, with many corners to venture into. The views were amazing and different at different corners. Best of all, it is actually not crowded this time of the year!

Beautiful castle with one of the best views of castle grande and Bellinzona city. There are a few stairs that one has to climb reach there and the entrance was initially difficult to find. But eventually, the view was all worth it. When we went there ( September and December) the museums were closed.

The second of the three Bellinzona UNESCO world heritage site castles. The walls of Castlegrande connect to Montebello, and it is quite impressive to see the three castles standing strong together (although the third castle is not connected by the walls of the other two). Unlike the Castelgrande, Montebello was not protected by natural features. It is surrounded by deep moats that protected the walls. The castle is a bit smaller than Castlegrande. There is a museum here, but the Sunday we went it was closed, but, the grounds and castle walls free to explore. It was fun to explore and climb around the castle. As it is smaller, it is not quiet as breathtaking as Castlegrande. But, still fun to see. The inner keep dates back to before 1313.

This is definitely my favorite castle of the three in the area. It's extremely beautiful and quite a hike to get up to, but the views are worth it. Between this and the third, highest castle, the ascent is fairly steep and difficult, but I think the views they give of Bellinzona are about the same more or less. I was much more impressed by the various alleyways and walkways that Montebello had that you could explore. I guess my favorite part about Montebello was the fact that it wasn't just this one grand open courtyard, but you could really navigate throughout the castle. There's also a lovely huge grass area that I saw a lot of people laying around and enjoying the sun in. This was a very quintessential medieval like castle, and I highly recommend going to this one if you don't have the chance to visit the other two!