75-450: Bellinzona ( / ˌ b ɛ l ɪ n ˈ z oʊ n ə / BEL -in- ZOH -nə ; Italian: [bellinˈtsoːna] ; is a municipality, a historic Swiss town , and the capital of the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. The town is famous for its three castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro) that have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000. The town lies east of
150-520: A comune (municipality) in Varese, hosts the Catholic charter school, Collegio Rotondi , which was established in 1599. Varese has had a long and strong tradition of competitive cycling. It hosted the 1951 and 2008 World Road Cycling Championships. One of the biggest events is the yearly Tre Valli Varesine , which usually takes place at the end of September beginning of October. Is a race that goes through
225-557: A Ring Road System: Varese's Ring Road consists of three roads currently in operation and one more under construction (North Ring Road). The currently operating roads of Varese's Ring Road System are the East Ring Road, a double lane road managed by ANAS ; South Ring Road, a double lane highway managed by Autostrada Pedemontana Lombarda; North East Ring Road, a single lane road managed by ANAS. Many important national and provincial roads pass through Varese. The entire rail network serving
300-399: A definition nevertheless prefer to understand themselves still as a village, or consequently refer to themselves just as municipalities ( German : Gemeinde , French : commune , Italian : comune ). The Swiss definition of a town differs from the definition of a municipality . This is an alphabetical list of towns or cities (these English terms can be used interchangeably, as there
375-570: A full-time student or one and a half to two years as a part-time student). There are 162 vocational students who are attending school full-time and 299 who attend part-time. The professional program lasts three years and prepares a student for a job in engineering, nursing, computer science, business, tourism and similar fields. There are 50 students in the professional program. As of 2000, there were 2,957 students in Bellinzona who came from another municipality, while 313 residents attended schools outside
450-503: A natural reserve of over five thousand acres consisting of the massive mountain Campo dei Fiori and Mount Martica, separate from that valley Rasa which is the junction of Valcuvia and Olona valley. Once the peak of the Campo dei Fiori was characterized by extensive grassland, it became the historical destination of tourism of Varese and of Milan. Today is the spectacular blooms - which gave the name to
525-416: A one-room apartment was 673.24 CHF (US$ 540, £300, €430), a two-room apartment was about 740.60 CHF (US$ 590, £330, €470), a three-room apartment was about 910.37 CHF (US$ 730, £410, €580) and a six or more room apartment cost an average of 1406.75 CHF (US$ 1130, £630, €900). The average apartment price in Bellinzona was 85.7% of the national average of 1116 CHF. source: Historical Dictionary of Switzerland In
600-547: A population of 47,128, divided into 16 municipalities. As of 2008, the gender distribution of the population was 46.6% male and 53.4% female. The population was made up of 5,503 Swiss men (31.8% of the population), and 2,567 (14.8%) non-Swiss men. There were 6,781 Swiss women (39.1%), and 2,472 (14.3%) non-Swiss women. In 2008 there were 132 live births to Swiss citizens and 45 births to non-Swiss citizens, and in same time span there were 132 deaths of Swiss citizens and 15 non-Swiss citizen deaths. Ignoring immigration and emigration,
675-462: A standard school and a special school. In the municipality, 781 students attend the standard primary schools and 51 students attend the special school. In the lower secondary school system, students either attend a two-year middle school followed by a two-year pre-apprenticeship or they attend a four-year program to prepare for higher education. There are 632 students in the two-year middle school and 3 in their pre-apprenticeship, while 271 students are in
750-565: A time. During the period of unrest following Gian Galeazzo Visconti's death, a tower which would become the nucleus of the third castle, Sasso Corbaro , was built outside the town. While the border between Uri and Milan was fixed in the peace treaty of 1426, in 1439 Uri invaded again. While they were unable to take Bellinzona, the victories of the Swiss troops led to Milan granting all of the Leventina Valley to Pollegio to Uri in 1441. Following
825-524: Is 1,969 people or 11.4% of the population are between 60 and 69 years old, 1,470 people or 8.5% are between 70 and 79, there are 1,133 people or 6.5% who are between 80 and 89. As of 2000, there were 7,294 private households in the municipality, and an average of 2.2 persons per household. In 2000 there were 1,490 single family homes (or 51.5% of the total) out of a total of 2,892 inhabited buildings. There were 419 two family buildings (14.5%) and 642 multi-family buildings (22.2%). There were also 341 buildings in
