swiss label - Com Consulting SA

Bellinzona, capital of the Canton of Ticino for over a century,
was viewed from the South as the “key to the Alps”, and by
those descending from the St Gotthard, Lucomagno or San
Bernardino passes as the “gateway to Italy”. Even today
Bellinzona presents itself to visitors as rich in the historical
and geographical heritage bequeathed by the Middle Ages.
Its alleyways and squares, courtyards and old houses
whisper to the passerby, not to mention its three marvellous
UNESCO world heritage site castles. They speak the
language of the present and look down with confidence and
dynamism upon the future of modern creations, social life
and cultural activities. Past, present and future that shape a
modern city, but always on a human scale.
The centre and heart of Italian-speaking Switzerland,
Bellinzona dominates the valley of the Ticino river. Its origins
are lost in the mists of time, as witnessed by the hundreds of
tombs discovered in the vicinity. Dependent on kings and emperors,
on the bishop and city of Como, on the Visconti and Sforza, Dukes
of Milan, in 1500 it passed under the control of the Swiss, who ruled
it up until 1803 and the formation of the Canton of Ticino. Protected
by three medieval castles – Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello,
Castello di Sasso Corbaro – and even today partially surrounded by a
solid wall, Bellinzona still displays, especially in its historic centre, the
characteristic style of the medieval villages of Lombardy.
“Bellinzona, with its momentous history, deep-rooted image as a seat
of public government, characterised by a stable socio-cultural life,
monuments that have always defined Bellinzona, a methodology and
constant care and attention lavished upon its important heritage
(castles, churches, historic centre, social theatre), the development of
service structures, the resurgence of cultural and creative activity of
undisputed quality have all made the capital – which is also a candidate
for university city with a scientific vocation – the subject of increasing
interest, an interest that must be encouraged and stimulated. The
agreement of the population is undoubted and – as mayor Brenno
Martignoni explains – the communal government is driving this
positive process.”
It is doing and has done so in short but decisive strides, launching its
policy – both social and economic – within an aggregative perspective
that benefits the entire region. However, this will only be possible as
long as the cities do not try and compete with one another but instead
recognise each other’s special qualities, and give all their support to
reinforcing those individual characteristics that could lead to the birth
of a “Ticino City”. A necessary strategy given that there are issues that
cannot be resolved by the region’s communes individually; to name
but a few, transport and mobility, regional planning, regional policy at
national level, culture, sport and leisure activities, economy, care of
the elderly, tourism. Meanwhile, it is worth recalling some of the
Swiss Label Ticino 2010
Bellinzona
A modern capital on a human scale
achievements and objectives already attained by the capital: The
federal criminal court, the consolidation of the regional hospital, the
world famous research centre (IRB), the cantonal laboratories, the
improvement of the historic centre, the development of national
monuments (Collegiata, Santa Maria delle Grazie), the sports centre
with its supra-communal size and importance, the extremely valuable
municipalised companies, the restoration and promotion of the Social
Theatre, the Villa dei Cedri cultural initiative, the presence of higher
education establishments.
A city on a human scale yet dynamic also in terms of tourism and
events, with the carnival and numerous musical, cinematographic
(like the “Castellinaria” Festival”), theatrical and sporting events that
represent moments of encounter and spontaneous gaiety involving its
eighteen thousand inhabitants. A peaceful and safe village, but also
one filled with the determination to improve and develop the industrial
sector and protect jobs.
Cancelleria comunale di Bellinzona
Piazza Nosetto - CH-6500 Bellinzona
Tel.: +41 (0)91 821 85 11 - Fax: +41 (0)91 821 85 45
Orari sportello: 9.30/11.30 e 14.00/16.00
E-mail: cancelleria@bellinzona.ch
Website: www.bellinzona.ch
© DR
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