B o n g i o r n o... What a quant little Palazzo located next to Lake Como. Palazzo means square…read more Walk around on the ancient cobblestone streets to the many shops, eateries and churches. Plenty of Gelaterias for the ice cream addicts like myself. All though, it's a little hard to tell where one Palazzo ends and the other one starts, it's all one beautiful village.

Been here many times. The last time together with my students. It's right in the heart of…read moreBellinzona and can't be missed. You either can walk right up or take the elevator from the piazza on the bottom where you will also find a Migros in case you need some groceries for a picnic. The Castelgrande is the oldest and largest of Bellinzona's three iconic castles, earning UNESCO World Heritage status for its spectacular medieval fortifications. Perched on a rocky hill settled since the Neolithic era, the fortress was heavily expanded by the Dukes of Milan in the 13th to 15th centuries to control strategic Alpine trade routes. Its striking skyline is dominated by two massive medieval structures: the 27-meter White Tower and the 28-meter Black Tower. Today, the site features a masterful modern restoration by architect Aurelio Galfetti, housing an archaeological museum and a panoramic elevator carved directly into the bedrock. You really get some nice views from up here. You can walk some of the walls and climb a tower. All free of charge. Only the small museum has a fee. There's a big lawn to picnic right in center and another huge area just on the other side of the wall including some picnic tables. The day we went the Giro d'Italia was in town. Lots of things going on. Including some live medieval music right here on top. Something you won't see every day. It's a great place to take in some history or just to enjoy the views. The best views of the Castelgrande itself you will get from the Castel Montebello. That one is only a short walk away from here and shouldn't be missed as well.

Can't believe I'm the first to review Castelgrande in Bellinzona This was probably my fourth visit…read moreand it was just as lovely as the first. Although, I must admit that I especially enjoy it in October when the leaves are changing, the temperature has dropped and the tourists are nowhere to be found. Tip: grab a pastry or drink from Migros at the base of the castle and bring it up with you for a picnics with a view. My fondest memory from Castelgrande was sitting on the top overlooking the mountains eating a rhubarb tart with my mom. A few fun facts about Bellinzona's treasure: -it's free to visit (fee for the museum) - received unesco heritage site status in 2000 for cultural significance -there's an elevator to the top helping this spot serve everyone -there are plenty of steps to be had if you're hoping to go to the "top top"

Came here at the recommendation of a friend living in Zurich. Such a wonderful experience. The…read moresmall island is a short boat ride from Locarno (also a short boat ride from Ascona). Entrance fee was small (about 8CHF). But wow, what a view! And the flowers! Heavenly. The smell of Jasmine was everywhere. Loved the flowers from around the globe, the Roman "bath" and the Bamboo garden. Very easy to spend an entire day here. A must visit, especially if you like nature, flowers, spectacular views, and the outdoors.

The basics: lovely views in all directions, 7E entry fee, loads of stairs (some quite steep),…read morebenches scattered around, restrooms available near the exit, museums inside. While the grounds weren't as large as I'd expected, the views were beautiful.