SECTION 10
#1732851147540900-494: Is a city and comune in north-western Lombardy , northern Italy , 55 km (34 mi) north-west of Milan . The population of Varese in 2018 was 80,559. It is the capital of the Province of Varese . The hinterland or exurban part of the city is called Varesotto . The city of Varese lies at the foot of Sacro Monte di Varese , part of the Campo dei Fiori mountain range, that hosts an astronomical observatory , as well as
975-685: Is also a funicular service on the Vellone-Sacro Monte funicular . The nearest airfield is Varese-Venegono Airport ( ICAO :LILN) located 10 km southeast of Varese. The city is home to the Sacro Monte di Varese ('the Sacred Mount of Varese'), a place of pilgrimage and worship. It is one of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy , included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Varese
1050-693: Is home to a European School , the European School, Varese , which was established in 1960 for the children of European Union staff, who work mainly at one of the three institutes of the Joint Research Centre in nearby Ispra . It is one of the two sites of the University of Insubria , located in the heart of the Garden City, and is hosting in the newly built Campus Bizzozero the faculties of Medicine, Economics, Natural Sciences etc. Gorla Minore ,
1125-623: Is no official differentiation), which follows the FSO's definition ( German : Statistische Städte 2012 , French : Villes statistiques 2012 ), as well as places with historic town rights (h) and/or market towns (m). Varese Varese ( UK : / v ə ˈ r eɪ z eɪ , - z i / və- RAY -zay, -zee , US : / v ɑː ˈ r eɪ s eɪ / var- AY -say ; Italian: [vaˈreːze] or [vaˈreːse] ; Varesino : Varés [ʋaˈreːs] ; Latin : Baretium ; archaic German : Väris )
1200-589: Is on average cooler than other cities of the Lombard Prealps, especially in winter. Varese is one of the rainiest cities in Italy, with an annual precipitation average of more than 1,500 millimetres (59 in). Since the 1980s, snow has fallen less frequently, with the annual average going from 69 cm in 1967–1987 to 33 cm in 1988–2017. Varese city, like the province, has a very high immigrant population owing to both its economy (many multinational companies and
1275-646: Is precipitation for an average of 13 days. The driest month of the year is December with an average of 60 mm (2.4 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In Bellinzona about 60.5% of the population (between age 25–64) have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule ). In Bellinzona there are a total of 2,662 students (as of 2009). The Ticino education system provides up to three years of non-mandatory kindergarten and in Bellinzona there are 413 children in kindergarten. The primary school program lasts for five years and includes both
1350-446: Is probably in the sixteenth century - as the Varese historian Luigi Borri believes in his work Documenti Varesini of 1891 - that the shield was surmounted by the marquis crown and the effigy of St. Victor, patron saint of the city. The coat of arms was recognized by decree of the head of the government of 17 June 1941 and the banner was granted with the royal decree of 28 April 1941. The road and rail infrastructure network that makes up
1425-646: Is rich in castles, many once pertaining to the Borromeo family. The historic centre of the city includes the Praetorian Palace and Villa Cagna, a residential complex that also hosts the Civic Music School of Varese. After the 19th century, it was enriched by villas and their surrounding gardens, many now open to visitors, including: In the city centre, there is the Palazzo Estense with its gardens (built in
1500-408: Is situated in the valley of the river Ticino , at an altitude of 240 metres (790 ft). The town centre lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of the river, with the urban area confined to the bottom and lower slopes of the valley. However the municipality's boundaries extend up both sides of the valley, to altitudes of 2,240 metres (7,350 ft) to the west, and 2,195 metres (7,201 ft) to
1575-554: Is used for agricultural purposes, while 11.96 km (4.62 sq mi) or 62.5% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 4.55 km (1.76 sq mi) or 23.8% is settled (buildings or roads), 0.47 km (0.18 sq mi) or 2.5% is either rivers or lakes and 0.09 km (22 acres) or 0.5% is unproductive land. Of the built up area, industrial buildings made up 1.6% of the total area while housing and buildings made up 13.0%. Transportation infrastructure made up 5.8% while parks, green belts and sports fields made up 2.7%. Out of
