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 funicular is the start of a journey that you have to make if you find yourself in Locarno on a…read moreclear day. Riding the funicular is like taking a step back in time, with wooden seats and paneling. The ride takes you up the hillside in about 5 minutes, giving a great view down over Locarno, and a couple of stops on the way up. Then the cable car awaits...

What and amazing meal, our server Jaba did a great job in recommending the dinner choices, and…read moredessert. His attention to detail was amazing. This was the best meal that we had in Italy on our vacation. and Jaba made this meal very special for us. Thank you!

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not only beautiful with high end shopping but it is much…read morelarger than I expected. I made way over to spinning the bull mosaic and there was a circle full of people just jumping in to spin the bull. It is best to visit the Galleria on a week day for the weekend is super crowded. I experienced both and I prefer the weekday 100%.

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.

According to the interwebs, it's the most important fortress in the canton Grisons. I find it to…read morebe, so far, the most beautiful one around as well. It reminds me of the Catalan Romanesque, so maybe I'm not being impartial. Only the exterior walls and the church tower remain erected, and some of the interior structure can be guessed. The area, which is very well looked after, is reached after a 10 minute walk from the parking lot by the road, past the Santa Maria church. When I was there last summer, I was the only person around, so I guess it's not very well known or the location is not very convenient for a spontaneous visit if you are not nearby and happen to have some time to spend. I also found a pagoda-like structure, but I couldn't find out what it was for, maybe they celebrate events in there.

This seems the same listing but with different name for the Como Cathedral. The duomo in Como is…read moredefinitely worth visiting, which is usually referred as the last cathedral built in Italy. It's very beautiful and spectacular both outside and inside, and it's the most impressive church in this area. I'd certainly recommend visiting here.

First off, wow! Amazing view with amazing food, service and quaintness. Cannot wait to come back…read morefor the pumpkin gnocchi...THAT WAS SOO AMAZING!

A cafe with killer view!…read more Pluses: The view! The food - Osso buco and pork chop and desserts. Service. Areas to improve - none Just go! Romantic for couples but also great for families and big groups. Great value for quantity and quality of food!