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Castello di Montebello

Castles & palaces ·Historic sites ·Bellinzona ·Open now
4.72.9K
#2Castles & palaces in SwitzerlandTravelers' Choice

Adulti CHF 28 · Studenti/AVS CHF 10

Tickets from CHF 28
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About

Castello di Montebello, or Montebello Castle, is Bellinzona’s second-oldest castle, on a rocky ridge east of the city centre.

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Castello di Montebello

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What's on here

Storie della terra: dallo scavo al museo Storie della terra: dallo scavo al museo Until 30 Oct180 CHF Pelli, pellicce e trame antiche Pelli, pellicce e trame antiche Until 30 Oct180 CHF Archeogiocando Archeogiocando Until 30 Oct180 CHF La lunga marcia dei segni: dall’immagine all’alfabeto La lunga marcia dei segni: dall’immagine all’alfabeto Until 30 Oct180 CHF

Why go

  • Probably built by the Rusca family in the 13th century, it is Bellinzona’s second-oldest castle.
  • A diamond-shaped enclosure joins the city walls at its two obtuse corners.
  • The castle’s walls once reached the Ticino River via Castelgrande.
  • A suspended steel structure built in 1974 houses the Civic Museum.

Plan your visit

Prices

AdultiCHF 28
Studenti/AVSCHF 10

From the venue's website · checked 12 Oct 2026

Opening hours

Today10:00 – 18:00Show all
Monday10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday10:00 – 18:00
Thursday10:00 – 18:00
Friday10:00 – 18:00
Saturday10:00 – 18:00
Sunday10:00 – 18:00

Don't miss

  • Pentagonal towerThis five-sided tower marks the beginning of the castle walls.Beside the oldest moat
  • Eastern ditchThe entrance crosses this deep defensive ditch, with an outer gate and an inner gate guarding the approach.East side of the castle
  • Inward-facing towersRound and polygonal towers have openings that face into the castle.Outer walls

Know before you go

  • Opening hours: Daily, 10:00–18:00.

What's inside

  • The main castle has several buildings around a nearly rectangular central core divided by walls.
  • The core castle contains a chapel dedicated to Saint Martin, built around 1600.

Tips for your visit

  • The high entrance on the west side of the core castle is reached by an outside staircase.

Interesting facts3

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  1. The open ground between the core castle and its town-side defenses could hold troops and military supplies.

    Castello di Montebello (Bellinzona) - Wikipedia

  2. Two large flanking towers stand at the west and north corners of the enclosure wall.

    Château de Montebello (Tessin) - Wikipedia

  3. A broad ditch divides the castle into an eastern outer ward and a western main castle.

    Château de Montebello (Tessin) - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Schwyz later stationed a small garrison at Montebello for order and police duties.

  1. Late 13th c.The Rusca family probably built Montebello before 1300 as a companion to Castelgrande. Its earliest form included a trapezoidal keep, two courtyards and several houses.
  2. 1313The castle was first recorded indirectly.
  3. 1335After Milan conquered Como, the Rusca family retreated to Bellinzona and planned an unsuccessful revolt against the Visconti.
  4. 1340After Milan took Bellinzona, the Rusca family retained Montebello as private property.
  5. 14th c.Ghibelline battlements were added to the walls.
Show all
  1. 1462–1490Repairs and staged expansion gave the castle much of its present form, including a second moat and a covered wall walk with machicolations.
  2. 1506Schwyz received Montebello when Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden divided Bellinzona’s three castles.
  3. 1902–1910A commission led by Eugen Probst completed and consolidated the original keep.
  4. 1920–1955After neglect in the 19th century, major stabilization and restoration work was carried out.
  5. 1971–1974Mario Campi, Franco Pessina and Niki Piazzoli converted the castle into an archaeological museum.

How to get there

  • 10 minOn footFrom Bellinzona station, walk via Piazza della Collegiata. From the piazza, the castle is a 10-minute uphill walk with 80 metres of elevation gain.
  • BusTake bus line 4 from Bellinzona station towards Sasso Corbaro; it goes to the castle.
  • On footYou can also approach by descending along the road from Sasso Corbaro.

Sources: Château de Montebello (Tessin) - Wikipedia · Bellinzona - Wikivoyage (see) · Home - Fortezza Bellinzona - UNESCO World Herit… · Visit - Fortezza Bellinzona - UNESCO World Heri… · Castel Grande Museum - Fortezza Bellinzona · Castello di Montebello (Bellinzona) - Wikipedia · Castello di Montebello (Bellinzona) - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
via Artore 4, 6500

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

What is Castello di Montebello’s address?

Via Artore 4, 6500 Bellinzona.

How can I contact Castello di Montebello?

Call +41 91 825 13 42.

What other names has Castello di Montebello had?

From the 14th century to 1506, it was called Castello Piccolo, Castello Nuovo or Castello di Mezzo. It was later known as Castello di Svitto until 1818, then Castello di San Martino.

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