Talking about Switzerland , we can not fail to mention the castles of this country. After all, as in other European countries, the periods of the early and late Middle Ages had their influence on its architecture. A special place in this matter is given to the small town of Bellinzona , which lies at the crossroads of three Alpine roads.
Three castles of Bellinzona
The city of Bellinzona is located in the Swiss canton of Ticino and is surrounded by a particularly famous group of fortifications, which consists not only of a long line of fortress walls, but also of three large fortresses: Castelgrande castle, Castello di Montebello and Sasso- Corbaro (Corbario) (Castello di Sasso Corbaro).
The place where the city of Bellinzona stands was always considered strategic, the first settlements and fortifications were erected before BC. in the era of the Roman Empire. After an important crossroads, he repeatedly changed his rulers until in 1500 they joined the Swiss Union. And then the development of other areas has somewhat changed the intensity of passions in this area, and the militant neighbors have no claim to the city.
As in all Europe, castles in Switzerland are diligently preserved, and to attract attention the authorities of the year arrange various holidays , tournaments and festivals around each of them. Read more about them below:
- Castelgrande - the very first castle among the fortifications Bellinzona. The first construction of archaeologists is attributed to the era of the Romans, since this hill is of military and strategic importance. The castle was rebuilt many times, expanded and reconstructed. All the results of archaeological excavations and found artifacts are immediately there, in the castle museum.
- Montebello - the second twin castle Bellinzioni appeared around the 13th century, suffered greatly from destruction until it was restored in 1903. It does not have a protective relief in the form of rocks, but the builders have worked on the glory: ditches, stairs, the thickness of the walls and the strong gate of the castle. In the fortress there is also its own museum.
- The castle of Sasso-Corbaro stands apart and is not included in the network of city walls. Built in the 15th century, it completely closed the gaps in the perimeter protection of the city and in peacetime it was used as a prison. Alas, the castle suffered greatly from fires, as it stands on top of a cliff, and lightning strikes often hit it. And now it is in a sad state, but the museum functions in it.
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