SECTION 20
#17328511475401650-718: The 2007 federal election the most popular party was the FDP which received 30.61% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the SP (23.11%), the CVP (19.85%) and the Ticino League (11.42%). In the federal election, a total of 4,634 votes were cast, and the voter turnout was 46.1%. In the 2007 Ticino Gran Consiglio election, there were a total of 10,187 registered voters in Bellinzona, of which 6,486 or 63.7% voted. 109 blank ballots and 16 null ballots were cast, leaving 6,361 valid ballots in
1725-520: The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) uses a new algorithm (called German : Statistische Städte 2012 , or French : Villes statistiques 2012 ) to define whether a municipality can be called a town or not; it now also depends on its character. Currently, FSO considers 162 municipalities as towns/cities ( German : Statistische Städte , French : Villes statistiques ) in Switzerland. Further, some municipalities which would fulfill such
1800-584: The Murata wall across the valley was rebuilt. Much of the modern castles and fortifications date from this period of construction in the late 15th century. In 1499 nearly one and a half centuries of Milanese rule ended with the invasion of Milan by Louis XII of France . He captured Bellinzona and fearing an attack by the Swiss, fortified the Castelgrande with 1000 troops. Throughout the winter of 1499/1500 unrest in Bellinzona grew, until January when an armed revolt of
1875-1051: The Passo del San Gottardo via the Valle Leventina , the upper valley of the Ticino, and further to the west with access to the Valais over the Nufenen Pass via the Val Bedretto , and access to the Grisonian Surselva of the Anterior Rhine via the Valle di Blenio over the Lukmanier Pass . The river Moesa , running down the Valle Mesolcina from the San Bernardino Pass with access to
1950-582: The Swiss Reformed Church . There are 2,164 individuals (or about 13.14% of the population) who belong to another church (not listed on the census), and 1,463 individuals (or about 8.89% of the population) did not answer the question. Bellinzona has an average of 102.8 days of rain or snow per year and on average receives 1,563 mm (61.5 in) of precipitation . The wettest month is May during which time Bellinzona receives an average of 181 mm (7.1 in) of rain or snow. During this month there
2025-509: The canton of Bellinzona within the Helvetic Republic (1798–1803). Following the Act of Mediation in 1803 Bellinzona became part of the independent canton of Ticino, and the capital of the new canton from 1803 to 1814. From that date until 1878, Bellinzona, Lugano , and Locarno , took turns being capital every six years. In 1878 Bellinzona became the capital of the canton. The town includes
2100-496: The early Neolithic age it wasn't until the late 1st century BC that a fort was built in the area during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus . While the fort fell into disrepair in the following centuries, it was rebuilt and greatly expanded in the 4th century AD. During the reign of Diocletian and Constantin a chain of castles and watchtowers were built to protect northern Italy from invasion. Bellinzona's location
2175-454: The primary economic sector and about 10 businesses involved in this sector. 1,691 people are employed in the secondary sector and there are 149 businesses in this sector. 11,647 people are employed in the tertiary sector , with 1,093 businesses in this sector. In 2000, there were 16,293 workers who commuted into the municipality and 2,631 workers who commuted away. The municipality is a net importer of workers, with about 6.2 workers entering
2250-550: The 17th century) and Villa Mirabello. Villa Mirabello, the seat of Museo Civico Archeologico (Civic Archaeological Museum), was built in the late 600s on the top of the hill which carries its name. This site is surrounded by a park which is set close to the park of Palazzo Estense. In addition to numerous public parks of the city, often appurtenances of historic villas, there is the Park Luigi Zanzi in Schiranna, established in
2325-521: The EU's Joint Research Centre in nearby Ispra ) and its location (proximity to Milan makes it an ideal place for the latter city's workers). This town has been known since the Early Middle Ages when it became officially a municipality . The population by 1848 was about 4000. In 1859, Giuseppe Garibaldi confronted Austrian forces led by Field Marshal-Lieutenant Carl Baron Urban near Varese. Also, it
Bellinzona - Misplaced Pages Continue
2400-773: The Gresionian valley Rheinwald of the Posterior Rhine , joins the Ticino on the northern boundary of the town. To the south the Monte Ceneri Pass crosses the Lugano Prealps to give access to Lake Lugano and an alternate route to Lombardy, whilst the San Jorio Pass provides a possible route east to the upper Lake Como . The town Bellinzona has an area, as of 1997, of 19.15 square kilometers (7.39 sq mi). Of this area, 4.21 km (1.63 sq mi) or 22.0%
