SWISS CASTLES DAY
Discover the Fortress with Swiss Castles Day!
On Saturday 5 October, Swiss Castles Day in Bellinzona will take us back in time! A unique opportunity to discover and experience the Fortress on a day full of charm, excitement and history. Montebello Castle will host an evocative medieval re-enactment, organised in collaboration with the Spada nella Rocca association. You can soak up the medieval atmosphere among historical encampments, ancient games and a refreshment stand where you can take a break and enjoy the flavours of times gone by.
A rich and varied programme will also be offered at Castel Grande and Sasso Corbaro, with events designed to thrill young and old alike, where culture, fun and discovery intertwine harmoniously.
PROGRAMME
CASTEL GRANDE
GUIDED TOUR (GALFETTI RESTORATION)
Castel Grande, located on a rocky promontory in the centre of Bellinzona, forms a unique architectural and geographical complex with its fortress. The restoration by architect Aurelio Galfetti has transformed the castle into an open space connected to the city. During the visit, Dr Giovanni Conca will illustrate the work carried out by Galfetti.
- Location: Castel Grande
- Time: 14 :00-15 :00
- Type: Guided tour in Italian
- Registration: https://www.openhouse-ticino.org/
Recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the demoscene is one of the world’s oldest digital art cultures. Rooted in this vibrant community, Echtzeit celebrates code as a living craft, where algorithms groove like well-oiled gears and demos echo the Swiss Castles Day’s theme of craftsmanship. From immersive soundscapes to hypnotic visual sequences, Echtzeit will present some of the most atmospheric demos this guild has to offer. A one‐of‐a‐kind experience of the art of crafting code. By everyone, for everyone.
- Location: Castel Grande
- Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Performance in English / Italian
MONTEBELLO
MEDIEVAL ENTERTAINMENT by ‘SPADA NELLA ROCCA’
Experience the thrill of a journey into the past at Montebello Castle!
An engaging medieval re-enactment with camps, demonstrations, historical games, craft stalls and a refreshment stand offering a wealth of traditional flavours welcomes you to a unique setting.
An event designed for young and old alike, where culture, entertainment and discovery come together in an authentically medieval atmosphere.
- Location: Montebello Castle
- Time: 10:00-18:00
- Medieval event
SASSO CORBARO
GUIDED TOUR OF THE EXHIBITION BEYOND THE MIDDLE AGES
What does the future hold for the Fortress of Bellinzona? Find it out at Sasso Corbaro castle! Throughout 2025, the castle will host Fortress Bellinzona. Beyond the Middle Ages, a new edition of the exhibition, which explores the Fortress past and talks about its future.
An invitation to share ideas and create together an innovative, and inspiring vision of the Fortress of Bellinzona. Marino Viganò invites you on a guided tour to explore the history of the fortress city of Bellinzona over the centuries, illustrating the main moments in its history and defensive architecture.
- Location: Sasso Corbaro Castle
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Guided tour in Italian
- Registration: info@fortezzabellinzona.ch
The performance The art of crafting code – echtzeit- digital kultur and the guided tour of the exhibition Beyond the Middle Ages are included in the ticket price.
