Stage 16
Bellinzona > Carì
Bellinzona
This stage - entirely held on Swiss territory - is fairly short, but the uphill finish will force the favorites into the open. The excitement of the race, however, will not distract spectators from immersing themselve in the magnificent atmosphere of Bellinzona. The skyline is dominated by one of the most important fortified systems in the Alpine arc: the Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. These three medieval castles, linked by defensive walls, tell the strategic story of the city while offering spectacular views over the Ticino valley. And there is even more to discover.
In the historic center stands the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Stephen, an example of Renaissance architecture with a stone façade and richly decorated interiors, while among Bellinzona’s cultural landmarks Villa dei Cedri stands out, an art museum housed in a 19th-century residence surrounded by a historic park.
The quiet Blenio Valley enchants visitors with its ancient and well-preserved villages such as Lottigna and L’Aquila, and with its Romanesque churches, among which those of Negrentino and Ponto Valentino are especially noteworthy. The second half of the stage climbs through the Leventina Valley, which in the Middle Ages was one of the principal transit routes for anyone crossing the Alps via the Gotthard Pass.
Among the many villages encountered along the route, Giornico deserves at least one stop. Characterized by stone houses, cobbled streets, and two impressive arched bridges over the Ticino River, it preserves an authentic alpine atmosphere. Inside Casa Stanga, recognizable by the façade decorated with more than fifty coats of arms painted in the 16th century by noble travelers who stopped in the village, is the Leventina Museum, home to valuable and fascinating treasures from the valley. From a monumental perspective, the Romanesque Church of San Nicolao stands out for its remarkably well-preserved medieval frescoes.
Carì
At Faido the road begins to climb sharply, with the finish line in Carì located 12 kilometers further uphill at an altitude of 1,664 meters. This mountain environment offers countless opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. Among the most immersive experiences is the Carì Experience trail, an educational path through the forest featuring informative and sensory stations that encourage a deeper connection with nature. Nearby are the powerful Piumogna Waterfall and the Piottino Gorges, a striking natural passage carved by the Ticino River along the ancient Gotthard route. Getting bored while waiting for the riders is simply impossible.
