The best traffic-free bike rides around Cresciano

Monte Laura is located at around 1,400 meters above Roveredo. The small hamlet is accessible via a winding road from the village and is spread loosely over the slopes. From up here, you have a beautiful view of the Misox valley and are quickly out of the valley hustle and bustle.

Great view from below at the ice rink

The old knights ruled (lived) here from the 13th century onwards.

In Bellinzona's Old Town From the train station, the bus takes us to the stop at the end of Via Lugano. To the east is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. On the other side of the railway line, we pass the Villa dei Cedri, nestled in a magnificent park and home to the municipal art collection. We head north along Via Pedotti to Piazza San Biagio, where the 13th-century church of the same name can be admired. The church, one of the most interesting in the region, has been restored and stripped of its Baroque additions. The remarkable frescoes date from the late Middle Ages. We return and follow Via Lugano north to Piazza Indipendenza, where we find the Church of San Rocco, a building dating back to 1330 and enlarged in 1478. This is where the actual old town begins. The town hall, with its elegant courtyard, was completely rebuilt in 1924, using materials from the previous 15th-century building. At Piazza Nosetto, with its beautiful porticoes, we turn left onto Via Teatro, passing the restored theater building from the previous century and reaching the government building. The oldest part consists of the former Ursuline convent, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in the previous century. Returning to Piazza Nosetto, we approach Piazza Collegiata, passing the Casa Rossa, a brick-clad building inspired by the Lombard style of the 15th century. The massive church of SS. Pietro e Stefano reflects the Renaissance style with Baroque elements. A lively market is held every Saturday in Piazza Collegiata. On Viale Stazione, we find ourselves in the city's commercial district. The post office building is noteworthy, a prime example of contemporary Ticino architecture. Text / Source: Agenzia turistica ticinese SA., Via C. Ghiringhelli 7, Bellinzona https://www.ticino.ch/de/commons/details/In-Bellinzonas-Altstadt/3156.html

The Fortress of Bellinzona and its Castles Once upon a time, there were knights and drawbridges. Where? In Bellinzona, of course! Take a journey back in time and visit the castles, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. Arm yourself with a camera and discover Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. Tin-reinforced walls, towers, and enormous gates: you'll be catapulted straight into the Middle Ages! Dream of the knights' heroic deeds and immerse yourself in life back then. The Fortress of Bellinzona offers visitors a hands-on experience of medieval history. You can purchase the Fortress Pass online, at the InfoPoint in Bellinzona, or at the ticket offices of the three castles. It allows you to visit the fortress and its walls, the Castel Grande Museum, the Archeologia Montebello exhibition trail, and the temporary exhibitions. Are you primarily interested in visiting the exhibitions? Then buy the new Expo Pass: a combined ticket that grants access to the temporary exhibitions at Castel Grande, Sasso Corbaro, and the Museo Villa dei Cedri! Text / Source: Bellinzona e Valli Tourism https://www.bellinzonaevalli.ch/de/discover/castles.html

The view from the small tower is truly magnificent. Definitely worth seeing if you pass by the area!

The cityscape of Bellinzona is reminiscent of the 17th century. The castles and city walls are a world heritage site.

Torre di Santa Maria The medieval residential tower was built in the 13th/14th century by the Counts of Sax. Overlooking the valley floor of the Misox, it was part of a territorial control system. The pentagonal tower is inspired by architectural models from central France. Text / Source: Raetia Association, grisun & romanisch https://www.visit-moesano.ch/de/chiesa-parrocchiale-santa-maria-assunta