2475-479: The Hill of Miogni. The city also looks over Lake Varese . Varese's winters are not significantly affected by the proximity of Lago Maggiore and the minor lakes surrounding it. In late autumn and winter, temperatures frequently fall below zero Celsius, even if just by a few degrees. This differentiates it from areas south of the city. As in other cities in the foothills of Lombardy, fog is an infrequent phenomenon. Varese
2550-681: The Pope in his conflicts with the Holy Roman Emperor. However, in 1239, Como sided with the Emperor Frederick II who quickly moved forces into Bellinzona and strengthened the Castelgrande . In 1242 Milan sent Guelph (or pro-papacy) forces under the command of Simone di Orello to take Bellinzona. The town and castle were taken which weakened the Emperor south of the Alps. However the town was back under
2625-821: The Prealpino Geophysical Centre. The village which is in the middle of the mountain is called Santa Maria del Monte because of the medieval sanctuary, which is reached through the avenue of the chapels of the Sacred Mountain. Varese is situated on seven hills: the San Pedrino Hill, the Giubiano Hill, the Campigli Hill, the Sant'Albino Hill, the Biumo Superiore Hill, Colle di Montalbano (Villa Mirabello) and
2700-427: The area - to be one of its main attractions. It is a very diverse place showing aspects of extreme interest, related both to the natural environment, both in history and culture, referring to a past full of events and traditions. There are small farming villages, monuments of rare beauty, cave systems and articulated a well-maintained network of trails: some passable, as well as on foot, on horseback and on bicycle. Inside
2775-512: The capital is electrified. The city is served by three railway stations: - Varese FS, managed by Centostazioni and RFI SpA, Ferrovie Dello Stato Group: it is the first/last station of Suburban Line S5 of Milan Varese-Treviglio via Milan (operated by ATM - Trenord ) and runs a high-frequency train to Milan and Porto Ceresio , toward Switzerland (operated by Trenord ). In addition, Varese FS provides direct trains to Malpensa Airport , Como, Mendrisio and Lugano (Switzerland). - Varese Nord (in
2850-708: The capital of a county that included most of the valleys in Ticino . At around 774 the Frankish Kingdom (that would become the Carolingian Empire ) gained control of the Ticino valley including Bellinzona. About two centuries later the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III , seeking to restore the power of glory of ancient Rome and expand into Italy, opened the Lukmanier and St. Bernard passes. Control of Bellinzona
2925-578: The castle to assert control of the surrounding passes. Under the Longobards, Bellinzona became the site of a permanent garrison to protect the region from raids by the neighboring Frankish and Alemannic tribes. From Bellinzona the Longobards controlled the traffic on the important trade route from Varese over Ponte Tresa , the Monte Ceneri Pass , Biasca and finally over the Lukmanier Pass into Chur . Some researchers believe that Bellinzona may have been
3000-611: The citizens of Bellinzona drove the French troops from the town. Following the capture and execution of Ludovico Sforza in April 1500 and seeking protection from France, Bellinzona joined the Swiss Confederation on 14 April 1500, as a condominium under the joint administration of Uri , Schwyz and Nidwalden . Following the French invasion of Switzerland in 1798, Bellinzona was the capital of
3075-463: The city centre) and Varese Casbeno (in the neighbourhood of Casbeno), managed by FerrovieNord on Milan Cadorna- Saronno -Varese-Laveno line: train service is operated by Trenord . The city has both an extensive city bus network (12 lines + 3 lines in the urban area) operated by Autolinee Varesine, and suburban bus services. International bus services are operated by Swiss Post Bus of line 523 that link Varese to Lugano and Mendrisio . In Varese there
Bellinzona - Misplaced Pages Continue
3150-437: The connection system of the city of Varese is powered by a lot of little streets and a double rail network and by 74,000 of high mobility. In particular, the major movements are incoming into Varese. In the average weekday over 113,000 vehicles enter Varese. The most used form of transportation in Varese is the private vehicle, followed by the local public transport. The A8 motorway connects Varese with Milan. The city has also
