Sasso Corbaro in Bellinzona

Sasso Corbaro is one of the three castles in Bellinzona that were declared UNESCO World Heritage in 2000. The fortification towers around 755 feet above the capital of the Canton of Ticino. It comes with a beautiful view of Castelgrande and Montebello castles, Bellinzona, and all the way to Riviera valley in the North and Italian lake Lago Maggiore in the South.

The walls and courtyard follow strictly geometrical shapes, making Sasso Corbaro a typical Sforza castle. Surrounded by a high wall, the fortification is characterised mainly by its watch tower and the massive main tower with walls up to 15 feet thick. On the inside, visitors find permanent and temporary exhibitions about the castle's history and more.

It is assumed that the first keep was buit here around 1400. The castle itself followed between 1479 and 1482. When Bellinzona fell under the reign of the Eidgenossen around 1500, Nidwanden received the castle. Three centuries later it became property of the newly founded Canton of Ticino.

Sasso Corbaro is located about 600 metres south-east of Bellinzona. Signs lead the way from the city centre. Car parks are available near the fort. If you're visiting all three castles, you can also take the little train Arthur from Castelgrande or Montebello to Sasso Corbaro.