Bellinzona

Bellinzona – such a charming little town. We arrived at midday on a Saturday and the town was bustling. It was market day and the many vendor stalls were set up, pitching their wares. From honey to sausage, and wool clothing to jewelry, there was something for every visitor.

As we entered the market street, we heard music emanating from a nearby alleyway.

Following the sound, we stepped through a narrow passageway which quickly expanded into a multi-storied courtyard decorated with hanging plants and archways.

We took in the unexpected concert, featuring a brass band and a singer with a beautiful voice. The courtyard surrounding made it all the more special.

Belllinzona boasts three medieval castles, Castelgrande, Sasso Corbaro, and Montebello. We walked along the castle walls and took in the beautiful view of the snow-covered Cima dell’Uomo in the distance.

Lying east of the River Ticino (with water descending from the San Gottardo Pass), Bellinzona is the capital of the canton of Ticino.

Occupied since the early Neolithic Age, Roman Emperor Augustus reportedly built a fort here in the late 1st century BC.

During the reign of Diocletian and Constantin a chain of castles and watchtowers were built to protect northern Italy from invasion. Bellinzona’s location was recognized as a key point in the defenses and a large castle was built to protect the walls.

It’s exciting to once again live in a region which boasts four seasons. The temperatures here hover in the low 60s these days – perfect weather for exploring. I’m just back from a weekend in Bologna (more about this soon) and this week I will host my first visitor to Lugano, my mother’s friend Sandy who is passing through. I’m also headed back to the States to pick up my little cat Moloko so I will catch you all on the flip side.