3225-518: The death of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti in 1447, Bellinzona was in the middle of the succession crisis between Franchino Rusca of Locarno and Heinrich of Val Mesolcina, who were allied with Uri and the Ambrosian Republic in Milan. The war following the succession crisis lasted nearly three years until Francesco I Sforza seized power in Milan. Bellinzona quickly accepted the new Sforza dynasty and
3300-484: The east shore of Lake Maggiore to Luino . Between 1907 and 1972, Bellinzona was also linked to Mesocco and other Val Mesolcina communities by the Bellinzona–Mesocco railway . On 2 April 2017 the former neighbouring municipalities of Camorino , Claro , Giubiasco , Gnosca , Gorduno , Gudo , Moleno , Monte Carasso , Pianezzo , Preonzo , Sant'Antonio and Sementina merged into Bellinzona. Bellinzona
3375-528: The east. The town is located at a point at which the river Ticino, which has been flowing in a generally southerly direction, makes a turn to the west, to flow through the wide Pionoa di Magadino before entering the Lake Maggiore , and after it finally reaches to the Italian Po Valley and Lombardy . Upstream, several valleys reach into the high Alps, with access to northern Switzerland over or through
3450-597: The election. The most popular party was the PLRT which received 1,569 or 24.7% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the SSI (with 1,233 or 19.4%), the PS (with 1,210 or 19.0%) and the PPD +GenGiova (with 957 or 15.0%). In the 2007 Ticino Consiglio di Stato election, there were 60 blank ballots and 22 null ballots, which left 6,405 valid ballots in the election. The most popular party
3525-535: The footwear industry. Symbols The coat of arms of the City of Varese dates back to around 1347. On the wooden cover of the double copy of the Burgi et Castellatiae de Varisio Statutes, preserved in the municipal archive, the oldest example of a civic coat of arms is depicted: "silver Samnite shield. with two corners of red, right and left on the head; all around closed by a black band". The effigy of San Vittore has no crown. It
3600-415: The forested land, 60.1% of the total land area is heavily forested and 1.9% is covered with orchards or small clusters of trees. Of the agricultural land, 6.6% is used for growing crops, while 2.5% is used for orchards or vine crops and 13.0% is used for alpine pastures. All the water in the municipality is flowing water. Bellinzona has a permanent population (as of December 2020) of 43,360. In 2008, 29.4% of
3675-455: The four-year advanced program. The upper secondary school includes several options, but at the end of the upper secondary program, a student will be prepared to enter a trade or to continue on to a university or college. In Ticino, vocational students may either attend school while working on their internship or apprenticeship (which takes three or four years) or may attend school followed by an internship or apprenticeship (which takes one year as
3750-603: The gift of the Castelgrande on the Bishop of Como. The town is mentioned in medieval sources in 1218 as Bilizione . During the Investiture Controversy of the late 11th century the town of Bellinzona with its castle came under the control of the Hohenstaufens of Swabia . However, in 1180, Frederick I (Barbarossa) placed the town under the jurisdiction of the town of Como . In the following years Como tended to support
3825-547: The jurisdiction of Como in 1249. Conflicts in northern Italy continued, the Castelgrande was besieged several times in 1284, 1292 and 1303. During this time the Rusca family in Como, a Ghibelline or pro-Imperial family, fought the growing power of Milan under the pro-papacy House of Visconti with limited success. Around the end of the 13th century the Rusca family built another castle, Montebello , in Bellinzona, which they controlled. This
SECTION 50
#17328511475403900-529: The medieval period, the name is found as Berinzona (721, 762, 803, 1002), Birrinzona (1004), Birizona (1168), Beliciona (901, 977) and Belinzona (1055). The German name of the town is Bellenz ; the Romansch is Blizuna , and in traditional French as Bellence . A local folk etymology derives the name Bellinzona from zona bellica "war zone", making a connection to the Italian Wars . The blazon of
3975-403: The municipal coat of arms is an erect serpent in silver on a red field. The fabulous animal is called in Italian " Biscione ". This animal, which can also be found on the arms of the Alfa Romeo car company , is linked with the Visconti of Milan , who were feudal lords of Bellinzona in the 14th and 15th centuries. Bellinzona has always occupied an important geographic location in the Alps. To
4050-474: The municipality for every one leaving. About 45.3% of the workforce coming into Bellinzona are coming from outside Switzerland, while 0.1% of the locals commute out of Switzerland for work. Of the working population, 8.8% used public transportation to get to work, and 50.6% used a private car. As of 2009, there were 9 hotels in Bellinzona with a total of 145 rooms and 283 beds. From the 2000 census, 12,185 or 74.0% were Roman Catholic, while 651 or 4.0% belonged to
