In Switzerland everything is ready for the tenth edition of the World Heritage Days, an initiative that the And June 13 14 2026 will lead the public on a discovery of UNESCO-recognized sites and their cultural and historical significance. In Ticino, one of the most anticipated events will be held at the Bellinzona Fortress, which on Sunday, June 14th, will feature a series of events designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages.
The event's goal is to bring the public closer to world heritage through firsthand experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the sites and their history. For the occasion, the three castles that make up the Bellinzona fortified complex will come alive with concerts, guided tours, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.
Music takes center stage at Castel Grande
The heart of the day will be Castel Grande, where the internal courtyard will host a series of musical events throughout the day. The castle grounds will be transformed into a large open-air gathering place, combining history and entertainment.
The program will open with the New Azzan Big Band, a historic group renowned for its jazz and swing repertoire. In the afternoon, saxophonist Mirko Roccato and guitarist Fabio Mignola will accompany the audience through jazz sounds, samba rhythms, and atmospheres rooted in the tradition of bossa nova.
All musical events will take place only in favorable weather conditions.
Ivo Soldini's works dialogue with the castle
In addition to music, Castel Grande will also offer a space dedicated to contemporary art. Among the scheduled events is a guided tour of the exhibition. Castel Grande Project – Sculptures and Paintings by the Ticino artist Ivo Soldini.
The artist himself will lead the tour, illustrating the creative process behind the exhibited works. The public will be able to observe up close monumental sculptures and previously unseen paintings located both inside and outside the castle, in a continuous dialogue between contemporary artistic expression and medieval architecture.
Montebello opens its doors to the little ones
A significant portion of the event will be dedicated to families. In the afternoon, Montebello Castle will become the setting for storytelling by storyteller Andrea Jacot Descombes.
Through stories accompanied by music, the artist will engage children and families in an experience of fantasy, imagination, and participation. The event, also scheduled only in good weather, will be free.
To facilitate travel between the city center and Montebello, a free shuttle service will also be available to the public.
In Sasso Corbaro, a journey through the works of Fra Roberto Pasotti.
The cultural program will also extend to the Sasso Corbaro Castle, where visitors will be able to learn more about Fra Roberto Pasotti through a guided tour of the exhibition Brother Roberto within the walls.
The meeting will be led by co-curator Maria Will and will offer an opportunity to learn more about the human and artistic journey of a man who successfully combined spiritual research and pictorial language. Over the course of over sixty years of activity, Fra Roberto Pasotti has developed a body of work characterized by a strong focus on the human dimension and universal themes.
Culture and conviviality within the castle walls
The day at Sasso Corbaro will continue with moments of conviviality. The Osteria Sasso Corbaro will welcome visitors with a gastronomic offering designed to complement the cultural experience, offering grilled specialties and gourmet sandwiches to enjoy in the castle courtyard.
The initiative represents another step in an event that aims to bring historical heritage to life not only as a testimony to the past, but also as a space for encounter and participation.
A heritage to be discovered in a new way
The World Heritage Days once again confirm the desire to make Switzerland's UNESCO sites accessible and dynamic. In the case of the Bellinzona Fortress, the June 14th program proposes an approach that combines historical valorization, contemporary artistic production, live music, and family-friendly activities.
An opportunity to observe one of Ticino's most important cultural symbols from different perspectives, transforming a visit to the castles into a shared and participatory experience.
For ticket information, please visit the website: www.fortezzabellinzona.ch.
Guided tours require mandatory registration at the following email address: info@fortezzabellinzona.ch.
