Castelgrande and Old Town

Whether you have just a couple hours or a few days to spend in Bellinzona, there is a loop tour you can do that can take you as little as 90 minutes or the better part of the day, depending on how much time you spend at each location.

From the main train station, turn left down the Viale Stazione. Across from the post office, turn right down Largo Elvezia. Walk one block to the Piazza del Sole - here you can see across the Piazza to Castelgrande, the large castle that rises above the center of the town.

Cross the Piazza to the elevator for Castelgrande. The elevator takes you up to the eastern bailey of the castle, where you will enjoy outstanding views of the old town, the remains of the city wall, and the two smaller castles on the eastern hills of the city - Montebello and Sasso Carbaro. There is also plenty of things to see in the castle - or, should you have the time, a couple choices to enjoy a meal.

Cross the west bailey to the Murata, part of the city wall that once crossed the entire valley floor. This is a wonderful walk, with some of the best views of Castelgrande. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk the Murata down to the first exits on the city level.

As you emerge onto the street, turn right and follow the street. You'll pass a large ornate iron gate; cross the street to Via Teatro. Here you will see the Teatro Sociale Bellinzona (http://www.teatrosociale.ch/), which is Switzerland's best example of neo-Classical theater architecture, built 150 years ago and renovated in the 1990s. Inside, the theater is modelled on Milan's La Scala.

Via Teatro curves to the northeast and passes the Palazzo Civico (town hall), which was completely rebuilt in 1924. On Saturday mornings, the piazzo just north of the Palazzo Civico is home to the city market. Follow this street; you will pass the "red house" (terracotta-faced)and arrive in Piazza Collegiata. On your right you will find Collegiata dei SS Pietro e Stefano, a Baroque masterpiece church.

Enjoy a coffee and chocolate at one of the cafés on the square before continuing down Viala Stazione back to the train station.

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Sneakers or other comfortable, solid shoes recommended, mainly for the walk across the Murata.