4125-444: The municipality that were multipurpose buildings (used for both housing and commercial or another purpose). The vacancy rate for the municipality, in 2008, was 1.45%. Of the apartments, a total of 7,255 apartments (85.8% of the total) were permanently occupied, while 932 apartments (11.0%) were seasonally occupied and 268 apartments (3.2%) were empty. In 2000 there were 8,455 apartments in the municipality. The most common apartment size
4200-578: The municipality. Bellinzona is home to 2 libraries. These libraries include; the Biblioteca Cantonale Bellinzona and the Biblioteca comunale . There was a combined total (as of 2008) of 138,818 books or other media in the libraries, and in the same year a total of 43,919 items were loaned out. List of towns in Switzerland Below is a list of towns and cities in Switzerland . Until 2014 municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants were considered to be towns ( German : Stadt/Städte , French : ville(s) , Italian : città ). Since 2014,
4275-443: The park are established six nature reserves enclosing environments most important and characteristic. The economy of Varese is mainly based on industry and, to a lesser extent, specialized agriculture; some famous Varese-based firms are: and many more as it is one of the most industrialised areas in Northern Italy. Varese is close to Malpensa International Airport , which serves the international traffic of Milan, Italy . Varese
4350-457: The peace and stability that followed. The peace was broken again in 1478 when the Swiss once again attacked Bellinzona unsuccessfully. However Swiss pride was restored by the Battle of Giornico which followed, where a force of 600 Swiss soldiers defeated 10,000 Milanese troops. Following the attack, Milan built the Sasso Corbaro either on the site of a tower which had been built nearly a century before. The other two castles were strengthened and
4425-437: The population of Swiss citizens remained the same while the foreign population increased by 30. There were 7 Swiss men who emigrated from Switzerland to another country, 3 Swiss women who emigrated from Switzerland to another country, 67 non-Swiss men who emigrated from Switzerland to another country and 70 non-Swiss women who emigrated from Switzerland to another country. The total Swiss population change in 2008 (from all sources)
4500-501: The population were foreign nationals. Between 1997 and 2007 the population has changed at a rate of 0.7%. Most of the population (as of 2000) speaks Italian (87.4%), with German being second most common (3.6%) and Serbo-Croatian being third (2.5%). Of the Swiss national languages (as of 2000), 14,392 people speak Italian, 590 speak German, 189 people speak French , and 13 people speak Romansh . The remainder (1,279 people) speak another language. The metropolitan area of Bellinzona had
4575-453: The river Ticino , at the foot of the Alps . It stretches along the river valley, surrounded by the southern ranges of the Lepontine Alps to the east and west, and by the Lugano Prealps to the south. The toponym is first attested in 590 in Latin as Belitio or Bilitio (in the accusative, Bilitionem ), by Gregory of Tours . The name is Lepontic in origin, possibly from belitio (" juniper ") or belitione ("juniper bushes"). During
SECTION 60
#17328511475404650-425: The sixties through a partial filling of the coast of Lake Varese . It is a large botanical garden located on the banks of Lake Varese, rich in numerous species of trees and birdlife that is partially sheltered in the reeds along the banks. Bathing beach in the summer, the park also offers the possibility of peaceful walks and cycling on the bike path. Close to the city of Varese is the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park ,
4725-399: The south, the Po Valley is accessible by a lowland route down the valley of the river Ticino and by Lake Maggiore . To the north, the valley of the Ticino leads to the high alpine passes of Nufenen , St. Gotthard , Lukmanier and San Bernardino . Although now little used, the San Jorio Pass to the east was also important in Bellinzona's past. While the region has been occupied since
4800-480: The three varesinian valleys: the Valganna , Valcuvia [ it ] and Valceresio [ it ] . Varese has been home to numerous cyclists, including: Varese is known for the basketball team Pallacanestro Varese which played 10 FIBA European Champions Cup finals in a row between 1970 and 1979, winning five titles. Two UCI Road World Championships were held in Varese, in 1951 and 2008 . Other sports teams based in Varese include: Varese
4875-403: The town was controlled by Milan through the Visconti after 1340, the Visconti did not have a formal title and feudal rights until 1396 when they were granted by King Wenceslaus . However, the orderly growth of Bellinzona was threatened in 1402 when Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti died. In 1403 Bellinzona came under the control of Alberto di Sacco of Val Mesolcina , who held it until 1419 before it
4950-413: The town. Under the control of the Visconti, trade flourished and Bellinzona grew. When an alternative route over the Alps, the Schöllenen bridge opened, traffic in the St. Gotthard increased to the highest levels ever. During the second half of the 14th century a long wall, the Murata , was built across the Tessin valley, allowing Milan to protect and tax the trade route over the St. Gotthard Pass. While
5025-407: The village of Artore and, since the incorporation in 1907, the former municipalities of Carasso, Daro, and Ravecchia. In 1874, the first sections of the Gotthard railway opened, linking Bellinzona to Biasca and Locarno . By 1882, the whole line was open, extending northwards to northern Switzerland via the Gotthard Tunnel , southwards to Lugano and Milan via the Monte Ceneri Pass , and down
5100-444: Was a key part of this expansion. The town was taken from Milan and given as a gift to the Bishop of Como , who supported the Ottonian dynasty . In 1002, following the death of Otto III, Marquis Arduino of Ivrea declared himself King of Italy and ratified the bishop's ownership of the Castelgrande and the town. Two years later, after Arduino had been defeated by Henry II the King of Germany , Henry II's man Enrico II reratified
5175-588: Was an increase of 377 and the non-Swiss population change was a decrease of 202 people. This represents a population growth rate of 1.0%. The age distribution, as of 2009, in Bellinzona is; 1,530 children or 8.8% of the population are between 0 and 9 years old and 1,623 teenagers or 9.4% are between 10 and 19. Of the adult population, 2,091 people or 12.1% of the population are between 20 and 29 years old. 2,526 people or 14.6% are between 30 and 39, 2,721 people or 15.7% are between 40 and 49, and 2,260 people or 13.0% are between 50 and 59. The senior population distribution
5250-400: Was fortunate because by 1335 the Rusca family had been driven out of Como and had to retreat to Bellinzona. Five years later, in 1340, Milan besieged Bellinzona. Following a lengthy siege, the town fell to Milan but the Ruscas were allowed to keep Montebello . Pro-papacy Milan would dominate Bellinzona for the next one and a half centuries, though the pro-Imperial Rusca would also occupy part of
5325-415: Was here where Alessandro Marchetti 's Savoia-Marchetti SM.93 made his first test flights. In the 20th century, thanks to the increase in population and to the improvement of its economy, the dimensions of this urban centre rose. During the 20th century, its economy flourished quickly, mainly in manufacturing, in the mechanical and electromechanical industry and textile industry . Varese was well known for
5400-605: Was recognized as a key point in the defenses and a large castle was built to protect the walls. The town that grew up around the fortifications was known as Bilitio . Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire the successor states , which included the Ostrogoths around 500 AD, the eastern Byzantine Empire towards the middle of the 6th century, and the Longobards from 568/70, all took control of Bellinzona and used
5475-605: Was taken over by Uri and Obwalden , which expanded into the Leventina Valley . Milan attacked the town three years later in 1422 after an offer to buy the town was rejected by the Swiss Confederation . The troops from Uri and Obwalden were quickly driven from the town and later defeated at the Battle of Arbedo on 30 June 1422. This defeat discouraged the expansionist intentions of Uri and its allies towards Lake Maggiore for
5550-419: Was the 3-room apartment of which there were 2,746. There were 474 single room apartments and 1,253 apartments with five or more rooms. As of 2007, the construction rate of new housing units was 6.2 new units per 1000 residents. As of 2003 the average price to rent an average apartment in Bellinzona was 956.03 Swiss francs (CHF) per month (US$ 760, £430, €610 approx. exchange rate from 2003). The average rate for
5625-617: Was the PS which received 1,472 or 23.% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were; the PLRT (with 1,453 or 22.7%), the SSI (with 1,103 or 17.2%) and the LEGA (with 1,074 or 16.8%). The local industry is mainly based on mechanical engineering. The Società Bancaria Ticinese is based in Bellinzona. The most important employer is Swiss Federal Railways . As of 2007, Bellinzona had an unemployment rate of 5.16%. As of 2005, there were 33 people employed in
#539460